TEEN SCENE
An Independent Educational Consulting Practice
32 OCTOBER 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LORI DRAZ AND ABIGAIL SESSA
732-747-3030
AveryEducation.com
avery@averyeducation.com
775 River Road | Fair Haven
Welcome to Teen Scene. This
month’s author is 16-year-old Abigail
and she has met many of them
throughout her study of dance. In
deeper understanding of teamwork
and support. When she began
even deeper understanding about
sharing. Pursuing your passion can
enrich your life and the lives of
many others. Here is Sessa’s story.
At one point in my life, I was a soccer player, basketball player,
early age, my heart and spirit were open to all possibilities. These excited
me, made me curious and interested in participating.
I eventually realized there are only 24 hours in a day, so I had to
bright light within. It is your passion and joy. It wasn’t long before I
knew dancing made me the happiest!
With little bare feet, my sisters, Isabella and Sophia, and I twirled,
-
en. My mom was the audience and followed us as we branched out to the
playroom, living room, our bedrooms and basement. It’s amazing how
something that began so innocently grew into my young life’s journey.
My original dance debut was at 3 years old, when Mom enrolled
us in “Mommy and Me” class at the Colts Neck Dance and Performing
Arts Academy, which became my home away from home for the next 13
years. And so it went, from ballet and tap, to include all the genres offered
by Miss Sheri and her talented staff. What made this special is that
my two older sisters danced at the same studio. I learned to dance with
them and because of them. I wanted to be like them. Dance became a
bond that strengthened us, and I know will last the rest of our lives.
about anything to make class, to perfect a solo routine or learn new
choreography. Practicing for the recitals, the competitions, the special
events – such as the annual Tree lighting at Colts Neck Town Hall – were
higher level of performance, but I believed there was much more to do.
It was at this point I began to feel the need to share my
love of dance with others. I asked to be an assistant to the
dance instructors for the youngest being taught. This experience
was like no other. It was just a little effort for me, but
it was so appreciated by the students. They made me want
to do my best for them. During the lessons, I was always
aware of my actions, and I examined them all. Was I patient,
encouraging, clear in my directions and quick to help those
the dance steps and routines, but to be caring and kind.
I joined the dance team at Colts Neck High School.
Dancing and cheering with my teammates, with bleachers
This past summer, I had another opportunity to share
the love of dancing. My dance friends and I volunteered at a
shore community camp that needed volunteers to bring performing
arts to the kids. And that’s exactly what we did! Together with the
campers, we planned a show, picked the music, choreographed the dance
and invited the families to watch. Their children, through dance, learned to
prepare, have patience, cooperate, work hard, share with others, take initiative
and understand the meaning of “one for all and all for one.” My friends
and I realized these were the lessons we learned through our dedication to
dance. As a bonus, we had also become lifelong friends.
My friends encouraged me to study ballroom dancing. I fell in love
with it when I was 10 and started watching “Dancing with the Stars.” Ballroom
dancing has introduced me to a whole new world! I remember saying
to myself that one day that would be me on TV. The dancer’s cultures, ethnicities,
ages, styles and abilities are so diverse. In no time, I was hooked
on the movements, the music and the beauty of the dances – and the challenges
too. One of the biggest adjustments was dancing with a partner.
Practice is intense, exhausting and many times frustrating because there
is so much to learn. I’ve left practice sore, but I know it is all worth it. I
started competing in national competitions with my partner, Greg. We won
City earlier this year. I am grateful to him, my friends, my teachers, and I
am most appreciative of my mom and dad, who continue to give me every
opportunity to pursue my dreams of dance and are always in the audience
cheering me on. They are my forever role models.
If there’s something you like to do, share it with someone. You will
gain such a deeper insight into why your favorite activity is meaningful. In
a world where there’s so much electronic communication, you’ll see shar-
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