We are so proud of our seniors! Congratulations and good luck as you move on to big things! GDU will always be a home for you.
My name is… Faith Everett
I have been dancing at GDU for…. 7 years
Favorite style of dance is… contemporary
Favorite competition dance would have to be… Use Somebody
Favorite recital theme was… Dance the rainbow
Some of my favorite GDU memories include…being there with all my friends every year and having a second family
My advice to younger dancers would be… it’s not all about winning but knowing who you’re winning for. which is yourself
What are your plans after graduation? i’m attending Georgia Gwinnett College
My name is Abby I have been dancing at GDU for 4 years
My favorite style of dance is lyrical
Favorite competition dance would have to be… There Will Be Time
Favorite recital theme was… 50 Years of Pop
Some of my favorite GDU memories include…
receiving golden eggs at inspire this season, the tolerate it table falling onstage at mock, and competing beauty school dropout in the showdown at encore nationals.
My advice to younger dancers would be to enjoy every moment it goes by fast.
After graduation I will be dancing another year with GDU while taking online classes, and attending college the following year.
My name is Melanie
I have been dancing at GDU for 9 years
Favorite style of dance is lyrical and hip hop
Favorite competition dance would have to be out of the woods
Favorite recital theme was 50 years of pop
Some of my favorite GDU memories include having lock ins with my friends, long rehearsal days where we would be giggling by the end, and exploring competition cities and venues with my friends!
My advice to younger dancers would be never compare yourself to others! Focus on having fun and building a strong foundation with consistent practice. Remember dance is about fun and exploring your own style, not just competing.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation I plan on attending Mercer University to receive my bachelors and masters in nursing to become a nurse practitioner.
My name is… Summer O’Connor
I have been dancing at GDU for…. 3 years
Favorite style of dance is… Contemporary
Favorite competition dance would have to be… Home
Favorite recital theme was… Disney
Some of my favorite GDU memories include… Meeting some of my bestfriends Ryleigh, Rachel and Abby and making so many memories traveling with them like the time we went to Chattanooga, Tennessee for encore and we went to the hotel gym to get a pre-competition workout in .
My advice to younger dancers would be… be bold, ask that question, complement that dancer, stand in the front of the room, go first across the floor, stand front and center in that convention, be nice to everyone you meet because every little thing counts and being confident and kind will take you so far.
What are your plans after graduation? after graduation, I plan to join the army for four years and possibly get my medical degree and do travel nursing once I’m out the army.
My name is… Anabelle
I have been dancing at GDU for…. 11 years
Favorite style of dance is… Contemporary and Hip hop
Favorite competition dance would have to be… Misdemeanor and If I disappear
Favorite recital theme was… 50 years of Pop
Some of my favorite GDU memories include… Having lock ins (sleepovers at the studio), performing at Disney, getting to perform at nationals and winning with the dance If I disappear, Misdemeanor getting a perfect score, lastly all the days that we have laughed in every class and end up making the teachers laugh too!
My advice to younger dancers would be… that hard work pays off, you should never compared yourself to anyone, always cheer for your teammates, be kind to everyone, and be yourself never try to change yourself to fit in.
What are your plans after graduation? I am going to Brenau University to study Business Management. I am also going to continue dancing and someday I hope to open my own dance studio and teach younger dancers.
My name is… Elizabeth Tyson
I have been dancing at GDU for…. 16 years
Favorite style of dance is… Jazz
Favorite competition dance would have to be… Evermore or Misdemeanor
Favorite recital theme was… Totally 80s
Some of my favorite GDU memories include… Winning a championship at nationals, dancing at Disney Springs, and dancing with all five (yes five) of my siblings throughout my time here
My advice to younger dancers would be… I would say to young dancers to always believe in yourself! It gets tough sometimes in this crazy world of dance but just know you are an incredible dancer, regardless of what anyone else might tell you
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending business school online while continuing to teach at GDU, and continuing my dance career with whatever work I can get dancing!
My name is… Jaelyn Cox
I have been dancing at GDU for… 12 years
Favorite style of dance is… Contemporary and Hip hop
Favorite competition dance would have to be… I can’t just pick one so my top favs would have to be Uncontrolled minds, Out of the Woods, Shout, Cut it, Missy (reprised)
Favorite recital theme was… Through the decades
Some of my favorite GDU memories include… Definitely would have to be late night Saturday rehearsals those always gave me best laughs
My advice to younger dancers would be…To not compare yourself to other artists, especially your own teammates. I know that’s easier said than done, but you are the only person who can dance the way YOU do. No one can perfectly replicate your art and your experience, it’s unique to you and that is beyond special. No matter how you grow and change you will always be yourself, don’t ever lose that. Comparison kills creativity, and dance without creativity (in my opinion) isn’t dance at all!
What are your plans after graduation? To dance, as much as I possibly can.