Saliha Wootton is an 11-year-old dancer from Georgia. She dances at Powerhouse Dance Center.
“I love escaping reality sometimes and just go into a world of dance where i can be anyone on stage. It teaches me to never give up and that there will be so many challenges in life.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I started dance classes when I was 2 years old. My mom said I would dance every time I heard music, whether I was in the comfort of my home or in public places.
I started competition dance at 5 years old, and I loved it. I participated in many conventions and competitions earning scholarships to dance and learn from many teachers and taking different styles of dance. I love jazz and contemporary and had the opportunity to take classes that focused on Horton technique. I like learning about different styles of dance and taking classes not traditional taught in my home studio, such as ballroom, which taught me a lot about partnership in dance.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance has helped me face challenges in my life. Dance has taught not just to work independently but also to work as part of a group and focus shared group goal.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
Last season I had to give a speech at a competition. I shared that I believe that anyone can dance, and if anyone says they can’t dance it was because they didn’t feel confident. I believe that dance builds confidence, it allows others to express their feelings and emotions. My mom is a therapist and she tells me dance is a great coping skill. I want others to feel the confidence and the freedom to share their feelings through the art of dance, and know that when they can’t find the words to express themselves they can do it through the language of dance.
