If I had a secret ballet superpower, it would be to have a perfect memory. I would be able to remember every combination and movement after seeing it just once. This would help me during my training because I would not have to spend as much time trying to remember the choreography. Instead, I could focus on improving my technique and making each movement more precise and controlled. My perfect memory would also help me better remember corrections from my teachers. If I was told to improve my posture or point my feet, I would remember the correction and apply it throughout the rest of my dance career. This would allow me to improve more and become a stronger dancer. My perfect memory would be especially useful during performances or competitions. I would always remember the choreography, even if I felt nervous. I would know exactly where to go, what movement comes next, and when to begin each part of the dance. This would allow me to stay focused and confident on stage instead of worrying about forgetting a step. Having a perfect memory would make learning new dances easier, but I would still need to work hard to improve my skills. My superpower would give me more time to work on technique, musicality, and expression. Overall, having perfect memory would help me become a more focused, confident, and dedicated ballet student.  ~ Miya

A moment from class that stayed with me was the first rehearsal of my first ever competition piece. During my first year of joining ABA, I was offered to participate in a competition, something I had never done before. I remember walking into the studio, realizing that I would be learning an ensemble piece. It felt so strange and surreal. I had no experience with any of this and was incredibly nervous. Despite that initial feeling, the nerves quickly faded, as I began to grow more comfortable with all the other dancers. It felt like a community full of support and encouragement. The ensemble piece was called Jota Aragonese, a character dance, something brand new to me. Through that rehearsal, I began to learn more—not just about the diversity and variety of dance, but also about myself and my body. I had to move in ways I hadn't before, pay attention to details I had never considered, and trust myself even when I wasn't completely confident.That first rehearsal was a huge eye-opener for me. It showed me how much more there was to discover within dance and allowed me to become much more open-minded about trying new things. It made me see that it is important to be willing to learn, make mistakes, implement corrections, and keep going. Looking back, that single rehearsal became more than just the beginning of a competition piece. It was the moment I began to see dance in a different way. It made me more committed, curious, and appreciative of the art. What initially felt unfamiliar and intimidating became an experience that helped me grow, both as a dancer and as a person. ~ Nikki

When I first began my journey at Akhmedova Ballet Academy, my moment of connection with the school was during their summer intensive’s performance of the tarantella. I loved the bounciness of the dance and its uplifting tune. I felt that I could truly express myself through the dance and lose myself to the flow of the music. Previously coming from a school of low-intensity training, I lacked the technical experience and coordination of the other girls, limiting my ability to participate in some of the more challenging pieces taught during the intensive. However, the teacher made sure that each student had a special moment in the tarantella’s choreography that suited their skill level. During my first weeks there, I fell in love with the ABA community, which, like the tarantella, included each dancer with their various skills to form a big, happy family. The intimate relationship between dancers and teachers at ABA ensures that each girl feels like she belongs in the group. It is that sense of belonging that inspired me to join ABA. I have been encouraged by the way that we all work together, laughing through the mistakes, applauding the accomplishments, and are there for each other when it matters. Akhmedova Ballet Academy is not only an elite school dedicated to classical ballet training, but a thriving community of dancers and teachers alike. I am truly grateful to be a part of the ABA family. ~ Jeanette

My moment of connection in my first weeks at ABA was so much fun. I first felt excited, and I was also a little nervous. Everything felt new, teachers, other students, and the classes. I wasn’t sure that I who I was going to be friends with the moment I stepped in or I would feel like I don’t belong. But everyone at ABA is so friendly and I made many friends already! One moment that stood out to me is when people are stuck with this choreograph piece that the teachers give, they would always help each other. It made me realize that I don’t always have to figure things out myself. I also noticed that everyone is on different paces learning dances, but we all are working for the same goal. Spending more time in the studio teaches me new things every day. Talking, and laughing with each other made me feel like I belong here.  Dance has been a way for me to express myself, and ABA showed me that dance can also help people connect. Even though we all are different and have different experiences, we come together and dance. I started to feel less like it’s my first year here at ABA. The teachers here give lots of wonderful corrections which made me feel supported. Sometimes connection happens through the smallest moment, like a smile, a helping hand, or just by dancing beside someone. ~ Katie