Ava Schaffhausen, a junior at RAHS reflects on their journey of dance. Schaffhausen said, “I have danced since I was 3 years old, there really has never been a moment where I have wanted to stop. I understood how much dance meant to me when I wasn’t dancing, and I realized that I felt the need to do so even though I had just taken class the previous day.”
Growing up in a classical dance environment, with heavy emphasis on ballet, alongside supplementary jazz, tap and musical theater. Now, Schaffhausen focuses mainly on growing skills in contemporary, hip hop and a few other street styles such as Waacking.
Last spring, Schaffhausen was a part of a student-led contemporary show that was held through Crash Dance Productions (CDP2). Schaffhausen reflects on her opportunity of making her own piece. She said, “It was very satisfying to see my choreography go from movement in the studio to a fully performed work.” The freedom and satisfaction that we all felt during that show was unforgettable.”
While Schaffhausen prefers performing rather than competing, because of the fast paced dance choreography that needs to be learned, Schaffhausen attended JUMP, a competing convention. She said, “It was very tiring, but really invigorating when I was able to pick up the combos and just enjoy being able to for a few days straight.”
Balancing academic responsibilities with her dance commitment, Schaffhausen emphasizes the importance of being on top of everything. Despite being a self-proclaimed procrastinator, she dedicates herself to completing the homework after her evening dance sessions, ensuring that school comes first.
Schaffhausen’s love for collaboration shines through as she highlights her favorite moments in open classes (classes with new people each time). She said, “I love getting to dance with new people and share a bit of myself with them through dancing…These open classes have helped me to form my style and learn new methods…which has overall majorly improved my dancing.”
As a talented dancer looking back, Schaffhausen’s advice to high school students aspiring to pursue dancing is simple yet powerful: “If someone wants to dance, then they should dance!… they should, no matter their age or experience.”
She encourages fellow dancers to explore open classes, training resources online, and getting involved in the dance community. Schaffhausen encourages others in the same position, “find some people who love to dance who will share that love with others.”
Along with dancing, Schaffhausen is involved in student council, as the social media editor, and does part time PSEO.
