star Kinley Walker

What do you enjoy about dancing?

I love that there are different styles of dance. Hip-Hop is my favorite style because I can have fun on stage and show all my sass. Lyrical is my second favorite because I’m able to use my body to tell a story. I also enjoy that regardless of how my day has went, when I get to dance, I can forget about all the bad. There’s a lot that I enjoy about dance that I could talk about!

What is the most challenging part of dancing? This year I tried Pointe for the first time. I have found this to be the most challenging because I have to support all of my body weight on the tip of my feet.

Also, when learning new skills, you have to strengthen different parts of your body so that you can do it. Sometimes it feels like I’m asking my body to do something that seems impossible.

How are you involved in the arts? In both school and the community? Are you involved in art, music or theatre? What do you like about it?

I’m involved in my school choir and have also participated in three musicals in the community. I was in The Little Mermaid Jr., The Elf, & Shrek. I will also be taking part in the upcoming musical Madagascar with Stage Door Productions! I like that I am able to meet new friends and watch the older kids & adults. My favorite part is of course the dancing. Musical theatre is another style of dance that’s a lot of fun!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is my increase in confidence. I just finished my third year of dance, and feel like over these last three years I truly believe in myself and what I can accomplish. I am also very proud that I am able to be a Jr Coach at United All Stars. This year I was able to help coach 6 different teams of little ones. Knowing that I am able to be a positive role model for these kids makes me happy. I love working with the younger kids!

Who do you look up to?

I have so many people that I look up to for different reasons. I want to talk about Laila Taylor & I know this won’t come as a surprise to anyone. Laila is there for me in and out of the gym/studio. She gives me pep talks and helps me with my fast costume changes. She asked me to do a duet this year for her senior year, and I loved every second of dancing on stage with her. Laila also helps me with my tumbling tricks that I can incorporate into my dance routines.

Other are…Ella Sells, Reese Pederson, Samantha Smith and of course, Coach Emily Eastwood! I love all of you!

What do you see yourself doing in 25 years? In 25 years, I’d love to have either my own salon or dance studio with a few friends.

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you pick?

The Bahamas or somewhere warm & sunny!

Walk us through a day in the life of Kinley. After a 7hr day at school

I spend 4-5 hours at the dance studio between coaching, ballet, team classes and/or private dance and tumbling lessons. It can be a lot, but I love being at a United.