Rilynn Drake is a 14-year-old dancer from Texas. She dances at Synergy Dance Academy.
“I love being a role model for the younger dancer, someone they look up to. Before the younger dancers go on stage, I love to huddle and give lots of positive encouragement.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I have been since I was 2, starting competing at the age of 5. I love to train and work hard on technique. I have also been competing as soloist. I can express myself through dance. This year, I won two national titles, and one each before. My goal is to improve and work harder each year.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
I love being a role model for the younger dancers, someone they look up to. Before the younger dancers go on stage, I love to huddle and give lots of positive encouragement, even dancers from other studios. I was at NDA this year, and I saw a dancer from another studio crying on her mom’s shoulder, I stopped and gave her a hug, and asked if she was okay. She was feeling down because her team was blaming her for the mistakes. I reminded her we all make mistakes, we take from it, and move forward and work harder. Told her she was an amazing person and dancer and don’t let anyone take that away. We saw them in Florida again, and the girl’s mom approached my mom. She said, “I recognized you from NDA in Dallas. I just wanted to let you know, that you have raised an amazing daughter, after she hugged my daughter and talked to her, she had the best experience. Only if you knew how much that meant and helped her. And we thank you and her.” My mom told me, “This is what it is all about, and I am so proud of you. It’s not always about winning, it’s about making friends and encouraging everyone to just be the best they can be.”
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
One of my most favorite [things] is going to retirement homes and performing for the elderly.
