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The Class of 2027 showcase s their talents outside of the cl assroom
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Marin Weber started dancing at the age of four as a way to burn her energy. Since then, dance has transformed into both a passion and a mode of expression for her. “I [love] the fact that you can say so much, except you’re not saying anything,” gushes Weber. “You can express yourself…through your movement.” Dancing with Company Dance Traverse, Weber performs many different styles of dance from traditional ballet to contemporary to jazz to tap. As for her favorite mode of expression, it would have to be “a tie between ballet and contemporary,” says Weber. “I just have more of a connection to those dance types.” In addition to movement, Weber Photo courtesy of M. Weber loves the activity because of the people around her. “The community is also a really great part of [dance],” shares Weber. She is at one of the highest levels in her company and dances with other outstanding high school dancers, working dedicatedly at her craft five days a week. At the end of this past dance season, Weber’s hard work paid off as she returned to New York City Dance Alliance nationals for another year. In order to make it to New York, Weber first auditioned at regionals. “If they select you to be an Outstanding Dancer, you have the option to go to New York…and that’s where you compete to be the ultimate Outstanding Dancer,” explains Weber. Though she ultimately was not named the overall winner, Weber received a platinum ranking—the best ranking possible—for her performances at both the regional and national levels. “It was very good, and I’m pretty proud of myself,” reflects Weber. Looking forward to the future, Weber cannot wait to continue dancing, especially as she enters high school this year. “I’ve…never not wanted to go to dance,” Weber says, recalling her many years devoted to the sport. She knows that dance is definitely in store for her, possibly as a profession. “I’m starting to think that dance might be a career that I might want to pursue,” ponders Weber, “but I know that I [definitely] want to do it when I’m older [even if not as a career].” 14 // BGQ // October 2023
