An illustration depicts Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell, a junior, performing a grand jete leap with confidence radiating around her. Harwell has been dancing at East Athens Educational Dance Center for nine years and has seen her self-esteem grow through the program. “Participating in these activities has boosted my confidence in areas outside of dance and has empowered me in my leadership and decision making,” Harwell wrote. “This has not only improved my confidence, but it has shown me that my words have power, which has transferred over into my role as a journalist and student leader at Clarke Central High School.” Illustration by Antonio Starks
Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell talks about her history with dance at East Athens Educational Dance Center and how the experience has molded her.
“Dance is like sharing. When you dance, you share your spirit.”
Those words, spoken by my dance teacher and co-founder of Atlanta’s Ballethnic Dance Company Nena Gilreath, echo in my mind each time I enter the dance studio at East Athens Educational Dance Center.
I’ve been dancing at EAEDC since I was 8 years old and I have loved every minute of it. I’ve done it all, from ballet to tap to modern to contemporary. Throughout the years, I have worked my way up into the Gifted program, the highest level at EAEDC.
Though it may seem like just an extracurricular activity to some, dance has become so much more to me.
Through EAEDC, I have met amazing people from all across the world and have had incredible experiences, from taking a master class with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company to performing live at the Morton Theatre each February since 2018.
A gallery shows pictures of Editor-in-Chief Molly Harwell, a junior, pursuing her passion for dance. Harwell began dancing when she was 8 years old and has found it a very formative experience. “Though my goal in life isn’t to be a professional ballerina, dance has become an integral part of my life. As cliche as it sounds, I know that going forward I will always take what I have learned with me,” Harwell wrote. Photos courtesy of Jana Harwell and East Athens Educational Dance Center
Besides the physical benefits of dance, I have also grown more confident in myself and my abilities. Mrs. Nena has put a large emphasis on public speaking and presenting ourselves well.
Everything we do works to create an environment of positivity and open-mindedness. Outside of the dance studio, we regularly partake in activities that push us outside of our comfort zones, whether that be giving a speech during a performance intermission or filming interviews for the Athens-Clarke County Government website.
Participating in these activities has boosted my confidence in areas outside of dance and has empowered me in my leadership and decision-making. It has shown me that my words have power, which has transferred over into my role as a journalist and student leader at Clarke Central High School.
The role of dance in my life has also affected my confidence. As a teenager and dancer living in the age of social media, it can be very easy to fall for the trope that you have to look a certain way to be a dancer.
Though it may seem like just an extracurricular activity to some, dance has become so much more to me.
There have been countless times where I have fallen into spirals of self-doubt over body image, but no matter what, my friends and community at EAEDC have always been there to pull me back in and rebuild my confidence.
Though my goal in life isn’t to be a professional ballerina, dance has become an integral part of my life. As cliche as it sounds, I know that going forward I will always take what I have learned with me.
Dancing at EAEDC has been the most formative experience of my childhood and through the support of my dance teachers and peers, I have learned how to navigate the world around me and be more confident in who I am as a person. I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to share my spirit with others.
