A challenge in motion

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Being a dancer is hard work.

And 18-year-old Anjali Khanna knows that. The Ormond Beach resident dances for several hours a week after school, on top of the seven hours of rehearsal on Saturdays at Ormond Ballet.

It’s hours of learning routines, developing techniques, and doing it all with a smile.

Khanna makes it look easy, though she insists dancing doesn’t come naturally to her.

“I’ve been able to become my best

Ballet’s other senior student, Taylor Falb, of Seabreeze High School, who will also play the role of “Giselle” in the namesake ballet.

Boutros said she always tries to make her seniors’ solos carry a special meaning.

“It’s also a gift from us to them and then to their families and audience,” Boutros said.

In the fall, Khanna will be attending the University of Florida, where she was accepted into the honors program, to pursue a degree in biology. She hopes to become a doctor. Dance, however, will likely still play a role in her life, she said.

Khanna said dance has taught her discipline. She started dancing when she was around 5 years old.

“It’s something that you have to keep working at,” she said. “It’s not going to happen in one day. You’re not going to improve coming one time. ... You’re not just going through the motions, but like really putting your heart and soul into it.”

Upcoming Productions

“GISELLE”

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 5 and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6.

Where: The Coliseum at 176 N. Beach St. in Daytona Beach.

Details: Tickets cost $30. Call Ormond Ballet at 386-222-2871

“AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS”

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6 and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7.

Where: The Coliseum at 176 N. Beach St. in Daytona Beach.

Details: Tickets cost $30. Call Ormond Ballet at 386-222-2871