Naomi Haines is a 12-year-old dancer from Ohio. She dances at Jaz Dance and More.
“Dance has helped give me so much courage to perform, making friends, and learning the meaning of hard work.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I started dancing when I was 2 years old in a ballet class. I have been dancing for 10 years, and the last four years have been in competition dance. I joined the competition team in the fall of 2020. It was very hard to dance with masks, but I loved dancing so much. It helped me overcome how hard it was to always social distance and to feel like I was a part of my team. My favorite styles of dance are lyrical and contemporary. I also really like tap and jazz. I love doing conventions with my friends. I like how conventions give opportunities and to learn from different teachers and choreographers.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance has had such a positive impact on my life by learning with my friends who have become family to me. Throughout the years, dance has connected me to my teammates and teachers on a bigger level. I am not the best dancer on my team, but I have been working very hard to get better and my teammates are always so supportive of me and my dance journey. I always try my best. Dance has helped give me so much courage to perform, making friends, and learning the meaning of hard work. I am very grateful for my teachers, Andrea and Joyce, who have believed in me and watched me grow through the years as a dancer and person since I started at JAZ Dance and More. I am also grateful for my mom who has supported me every step of the way and is my biggest cheerleader.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I love doing community performances with my team. It is always fun to see the smiles on people’s faces when we dance. I love encouraging young dancers in positive ways. I would love to inspire younger dancers to work hard towards their dance dreams.