Sovereign Ballet would like to wish the best to our three graduating seniors; Olivia Lane, Mallory Fichera and Emily Kerr.
Olivia Lane has been dancing pretty much nonstop since the age of six. For the past two years, she has not only been taking classes at Sovereign Ballet 6 days a week, but also taking technique classes at Mercyhurst University for the past four semesters.
This past March, Olivia, along with fellow Sovereign dancer Taylor Arrington, was selected as Outstanding Dancers at the NYCDA Buffalo Regional Convention. The two will be representing Sovereign Ballet and Tap Essentials at the NYCDA National Convention in NYC this July. Olivia also was awarded The Rockette’s Summer Intensive Scholarship.
After graduation, Olivia will take her dance career to the next level as she relocates to Chicago and joins Ballet 5:8 Trainee Program. Ballet 5:8 is a faith based ballet company that “Celebrates the exchange of ideas in the creative realm.”
Olivia’s determination in the studio is contagious. Her work ethic challenges the other Advanced level dancers to dig deep to keep up. She will be missed not only for her enthusiasm but for her vibrant personality as well. Over the past two years, she has demonstrated a personal involvement and commitment to my school that would normally be reserved for a staff member. She consistently exceeded my expectations. She’s in the studio before I get there and sometimes doesn’t leave until well after everyone else. She encourages positive interactions with other dancers or pushes them to dig deep to keep up. This passionate and Godly young woman has made a positive impact on every dancer and parent at Sovereign Ballet, even Jacques LeMoyne next door at the Club House! “She spends so much time at the studio, the other dancers joke that she has a hidden apartment. It’s funny, but, it’s good to see her unwavering perseverance has paid off,” replies Christina Maria, director of Sovereign Ballet.
Photo: Ashlyn Duke
Over the past 10 years of Mallory Fichera’s dancing, Christina has had the privilege of watching her grow up to become the remarkable independent young woman she is today. She displays high integrity and a Godly self-worth as well as demonstrates an excellent work ethic and volunteers whenever the need arises. She has been with Sovereign Ballet since our doors opened in September 2014 and her high level of personal discipline has never wavered. It’s been wonderful to watch her technique consistently improve and especially the addition of exploring her talents as a choreographer. She is a senior with the Erie County Homeschool Diploma Association and next year she will be attending Michigan Tech as an Environmental Engineer major as well as the Air Force ROTC program. Congratulations Mallory!
Photo: Ashlyn Duke
Emily Kerr will be graduating from General McLane high school. She has been dancing on and off for a total of seven years. Next fall she will attend Grove City College as a Biology major. Although, we’ve only had the opportunity to work with her a couple days a week since September, we’re looking forward to all God has in store for her. Congratulations Emily!
Photo: Rebekah Joan
Both Mallory and Emily say the life lesson dance has taught them is perseverance. “The one thing I admire about these dancers is their commitment to the hours of class and rehearsal. They knew early on that they would not pursue dance as a career but that never hindered their commitment to work hard to achieve better technique,” quotes Christina Maria.
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