Meet the Students

When applying for admission to Phillips Academy, Kiara was pleased to learn that dance fulfilled the school's sports requirement. She wasn't really a sports star, but she did shine when it came to dancing, something she had been doing “for fun” since second grade.

What also appealed were the Academy's spacious dance studio and its dance offerings, which include classical ballet, modern dance, and other diverse ensembles, such as salsa, hip-hop, and jazz.

“I have been part of three dance groups,” she says, “the Andover Dance Group, Hypnotiq, and Blue Strut, a group I am currently heading.” She also danced in Andover's annual Christmas-time production of The Nutcracker.

Kiara also tried out her choreography skills for Blue Strut, a jazz ensemble, and for Hypnotiq, a hip-hop group. “Dance, has enriched my overall PA experience, because it is something I am passionate about,” she says.

During summer months, Kiara participates in dance programs offered by her former school in her hometown and takes lessons by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, based in New York. Kiara says her favorite subjects are Chinese and math. But her favorite sport? Naturally, it's dance.