At Power of Dance, we’ve always believed that no two dancers take the same path—and that’s something to celebrate. This year’s graduating seniors are living proof that there’s no “one right way” to stay involved in dance during high school. Whether they stayed on our competitive team, shifted focus to technique, stepped into teaching, or explored new passions outside the studio, each one followed a path that was true to them.
Here’s a look at how our Class of 2025 found their way through their final dance season with POD—and how we’re creating more flexible options than ever for older dancers who still want to grow, perform, and stay connected to their love of movement.
Going All-In: One Last Dance Worlds
For senior Olivia Stedl, being part of team Polaris all four years of high school was a long-time goal—and one she proudly accomplished. Polaris dancers dedicate themselves to a high level of training and competition, including attending Dance Worlds, an international event that’s both intense and incredibly rewarding. The commitment is real, but so are the friendships, memories, and growth that come with it.
Making Room for New Dance Opportunities
Meanwhile, Kenzie Miller took her energy and talent to her high school’s dance team and helped lead them to a first-ever state dance medal. She balanced her school’s team commitment with technique and choreography classes at the studio. After years of being part of our performance and competition teams, she found joy and success in trying something new—and she plans to continue dancing on her college team next year.
Several of our graduating seniors took advantage of new classes offered this year: Accelerated Dance, for dancers age 13+ with competitive dance experience, and Accelerated Tap, which competed as part of the studio’s first-ever tap team. Our teen program is always evolving to meet the needs of our students; in dance, as in life, there’s always something new to learn!
Exploring Passions Beyond Dance
For Ava Mattson, her passion for dance was matched only by her passion for music. Finding a way to balance both in her last years of high school meant focusing on band and preparing for a future in the music field, while still taking ballet, pointe and technique at POD and competing a solo routine. Seniors Angelina Zerillo and Kendall Brown let go of team commitments in order to have more time for school, friends, and other activities but still took classes and competed as part of a senior small group in addition to a solo and duet, respectively.
Giving Back: Teaching the Next Generation
Many of our seniors have been part of the studio’s Junior Faculty program, which places experienced dancers as teacher assistants and role models in younger teams and Academy classes. Zerillo and Brown both cite their role as Junior Faculty members as one of their favorite experiences with the studio. Senior Payton Nickels had been part of Junior Faculty for several years, and pulled back from team competition to make more room in her schedule for teaching opportunities. She officially joined the POD staff this year and found a new kind of joy in helping young dancers build confidence and develop their skills. Her journey from tiny team dancer to teacher is a full-circle moment that reminds us what it means to grow with a studio.
What’s Next? Dance After High School
As our seniors head off to college and the next phase of life, many of them plan to keep dancing—whether on their college team, in recreational classes, or just for fun. POD has helped them build not just strong technique, but a lifelong love of dance.
There’s a Place for Everyone
Whether our dancers are prepping for Dance Worlds, learning a new style, or mentoring the next generation of dancers, they’re finding ways to make dance a meaningful part of their lives—even as life itself gets more complex.
We’re so proud of our graduating seniors and the unique choices they made to stay connected to dance. Their stories show us that there is a path here for every dancer—no matter what their goals or schedule look like. And as we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to offering opportunities that fit dancers of all kinds.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Your paths have inspired us—and we can’t wait to see where dance takes you next. 💙