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APA Dance Scholarship Recipients Erika Martinez, Maria Plascencia, Tamera Irish, and Angela Marx ready to perform Bollywood. |
It has only been a few months since the scholarship auditions took place at the Academy of Performing Arts Studios in San Diego and this dance experience has already made a big difference in my life. From ballet to Bollywood, I have been exposed to more dance styles in four months than I have ever been in my life. This opportunity has made a big difference in my life, and it has given me a new perspective about what dance is really about.
I won’t deny it, coming in as a high school student into an adult setting filled with talented dancers was quite intimidating, but these are the type of situations that allow me to grow as a dancer. I knew I was going to be surrounded by talented people, and that’s definitely one of my favorite things about APA, the passion and talent these people share for dance. I know I don’t have the extensions or turn out some dancers in my classes have, but I know that having them as examples only pushes me further. It definitely makes my day when I see people from all over the age spectrum and backgrounds come together to do what they love and try to perfect it as much as possible.
Dancing isn’t easy. Trust me, it is not easy. There will be times when I feel like giving up because I think I’ll never be good enough, and these are the times I need some inspiration. Inspiration is definitely something I find at APA. There were times during the few months I have been on scholarship that I had a really bad day or something happened in my life that had my mind running in circles. Later on those days in my contemporary class they happen to teach a combination that is in sync to what was going on. It is a gift, to be able to end such a bad day with an awesome combination that makes you realize that things eventually get better.
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APA Dance Scholarship Recipient Maria Plascencia |
Overall, being a scholarship student at the Academy of Performing Arts has been an amazing opportunity I never imagined I would have. It has taught me more than how to properly point my foot or execute a switch leap. My understanding of the dance discipline and responsibilities has grown, which allowed me to mature overall. I feel like I have been improving, but I still have a long way to go. Regardless, I know that continuing my dance education at APA will help me reach my goals as a dancer and one day I’ll be the performer I’ve always wanted to be.
By Maria Jose Plascencia
Academy of Performing Arts-San Diego
5120-C Baltimore Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
619-460-4500
619-460-4544/Fax
http://www.apastudios.com
San Diego Dance Studio