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Featured Dancer: Eyllah Babbitt

 

“What Dance Means To Me”

I consider dance as a very important aspect of my life, not only because it has been in my life for such a long time, but because it has allowed me to grow out of my shell. Ever since I was little I’ve always wanted to move my feet and jump around so when I was three years old I was put in a dance class and from that moment on it’s been an integral part of my life.  Each dance class I have taken has been a new opportunity for me to learn something about myself and the different things I want to explore in movement and in life, and it truly means the world to me.  For me, dance goes far beyond the preliminaries. Yes, dancing teaches us valuable life skills about responsibility, humility, and tolerance but for someone like me who is fortunate and lucky enough to live inside the movement of my body, dance is beyond that. It is interwoven into my life and has connected one moment to the next for me. From dance class where I can let go and share this beautiful art form with everyone in the room, or in an audition setting where everyone is fighting for the same spot, whatever the experience, I love them all.

 

“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.

 

“What I Aspire To Do After I Graduate”

Personally I have no idea what I want to do with my life; I know that I want dance to be a part of my life either in a major or small way, and I know I definitely want to go to University. I think it would be really cool if I become a United Nations representative and travel to different countries to provide dance programs. Dancing has helped me gain confidence to express my opinions in everyday situations. In school I have gained the confidence to share my own opinions in front of the entire class. I want to translate my success onto other kids around the world, providing them with the same opportunities I was able to have. I also love to travel so it would give me the opportunity to see the world and live new experiences. I also think it would be amazing if I got into college for dance, and purse a BFA in dance. I would then go one to join a company or maybe even start my own. I could go to rehearsal during the day and teach on the side. I think there are so many different pathways I could take and it’s all about finding out what I really love. All I know is that I love to dance and my plans for the future are wide open.

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Registration opens tomorrow morning for all of our Registration opens tomorrow morning for all of our summer programs INCLUDING “The Company Intensive”. For serious dancers, this is our season opener, spring boarding dancers into the 2021-22 season.  It takes place for 3 weeks (in the evenings) at the end of August and is the best of the best all around.  Swipe left ⬅️ to see our 3 age levels. Space is limited so get your registration in early!  #chicagodance #summerdance #summerdanceintensive
Registration opens Monday morning for all of our s Registration opens Monday morning for all of our summer programs, swipe left ⬆️ to see what we are offering!
Visit extensionsdance.com to register beginning Monday, April 5. **class sizes are limited**
Oh, how we will miss this long legged beast when s Oh, how we will miss this long legged beast when she is gone.  This feature is about Fiona Webb, who has been with Extensions for 5 years and will be graduating in the spring of 2021.  We love, admire and respect you, Fiona.  The work ethic and drive of a demon, but the heart of an angel.  A tremendous and special young artist this one is.... 
**Featured dancer @fionawebb13 ... see the article at extensionsdance.com or swipe ⬅️
Welcome back, dancers! We are thrilled to begin t Welcome back, dancers!  We are thrilled to begin the 2020-21 season with you, back on the marley! 📸 @cherylmannphoto
There is nothing we love more than when our young There is nothing we love more than when our young artists put their creativity and unique perspective out there for the world to see.  Because she was “bored” at home in her house, longtime Extensionite @nicole_noe05 put this little vid together and we can’t stop watching it!!!! You’ve got some skills, girlfriend!!! 💜💜.
The cats out of the bag! @gabrielrochaj has comm The cats out of the bag!  @gabrielrochaj  has committed to the University of Arizona BFA program with a substantial merit scholarship and an academic scholarship to boot.  We are beyond thrilled for him, as we know he will grow immensely and be loved and appreciated in this top top notch, and very selective dance program.  We are incredibly proud of you, Gabe!! @uarizonaarts @uarizona
If you know him, you love him. If you’ve watched If you know him, you love him. If you’ve watched him work, you respect him.  If you’ve experienced his generous spirit, you admire him.  He started at Extensions in the summer of 2013 from ground zero, a true beginner... by 2014 he took the picture in the grey pants and denim top, (age 12) by 2015 he was killing the arabesque and partnering game as pictured, and 2016 he was starting to blossom into a dancer, a true Artist.  Here we begin 5 days of memories with the incredibly special @gabrielrochaj 💜💜 #classof2020 #chicagodancers #seniors2020 📸 @cherylmannphoto
Day 3 of @_angramirez !!! She has officially commi Day 3 of @_angramirez !!! She has officially committed to SUNY Purchase BFA program, highly regarded as one of the top dance programs in the country.  This Young Arts winner and overall super star ARTIST will bring her A-game to SUNY, and she is very excited for what the school will offer her as well.  Congratulations, Angie!! We are so proud of you ❤️ @purchasecollege @youngarts
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