Gabriel Rocha is currently a senior in high school, and is going into his 6th and final season with Extensions Dance Company. At a very young age, Gabe always loved to dance around and entertain, however, the idea of dance classes was not brought up right away. Gabriel tried a variety of sports and arts classes at his local park district, but he could not stick to one. At the age of 11 Gabe’s friend insisted that he take a dance class with her at Extensions Dance Center. He quickly fell in love with the variety of classes provided by the amazing faculty.

Gabe admires his peers and teachers who always create a safe environment of love and support. He is always determined to push himself and grow as a student and person. He is thankful to have Lizzie as a mentor, as she has helped shape the young man he is today by teaching him to dance as well as many lessons that are essential to the development of a person.

Gabriel attended the Juilliard Summer Dance intensive in New York for two consecutive summers as well as the River North Dance Company intensive and Elements Contemporary Ballet intensive. This past summer, Gabriel attended NYCDA Nationals and was awarded $312,000 worth of scholarship money to 5 different universities. This year Gabe is looking forward to finding a college that suits him best.  Although he will be leaving Extensions, he is so grateful to have a place that is home.