Steps to success

Dedication made teen top member of Elburn dance company

by Martha Quetsch
Nothing is as rewarding for Aubrey Day as dancing, which is why she sacrifices other activities to study it six days a week and take part in competitions across the country.
“She's very determined,” said Michelle Miller, co-owner of M & M Dance in Elburn, where Day, 14, is a member of the studio's competitive dance company.
Because of her determination, Day, of Elburn, now is one of the company's top dancers.
“Her technique and dance ability are just beautiful,” Miller said.
The Kaneland High School freshmen dances in the disciplines of ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and musical theater. She started taking dance lessons at a studio in St. Charles when she was 8, and a year later began classes at M & M Dance when it opened in Elburn.
Soon afterward, Day auditioned for M & M's competitive dance company. Named an alternate dancer, Day set her sights on becoming a company member, and met that goal.
“She took every class she could just so she could work on her skills and dance the way she wanted to,” Miller said.
For the company, Day competes at local and national events in the most challenging dance categories-solos and duets.
Aubrey recently was accepted by the Rockette Summer Intensive to study with the Radio City Rockettes and the company's director and choreographer. She is one of 20 dancers from across the U.S. to be admitted into this year's program. The Rockettes, a precision dance company famous for its line-kick performances since the 1930s, is stationed at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Day also received a scholarship from West Coast Dance Explosion that paid for a year-long competitive dance tour to 18 U.S. cities. She recently received a gold medal for a duet she performed with another M & M company member, Alex Hardy, at one of the events in Overland Park, Kansas. Day will compete in the West Coast Dance Explosion's national competition this July in Las Vegas.
Maintaining the focus required for success in competitive dancing often requires saying no to other activities. Aubrey was asked to the school prom this year but had to decline the invitation because she was committed to attending a dance competition
“She makes a lot of sacrifices,” said her mother, Judi Day.
Aubrey is proud of all her achievements, not just the ones that have earned her medals.
“When I do the best I can, that's when I feel I've accomplished the most,” Aubrey said.
Aubrey is not sure whether she will pursue a career in dance, but said it always will be part of her life. If Aubrey decides someday to dance professionally, she has what it takes, Miller said.
“She has everything that is required, both physically and on a skills basis,” Miller said.

05/09/2008