CJHS freshman Lilyanna Artiss is a competitive dancer at Spotlight Dance Center. Artiss has been dancing for 13 years and is finishing up her 7th at Spotlight. She spends 18 hours at the studio a week, 5 days out of 7 she is dancing. Artiss does close to every style of dance: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, bollywood, musical theater, and pointe. Her personal favorite is lyrical.
When asked why she likes dance, Artiss responded, “It’s a form of expression, and it allows me to express myself in a fun, creative way. I like using my emotions to do something I love.”
Artiss dances year round. She has participated in countless competitions, a musical at the high school, and a summer intensive at Joffrey Ballet. As competition season is approaching, she is extremely grateful for the people she has met through dance.
“The people you meet through dance will be some of your biggest supporters and best friends. I am with them so much, they feel like family and I am very excited to continue competing with them soon,” Artiss said.
The first competition of the season Artiss is dancing at is this weekend. The A-List competition will be held at Bloomfield Hills High School. She says all competitions are very fun, however, she is the most excited for Nationals this summer in Myrtle Beach, SC. Successful competitions of the season await Artiss and her talent.
