Senior Spotlight - Isabella Savastano

Senior Spotlight: Isabella Savastano

15 Years Dancing at Sharon's

$450 Scholarship

University of Maryland, Finance

I would be lying if I said I could recall how I felt on my first day of dance back in 2010, because dance has been a part of my life since as long as I can remember. At my first dance recital, I was the girl standing at the edge of the stage waving to my parents and running around trying to catch the feathers flying off my costume. Somewhere along the way, preschool tap classes became strength and conditioning classes to prepare for competition weekends, and those 45 minutes a week turned into 13 hours. Now, the studio has become a place I can truly call home.

I’ve always struggled with my self-confidence, and this became especially apparent after I joined the competition team when I was 8 years old. However, through student teaching starting my freshman year and getting to compete a solo I choreographed myself this year, I have learned a lot about myself both as a person and as a dancer. I owe so much of that to Miss Vicky, who has been by my side from my very first class at Sharon’s to my last. I never thought that my time at Sharon’s would end with me student teaching for Miss Vicky in the very same preschool class that started my dance career. The countless talks we’ve had about confidence and living in the moment have built my self-esteem and transformed my dancing. 

There isn’t enough room to express every single thing I’m going to miss about Sharon’s. From 16 hour dance competitions to making up combos in technique classes, the memories I’ve made during my time here are ones I will carry with me through the next chapter of my life. The leadership, perseverance, and discipline I’ve learned through dancing and student teaching are some of the core life skills that have shaped who I am today. I’ve made my closest friendships through dance, met people that understand me more than anyone else in the world. I’ve had the opportunity to dance with my sister, which is something that I am so grateful for. Dancing has provided a physical, emotional, and creative outlet for me, but graduating doesn’t really mean I’m leaving dance behind, and I hope to continue dancing through college. The hardest thing about saying goodbye to Sharon’s is leaving my family of teachers and best friends that have watched me grow up, seen me at my best and my worst, and supported me through it all. 

Thank you to Miss Vicky, Miss Amanda, and Miss Kari for always believing in me, pushing me, and shaping me into the dancer I am today. I would also like to thank all of the teachers I’ve had in the past.

Thank you to Miss Susan, Miss Tammy, and especially Miss Sharon for sharing your passion and giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a welcoming dance community. I am so grateful for everything Sharon’s has given me, and this part of my life will always hold a special place in my heart.