I believe that education, especially through the arts, has the power to transform lives, and my goal as an educator is to make a positive impact by sharing the gift of dance with those who might not otherwise have access to it. Having experienced firsthand the profound impact that dance can have on self-discovery, confidence, and personal growth, I am deeply passionate about using my skills and knowledge to uplift and inspire others, particularly in underserved communities. Growing up, I realized that opportunities in the arts were often limited for those who couldn’t afford them. This awareness has fueled my desire to break down barriers and create accessible, inclusive spaces where young people can explore their potential through dance. I plan to establish programs and workshops that offer free dance and other education, providing a safe and supportive environment where people can express themselves, build their confidence, and discover their own talents. Through these initiatives, I aim to not only teach the technical aspects of dance but also instill important life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. I want my audience to see that dance is more than just an art form—it’s a tool for personal growth and empowerment. By sharing my journey and experiences, I hope to inspire them to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face. Furthermore, I believe that education is a two-way street. While I will be teaching my students, I also hope to learn from them, understanding their unique perspectives and experiences. This mutual exchange of knowledge and creativity will enrich both my teaching and their learning, fostering a community of growth and mutual respect. In the long term, I envision creating a network of dance educators and artists dedicated to bringing the arts to underserved areas. By collaborating with schools, community centers, and other organizations, I hope to expand access to quality dance education and ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts due to financial constraints, because I am currently under financial situations. Ultimately, my goal is to use dance as a means of giving back to the community, creating lasting change by nurturing the next generation of dancers, artists, and leaders. Through my work as an educator, I hope to inspire others to not only find their own voices but also to recognize their potential to make a positive impact on the world.

Hi My name is D’Nariyae and I’m currently into preforming arts that’s involves Dance. I’m currently earring my bachelor’s degree in Dance in 2028 . I’ve been studying and doing dance rigorously for 4 years+ now at multiple dance establishments across Chicago where I’m from, and those places include Ballet Chicago, Gus Giordano Dance School, and the Chicago High School for the Arts. Now I’m at George Mason University with a dance major, with hopes to dance in many other places. It is my dream to be able to turn this passion into a career that I can enjoy for the rest of my life. It is my dream to become a member of a professional dance company that celebrates diversity and explores a wide range of dance styles in a creative environment. I look forward to the opportunity to tour the world with such a company, and to be able to have the opportunity to share the beauty of dance with audiences all over the world, fostering connections that transcend language and culture. In that company, I aspire to rise to the position of principal dancer and use the platform I have been given to inspire others and show that hard work and passion can result in success for anyone. It is important to note that inspiration isn't just about what I achieve for myself, but it's also about what I can do for others. I hope to be able to share the knowledge and experiences I've gained with others, particularly young dancers from underserved communities, so that they can benefit from my experience. As a dancer, I want to be able to teach and mentor those who are facing challenges but have a passion for dance that cannot be denied. The lessons I've learned over the years will be passed on to others so that they may discover their own voices through movement as a result of what I've learned. Ultimately, I believe that dance has the power to change lives, just as it has changed mine. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and artistic expression, and I am excited to see where it will take me. My hope is to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem, and to use my own story as proof that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle. Ultimately, I believe that dance has the power to change lives, just as it has changed mine. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and artistic expression, and I am excited to see where it will take me. My hope is to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem, and to use my own story as proof that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle.

Dance is my favorite art form that has been an incredible force in my life, shaping not only my identity as an artist but also my sense of self. It has allowed me to discover who I am, both on and off the stage, through rigorous training and countless hours of dedication. Despite having only four years of experience, I’ve grown immensely by immersing myself in the discipline and artistry of dance. I’ve had to push myself to keep up with others who have danced for much longer, but that challenge has only deepened my passion and drive. Dancing in spaces where no one looked like me—spaces where I was often the only one with my skin tone—presented unique challenges. Yet, those moments have become sources of strength, teaching me resilience and pride in my individuality. They’ve shown me that I have the power not only to belong but to thrive in an industry that needs more diversity and representation. The effort, time, and relentless practice I’ve put into my craft have taught me discipline, perseverance, and the ability to trust my journey, even when it feels uncertain. Dance, for me, is more than just movement or performance. It’s a living, breathing art form that gives me the freedom to express my emotions, ideas, and creativity in ways that words never could. There is something profoundly therapeutic about being able to let go and communicate through movement—it feels like poetry in motion. Dance has a transformative power that extends beyond myself; it inspires those around me, connecting people in ways that are both universal and deeply personal. My dream is to turn this passion into a lifelong career. I envision myself as part of a professional dance company that celebrates diversity and explores a wide array of dance styles. Touring the world with such a company would allow me to share the beauty of dance with audiences everywhere, fostering connections that transcend language and culture. Within that company, I aspire to rise to the role of principal dancer, using my platform to inspire others and show that hard work and passion can lead to success. Inspiration, however, is not just about what I achieve for myself—it’s about what I can give back. I hope to share the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained with others, particularly young dancers from underserved communities. I want to teach and mentor those who, like me, may face challenges but have an undeniable passion for dance. By passing on the lessons I’ve learned, I hope to create opportunities for others to discover their own voices through movement. Ultimately, I believe that dance has the power to change lives, just as it has changed mine. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and artistic expression, and I am excited to see where it will take me. My hope is to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem, and to use my own story as proof that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle.

Dance has been an incredible force in my life, shaping not only my identity as an artist but also my sense of self. It has allowed me to discover who I am, both on and off the stage, through rigorous training and countless hours of dedication. Despite having only four years of experience, I’ve grown immensely by immersing myself in the discipline and artistry of dance. I’ve had to push myself to keep up with others who have danced for much longer, but that challenge has only deepened my passion and drive. Dancing in spaces where no one looked like me—spaces where I was often the only one with my skin tone—presented unique challenges. Yet, those moments have become sources of strength, teaching me resilience and pride in my individuality. They’ve shown me that I have the power not only to belong but to thrive in an industry that needs more diversity and representation. The effort, time, and relentless practice I’ve put into my craft have taught me discipline, perseverance, and the ability to trust my journey, even when it feels uncertain. Dance, for me, is more than just movement or performance. It’s a living, breathing art form that gives me the freedom to express my emotions, ideas, and creativity in ways that words never could. There is something profoundly therapeutic about being able to let go and communicate through movement—it feels like poetry in motion. Dance has a transformative power that extends beyond myself; it inspires those around me, connecting people in ways that are both universal and deeply personal. My dream is to turn this passion into a lifelong career. I envision myself as part of a professional dance company that celebrates diversity and explores a wide array of dance styles. Touring the world with such a company would allow me to share the beauty of dance with audiences everywhere, fostering connections that transcend language and culture. Within that company, I aspire to rise to the role of principal dancer, using my platform to inspire others and show that hard work and passion can lead to success. Inspiration, however, is not just about what I achieve for myself—it’s about what I can give back. I hope to share the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained with others, particularly young dancers from underserved communities. I want to teach and mentor those who, like me, may face challenges but have an undeniable passion for dance. By passing on the lessons I’ve learned, I hope to create opportunities for others to discover their own voices through movement. Ultimately, I believe that dance has the power to change lives, just as it has changed mine. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and artistic expression, and I am excited to see where it will take me. My hope is to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem, and to use my own story as proof that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle.