Zenya Ramanathan is a 13-year-old dancer from Michigan. She dances at Synergy Dance Academy.
“my studio dances at many events in our community. At the events, I hope we demonstrate to the public our love of dance and how it is a beautiful art form that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
At the age of 5, while living in China, I began taking Russian ballet. The teacher mainly taught in Chinese, a language I didn’t know, so I really had to concentrate and watch her every move in order to replicate her movements. After we moved back from China, I continued with my Russian ballet training.
While attending a local festival, I saw a dance performance on stage and asked my mom if I could try taking some classes. That summer I tried taking some other dance classes, at the studio I now attend, and I was hooked. That fall I began taking recreational classes. A year later, I joined our competitive dance team. Now I take classes in pointe and Cecchetti and compete in musical theater, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, ballet, and contemporary.
Some major highlights of my dance experience include:*2021 Showstopper All-Star*1st Runner Up Miss Junior Great Lakes Region Dance Masters of America 2022*2022 WCDE Elite Dancer*2022 Jump Scholarship Winner
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
I love learning new things and meeting new people. Dancing allows me to meet new people at conventions and competitions, and I always make a new friend each time I go. It is great to see them at other conventions and competitions and cheer them on. Also, I have been lucky to work with new choreographers, and each time it makes me an even better dancer.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I feel I am already using dance to make a positive impact on my community. Each week, I assist the next generation of dancers at my studio. I want to be a positive role model for the young dancers.
Also, my studio dances at many events in our community. At the events I hope we demonstrate to the public our love of dance and how it is a beautiful art form that can be enjoyed by everyone.