The stage has become a place of expression for BHS senior, Annette Perez. She has participated in the BHS dance team throughout her high school career. Perez does ballet and contemporary/modern, as well.
“I have been dancing for 8 years,” Perez said. “I dance because it makes me feel so alive, and I am truly happy while I’m dancing.”
Perez has auditioned for multiple different universities and is currently waiting to hear back from them.
“One of my biggest goals is to someday dance professionally in a ballet company, but if that doesn’t work out, I just want to dance in any capacity, whether it be teaching or something else,” Perez said.
Perez works and teaches dance classes at the Baldwin Academy of Dance and Voice.
“As much as I would love to continue teaching, I will not because of my college schedule and the possibility of moving away from Baldwin,” Perez said.
Perez has ballet class four times a week, Monday through Thursday and a contemporary class on Thursday after ballet. On the weekends, Perez attends Kansas City Ballet’s Open Ballet class.
“I do some basic stretching for my legs, like low lunges and calf stretches,” Perez said. “I also use a tennis ball to roll out the bottoms of my feet to get them stretched out and warm.”
“Another thing I do is use a foam roller to roll out my back and release tension,” Perez said.
“The last thing I do is a plank to get my core engaged and ready. I try to do most of these things before each class so I set myself up for success.” Perez said.
Perez is most excited to continue dancing regardless of where she ends up after her high school career.
“Dancing is my true passion, and I am excited to see myself grow in different ways,” Perez said.