How young do girls start dreaming of being a dancer? Sophomore Maiya Whelan started dreaming to be a dancer at the age of three-years old. She started dancing at To The Point dance studio in Hartland. She eventually switched studios to Elation because it had a more competitive aspect to it. She watched her older cousin dance and she says she always looked up to her.

“I am passionate about dance, and I enjoy all types of dance,” said Whelan.

The dances Whelan has been are ballet, jazz, contemporary/lyrical, hip-hop, tap, and pointe.

“Hip-hop is my favorite class because its a fun way to express myself and the songs are fun to listen to and pump you up,” said Whelan.

What engaged Whelan to start dancing was her cousin. She was a dancer that Whelan looked up to and strived to be like her as a young child. She stuck my dance for so long because she loves doing it.

“Dance can get to be a little too much at times. But, I just have to push myself because all of the hard work pays off in the end,” said whelan.

At a minimum Whelan says she is usually in the studio learning new dances, conditioning, and stretching for about twenty hours a week. She says This takes dedication, structure, and passion. She says It also takes a lot of organization and time management with school and homework.

Whelans future plans are undecided.

“I will need to see if dancing in college is part of my future plan,” said Whelan.