Dance Student Spotlight: Piper Embry

Meet Piper Embry, 15, from Dallas Texas, Next Step Dance Performing Arts Center

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

I started dance at the age of 2. This will be my fourth year at Next Step. I have trained in all styles of dance my whole life. Most of my days and weekends are spent at the studio or at conventions!

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?

Definitely not! I have struggled majorly in flexibility, but I have also been determined to overcome that challenge. I do almost every thing I can to achieve a higher level of flexibility.

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

Once again, just flexibility. I wasn’t cast in dances because I was not as flexible as the other students at my studio, and at a young age, it’s hard to understand why other people were given opportunities that you were not given.

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

Not really, I try my hardest to surround myself with people that I know will support me and not hold me back!

How do you conquer negative talk?

I try to just think about the positive outcome of this negative situation. I know that it will not last forever.

What is your favorite quote?

One of my favorites is “It has to rain before there can be a rainbow.” -Dolly Parton

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I just started attending Booker T.Washington high school! So far, no big plans!