Ashlyn Alphonso is a twelve-year-old dancer from Covington, Louisiana. She dances at Thibodeaux Dance.

“[Dance] allows me to challenge myself and continue to grow–not just as a dancer, but as a person. It pushes me to be the best version of myself.”

How does dance have a positive impact on your life?

I can’t remember a time when I haven’t danced. It allows me to challenge myself and continue to grow–not just as a dancer, but as a person. Even during this difficult time, dancing has been a “constant” for me. It pushes me to be the best version of myself. Last year, I tore my meniscus. I had seven weeks until my first competition. I went to PT almost every day so I could make it back to the stage. It’s who I am.

How do you want to use dance to have a positive influence on your community?

I am a teaching assistant at my dancing school. In this position, a lot of younger students look up to me. I want to be a role model for them. I hope that sharing my passion for dancing makes a positive impression in their lives. If they can see me focus on dancing and making good choices, hopefully, they will make good choices as well. I want people of every age to realize that if they have the passion to dance, even a bad day can be turned around.

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