Dance Student Spotlight: Lyrik Jude

My name is Lyrik Jude, and I am 10 years old. I live in Oro-Medonte, Ontario.

@lyrikjudedancer

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

I started when I was 2 years old. I fell in love with dance and never looked back.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

I have had to overcome many obstacles over the years, including broken arms with emergency surgery, partially torn Achilles, and like all dancers COVID. My private dance teacher Maryssa Morano worked with me over the last two years, and it has taken me to a whole new level of dance. I also have celiac disease, and therefore I can get knocked down on any random day if I eat the wrong thing.

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

I am lucky because my mom has my back 100%. If anyone tries to limit me, she is there in my corner. Because it is just her and I, I am very privileged to be able to do so much and dance anywhere I need to. Even when COVID tried to limit us, it instead opened doors for me to dance virtually with people I may never have had the chance to dance with before that. I found myself dancing more than ever!

How do you conquer negative talk?

I ignore it. I have most definitely been on the receiving end of mean girl behavior. But my mother has taught me that the issue is with them, not me. So I just move along, hoping that things get better for them, so they don't feel the need to put others down.

What is your favorite quote?

"Joey doesn't share food." - From Friends

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I am working with Prompt Dance Academy on a professional training program, going to Mexico 2022 with Team Creo, currently in rehearsals with Infinity Performing Arts for their original production Below, and auditioning all over for anything I can while I can. :)