Dance Student Spotlight: Mila

My name Mila and I am 9 1/2 years old. I live in Arizona and I dance at Impact Dance Studio.

@Milamichaeldances

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

I started dancing at 2 1/2 in Utah and moved to Arizona at 5. I joined a company team at 5 and have continued since then!

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?

No, I’ve had to work hard for my flexibility and dance technique. I wasn’t born with natural ability. But I do have long legs and height, which sometimes hinders me with dance but also makes my lines and extensions that much better! But I land in the back of group dances a lot due to my height which gets me down sometimes.

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

I have a hip and glute issue, which makes my straight-leg scorpion hard for me.

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

Yes. My old dance studio tore me down a lot. I’m thinking I may take the route of ballet from here.

How do you conquer negative talk?

I know my self-worth.

What is your favorite quote?

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars." - Norman Vincent Peale

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I’m dancing in the YABC Nutcracker.