Featured Dancer: Angie Ramirez
“What Dance Means To Me”
Dance has always been there for me. Since I was 3 years old I have been putting on my tights and leotard and heading over to the studio, and it is always something to look forward during the school day. No matter what goes on in my life, dance is always there to make the bad days better, and although growing up in the dance community is the best thing I could ask for it is not the easiest thing in the world. The reason is that I have always felt the dance means more to me than it does to other people. While some people just see it as a hobby, I see it as my whole life, and the is sometimes difficult to convey to friends who don’t understand. Whenever I step into the studio I know where I belong, and the way my body feels and takes over when the music comes on is an amazing feeling that is hard to describe. Every time I perform, the adrenaline rush I get afterwards is another reminder why I love it so much. Although there are times when I feel like I am not good enough, dance teaches me and reminds me that no one is perfect, that the saying “practice makes perfect” is untrue. Practice makes us better but we can always improve; perfection is just a myth. Dance will always be there for me and I will continue to fall in love with it all over again every time I dance.
“What Extensions Means To Me”
Extensions has become like a family to me for the past six years and I am proud to say it is my second home. Every time I step into the studio at Extensions,I am able to research every possibility that there is within me, without judgment. Artistic director Lizzie MacKenzie has been my mentor for many years and she has always been there for me when I need her most and she has, and will always be, one of my greatest inspirations. Whenever we start the development of new material during the creative process, I am reminded that what we have is truly an experience that is so special and every single dancer in that setting is 100% invested. That is something that I find to be rare in a dance community for young artists. The Extensions community is unique in many ways, including the amazing families that are always supporting all of us, the talented faculty and the relationships we make as friends and as a company.
“What I Aspire To Do After I Graduate”
After I graduate I would like to attend a 4-year program to earn my BFA in dance. After college, I wish to become a part of a professional dance company and travel around the world. At some point, I would like to choreograph on professional companies and even choreograph on studios like Extensions. Also in my career, I would like to inspire dancers through my dance and have them realize that dance is everything.