Many little girls dream of dancing onstage in pointe shoes, having a spotlight shine down on them and receiving a round of applause at the end of their performance.  As they grow in their ability, they yearn to compete and learn from the best teachers.  For many, they drift off to other hobbies or simply dance for fun.  However, sophomore Hailey Flame is an exception.  Instead of letting other things distract her, Flame has stuck with her passion and grown as a dancer, obtaining many opportunities many only dream of attaining.

Flame started dancing at the age of two simply for fun, but rather than neglecting the hobby as she grew older, she continues to practice the art of dance.  When she was seven years old, Flame began dancing competitively, sparking her passion for being on stage.  Between the CHS dance team and her company Innovate, Flame dances 20 hours a week.

“[Dance] takes up a lot, if not all, my free time, but there’s nothing else I’d rather do,” said Flame.

Although there are many things that motivate Flame to pursue her dream, one competition in particular pushed her in a way she never thought was possible.  After an injury that put her out of dancing last fall, she had only one competition to compete her solo.

“I went onstage, and I told myself I was going to give it my all,” said Flame.  “It was the only time coming off stage I felt good about my performance.  After that, I told myself this is how I want to dance all the time.”

Her talents have helped her win many awards at competitions with the CHS Dance Team as well as entry to different prestigious dance intensives.  This past summer, Flame went to New York for the first time for an intensive with Complexions, a contemporary ballet company.  Flame was ecstatic to go to the renowned city not only because the trip was her first time in New York, but also because she had the opportunity to train with elite teachers in one of the top performing arts cities in the world.

“They only accept 60 to 80 people, so I was shocked when I got in,” said Flame.  “I was so nervous about going, but it was the best experience.”

Flame has such a strong love and dedication to dance; there is no doubt she will go far with her dancing career.  Flame dreams of traveling the world, performing for various companies in different countries for large audiences.  With her desire to succeed, Flame’s dreams of dancing on different stages around the world will manifest quickly.