Senior Spotlight: Aurora Drake

Senior Spotlight: Aurora Drake

2 Years Dancing at Sharon’s Studio of Dance & Music, $60 Scholarship

Delaware Valley University, Zoo Science

My experience at Sharon’s Dance has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school journey, even though it did not begin until recently. I started dancing when I was just three years old, and for years it was a huge part of my life. Dance was where I felt confident, expressive, and completely myself. However, after getting more involved in sports, and the demands of high school, continuing dance no longer felt realistic once I started freshman year. Between practices, schoolwork, and adjusting to a new environment, I slowly let something I loved slip away.

By my junior year, I began to realize just how much I missed dancing. At the same time, I was feeling overwhelmed with the pressures that come with being a high school student such as thinking about college applications, keeping my grades up, and trying to balance everything. I felt constantly stressed, and it seemed like I had lost an important outlet that once helped me manage those feelings. That’s when I decided I needed to return to dance but I also knew that commuting back to my old studio would only add more stress to my already busy schedule.

Thankfully, my mom found Sharon’s Dance, which was only about fifteen minutes from home. I decided to give it a try and attended a tap and jazz class one Tuesday evening. I remember feeling nervous walking in, unsure of what to expect after being away from dance for so long. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and encouraging. The environment felt positive and supportive, and I immediately knew I wanted to come back.

Returning to dance during my junior and senior years taught me an important lesson. You are never too busy to make time for something you love. In fact, making that time can make everything else feel more manageable. Dance became an outlet for me again, helping me relieve stress and reconnect with a part of myself that I had been missing.

As I prepare to go to college next year, I am incredibly grateful for the role Sharon’s Dance has played in my life. The people there welcomed me without hesitation and supported me as I returned to something that means so much to me. This experience reminded me that taking care of yourself is just as important as achieving your goals.