By Alyssa Ramsfield
For many children in Thurston County, dance is a hobby, a weekly activity that fills their schedules. But, for Kennedy Griffin dance is her life. It is not just a part of her daily routine, but the focal point of her day. Dance is what sets this North Thurston Public Schools 6th grader apart.
Kennedy’s focus recently earned her top scores in dance competitions across the country, proving that her hard work and determination can pay off in ways she never would have imagined.
Dance has been a part of Kennedy’s life since she was 3. At her first lesson, she was hooked. “I like being in front of crowds and on stage,” explains Kennedy. “I think performing on stage is a lot of fun. When I first did it, I just really liked it right away. I’ve gotten more and more into it.”
This past summer, Kennedy represented Center Stage Dance Studio in a national dance competition in Anaheim and won her age group. “This was my third time winning the Hollywood Connection National Dance Title. Sometimes I win money when I compete and trophies that are bigger than I am. It takes a lot of practice and hard work,” exclaims Kennedy.
Part of the practice to prepare for the prestigious competitions is to attend conventions. Kennedy has flown to Las Vegas and traveled through the Northwest to participate in dance conventions. She explains that these conventions are focused on building dance skills by offering a variety of dance classes. In many cases, scholarships are given out at these events to skilled dancers. Kennedy shares that any scholarship money that she earns is repurposed back into her dancing.
“When Kennedy gets a scholarship, the money goes right back into dance,” says her mother, Erin Griffin.
Conventions, competitions, and daily classes take up much of Kennedy’s time. “Balancing school and dance has been especially difficult this year as Kennedy starts middle school,” describes Erin. “Dance takes up a lot of time and money. It’s a priority for Kennedy. Some days, she is dancing until 10:00 p.m. so we try to find breaks in her day to complete homework.”
“Sometimes I do homework after dance late at night,” says Kennedy. “I sometimes do it during my dinner break at dance or in the mornings too. I just try to make sure I get a lot done while I’m at school. Going to Aspire Middle School makes me want to get it all done. Being at a school for the performing arts really fits my personality and so far I’m really loving it!”
Kennedy defines her success daily with the help of her incredibly supportive team. “My mom is a big help. My dance teachers – Jovon Miller, Xaviera Vandermay, and Kirsten Cooper – have taught me so much about dance. My choreographer, Nikki Jarman, has been with me since I was four years old. She’s really believed in me and helped me become the dancer I am today.”
Dance is more than just a competitive sport for Kennedy, it is what makes her whole. “I’m still having fun. I love dance,” she shares enthusiastically. “The girls at the studio are my family and best friends. Being a dancer is my dream and I am so lucky to do it every day.”
