Rissa-Unique Stone is a twelve-year-old dancer from Portland, Oregon. She dances at Mt. Hood Dance Academy.
“I hope to inspire other dancers to push themselves to reach goals they didn’t think they could reach. I want to tell other dancers to never give up…”
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance is my passion. I have learned so much from dance. With the help of my teachers, I have learned to push myself to levels I never thought I could reach. With that comes responsibility and hard work. I enjoy reaching goals that I set for myself. I also love going to competitions where I get to compete with so many amazing dancers from other studios that I am lucky enough to call my friends. Dance has given me great self-esteem and lifelong friendships with my dance family and extended dance family.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive influence on your community?
I was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2019. I was scared that it would affect my dancing, but it only made me work harder to achieve my goals. I want to be a positive influence and role model to other dancers and show that you can do anything if you set your mind to it and work hard. I hope to inspire other dancers to push themselves to reach goals they didn’t think they could reach. I want to tell other dancers to never give up because you CAN do it!