Kaile Teremoto

I began dancing as many children do, at the age of 5, a place to explore freedom of expression and to fulfill what seems to be every little girl's dream— becoming a ballerina. This continued as I danced well into my teenage years and all through high school with the guidance of Debbie, Catherine, Sherrie, Jarrah, alumni, guest choreographers, and more. Summer intensives would be held as well as pre-pointe classes to ensure we were ready for this feat. I remember vividly watching soloists like Gillian Murphy on this tiny portable TV before we began rehearsing to provide that sense of spark we needed. 

 I describe them as my family because we were all what seemed to be a tight-knit group, they watched over me as I began to progress in this dance world. Chosen family as they say, on and off stage, the hours of rehearsals, I can now admit my favorite part about the experience as a whole.

 Classes and rehearsals were aligned with our progression and offered us the opportunity to see our greatest potential. And I must continuously highlight both Debbie and Catherine, the backbone of the ballet company, as I worked with them most often. I know they put their heart and soul into us, into this space, into this art form, and I hope they know it didn’t go unnoticed.  

 It wasn’t until I was older that I realized the true impact that this company and all the time I had spent there had on me. 

 Being at that particular age is nuanced with many emotions and feelings, and with gratitude, I now realize the safe place I had that I could always rely on, where I could leave what I needed to at the door and just be. That I could channel whatever was surfacing into something of drive, ambition, and determination. 

 I still carry this with me — it genuinely shaped how I showed up in the world then, and how I continue to show up now. When you do something you love and you have the support to fully pour your all into it, you are given a deeper sense of understanding within yourself. That’s what I learned.  

 I thank them for creating this space, for this opportunity, and for their continued dedication to working alongside us. 

 — Kaile Teramoto