Riley Burkholder is a 14-year-old dancer from Michigan. She dances at The Studio Inc.
“When I perform in front of people, I get the most happy. You will never see me frown in dance. It has helped me through lots of anxiety and stress from the real world.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I have struggled with lots of body image. My whole dance life I have struggled with body image, saying to myself “You’re not skinny enough,” or “You should not eat as much.” Things like that. Over the past year, I have finally came to acceptance to my body. Now saying “I am perfect,” or “You deserve this.” I have grown so much in the past 3 years, and I dedicated myself into dancing. Dancing is the thing I love most in this world and will forever be.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
I go to dance every day with a big smile on my face! When I perform in front of people I get the most happy. You will never see me frown in dance. It has helped me through lots of anxiety and stress from the real world. Dance is my escape from the real world.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
To help people with anxiety depression and body image. I want girls and boys to see me as a role model. I want to help others feel great about themselves. I want the dance community to express their feelings through dance. I want to travel to many places and do so many stuff to help and teach people!
