Featured Dancer: Eyllah Babbitt

“What Extensions Means To Me”

Before Extensions my Saturday mornings were pretty free. I would wake up, have breakfast and proceed to watch Netflix for the majority of the day. But one day my mom told me we were going to try a class at Extensions. I was pretty nervous. I wore a maroon leotard, pink tights, and a not so tight bun. When I walked into the dance studio I was immersed in a whole new different type of atmosphere. People we were talking to my right, practicing turns to my left and suddenly Lizzie Mackenzie walked in. Class had begun, and when Lizzie started showing plies I knew I was home. I wasn’t treated like an 11 year old; I was treated like a pre-professional dancer. By far I was the worst in the class; I didn’t know any combinations and I didn’t have any technique. But next week I came back, and I came back again and again. Until finally I decided to join the Extensions Dance Company. This is my fifth year on the company and each year is better than the last. Dancing on a team has not only taught me cooperation but also basic life skills that will prepare for the real world. I learned how to work together and push through difficult problems with the people around me. My Extensions company mates are my family, and they will be with me my entire life. Supporting and encouraging me through every step of my life. At Extensions we learn to lift each other up not put each other down. Before Extensions I had never been part of a youth dance company like this, and I was very scared at first. I came to realize that Extensions is an encouraging place that welcomes everyone. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my personal goals through the mentorship of Lizzie Mckenzie. I owe all of my accomplishments to the faculty and staff at Extensions Dance Center, and most importantly Lizzie Mackenzie.