Senior Spotlight - Tanvi Radhakrishnan

Senior Spotlight: Tanvi Radhakrishnan

15 Years Dancing at Sharon's Studio of Dance & Music

$450 Scholarship

Rutgers University, Elementary Education

I was three years old when I started dancing at Sharon’s Studio of Dance and Music and ever since then I have considered it to be my second home. Dance class became what I looked the most forward to every week, and in elementary school, I made sure everyone knew what days I was at dance. Dance has allowed me to grow in multiple ways as it was where I learned to be more confident, resilient, adaptable and most importantly how to work in a team. Additionally, not only have I grown as a dancer, but this year, I was also given the opportunity to step into the role of being a dance teacher which has pushed me to develop a deeper understanding of technique as well as reaffirmed my passion for dancing. I began dancing just once a week, focusing on just ballet and tap. However, over the years I added on jazz and pointe. Additionally, I was also part of the Performing Group for two years which not only challenged me to try something new, but to also work on the performance and entertainment aspect of dancing. In eighth grade, I began student teaching at the studio where I began learning how to lead a dance class and teach students more than just new skills, but also confidence. 

I am so lucky to be able to say that I have a place where I have felt so supported and have had the ability to grow. First, I would like to thank Miss Sharon and Tammy for always encouraging me to keep dancing and for trusting in me with my own classes. Next, I would like to thank Miss Vicky, Amanda and Noel for being such a big part of my dance journey when I was younger. I would also like to give Miss Janine a huge thank you for keeping me dancing. I truly don’t think I would still be dancing if it weren’t for you. I would also like to thank Miss Susan, Miss Nicole and Miss Erica for allowing me to student teach for them and for teaching me everything I know about running a dance class. My final and biggest thank you is to all of the students I have had the pleasure of teaching. You have all taught me to love dance in a new way and I am so lucky to have been able to watch you all grow over the years and I hope you continue to keep dancing. 

Next year, I will be continuing my education at Rutgers University where I will be studying elementary education with hopes of being a kindergarten or first grade teacher. I plan on returning back to Sharon’s to continue teaching in the future, but until then I will be forever grateful for all that I have learned here.