Taylor Ruggiero is an 11-year-old dancer from East Haven, Connecticut. She dances at Reach for the Stars.

“I want kids to know you don’t have to be a superstar to dance, and it can give you a positive outlet when no others are available.”

How does dance have a positive impact on your life?

In February, I had to have an emergency appendectomy and couldn’t dance for two weeks, and had to miss a comp[etition]. I was sad, but dance made me work so hard to get back on that stage. Dance lets me express myself and always brings a smile to my face even if I’m having a bad day. It keeps me active and healthy, and I have met some of my best friends through dance. It was given me the opportunity to sing and act also.

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

I want kids to know you don’t have to be a superstar to dance, and it can give you a positive outlet when no others are available. Dance is an art, and art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder. When I get older, I would love to bring a dance program to underserv[ed] communities.

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