Laura Finney

2013 Dance Scholarship Recipient

Laura is deeply passionate about ballet and considers it an integral part of her life. Ballet is not just about the aesthetics of pink tutus and tiaras for her; it is a relentless pursuit of perfection, marked by sweat, tears, and unyielding dedication. Laura finds complete freedom in dance, where she can let go and express herself through movement. Each day in the studio brings something new, allowing her to discover more about herself and the art form.

Laura's aspiration is to attend Ellison Ballet's intensive program during the summer. She is drawn to the school's reputation for excellent teachers, particularly Ms. Forrest, who has a background in the prestigious Vaganova Academy in Russia. Being a student of the Vaganova method at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Laura values the strong foundation it has provided her. She believes that attending Ellison Ballet would not only be a continuation of her current training but also offer a fresh perspective, as every teacher brings something unique. Recognizing the intensity of the program, Laura is eager to immerse herself in six to eight hours of daily training, six days a week, for four weeks, knowing it will provide her with invaluable insights to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional ballerina.

Ballet is more than a dream for Laura; it is her driving force. She embraces the challenges and strives for excellence with unwavering dedication. Despite the physical demands and sacrifices, Laura finds comfort and a means of self-expression in ballet. Through dance, she communicates who she is without uttering a word, and she believes that she wouldn't be the same person without it.