Lillyann Collard is an 18-year-old dancer from Washington. She dances at Kinetic Dance Academy.
“I truly believe that dance can be for anyone of any age. whether its a hobby or a career, theres always a place for everyone in dance.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
Starting dance when you’re 15, you get told by the internet, other dancers, and society that you’re to old to make dance a career. I never believed that. During my sophomore year, I tried out for my high school dance team. Out of 15 girls, I was the only one who didn’t make it. Even though I was being told by everyone that the most dance would ever be for me is a hobby, I always had and even now know that I want so much from it. I wanted to be a dancer, and now I am. I’ve won multiple scholarships giving me everything from free tuition for a season, to private auditions with talent agencies. I’ve had experience in competition and performing routines, and am a dance teacher for a variety of ages and levels.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Coming from a very busy household, my parents have had constant health issues, my sister has grown up on the spectrum, and my brother having severe ADHD, I never really found my home away from home. A place I can go when I’m feeling overwhelmed, or stressed. I am the one my family can always rely on when they need something and sometimes I would lose sight of what I wanted with my life because of it. Finding dance gave me that home, it helps me to focus on myself while also knowing I can be more helpful to others when I have that home.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I am a big believer in the belief that you are never too old to start dancing, as a dance teacher my primary age range is for kids 14+. My classes have students all the way up to 80 years old. I truly believe that dance can be for anyone of any age. Whether it’s a hobby or a career, there’s always a place for everyone in dance.
