Briana V. is a student at Padua, a dancer, and you can spot her performing on the court with the Padua Dance Team at basketball and volleyball games.  Brianna started dancing at the age of three.  She does not know why she started dancing, but says once she began, she fell in love with dance.  Brianna says it will always be her passion and she will continue for as long as she can.  Brianna does about every style of dance you could name, from ballet to hip hop, to tap and jazz.  She even used to do pointe and lyrical dance.  Brianna claims that hip hop is her favorite style to perform.  If you have ever been to a Padua basketball or volleyball home games, you have seen the dance team perform.  They even go on at some of the Padua spirit assemblies.  If you have had the chance to see one of their performances, you know they are great!  Brianna says “It is really fun performing for my school.  I get to dance with my “sisters” and I feel so free out on the court.”  Brianna says she looks forward to every game!

          Of course, as with any other sport, there is the risk of getting injured.  Brianna had a spine fracture and a concussion, causing her to be out for a whole year.  It was really hard for her to not get up there and do what she loved.  She needed to recover but not dancing for a while was very hard for Brianna.  Brianna says she let herself take time to heal, as hard as it was.  She had to be really patient and say to herself that she would not let these events stop her.  Brianna was not going to give up, but only get stronger.  One thing that Brianna says she struggles with everyday is not being able to get a split down.  Its sort of frustrating, but Brianna says she is going to continue to work and eventually she knows she will have her split down.

          Since Brianna has been dancing since she was three, it is s not hard to say that she has participated in many many recitals and performances.  Brianna thinks that she may have been in at least fifty recitals.  She says she performs in about eight a year.  Brianna has had many costumes, but one has really stuck to her heart.  “I had this costume in a recital that was a simple black lace leotard and skirt.  It was handmade by a woman who was known for making costumes for years,”  says VanSickel.  She also says, “It was so special because it was one of the last costumes that the woman would be making, and I was really happy and emotional to be performing in it and honoring her work.”

         One of the best experiences in Brianna’s dancing career was winning first place in a competition called “Ticket To Broadway.”  It was the first actual competition Brianna performed in, and winning first place in her dance was even more amazing.  Another thing Brianna said was fun was performing with her fellow Padua Dance Team sisters at Madison Square Garden.  Brianna is devoted to dancing and says that dance is definitely in her future.  “I’d like to be a college level dancer, and maybe try out for So You Think You Can Dance,” says Brianna.  She also says, “I want to either work in a dance studio or own one myself.”

If you are an upcoming dancer, Brianna has some advice for you!  “Dont be afraid to be yourself and be creative,” says Brianna.  “If you are starting at a lower level you have to push harder to get to the next level.”  Brianna states that if you really love dance when you first start you should try new things like dance conventions and video inspirations.  “If you ever have to overcome any struggles, you must not let that stop you.  You have to keep working and improving,” says Brianna.  Lastly, Brianna says that if you are a new dancer you must have fun.  Having fun is all that matters.  It’s not about being the best, but it’s about having the best attitude.  You should never give up and never ever doubt yourself.