Senior Anna Grace Molinari doesn’t just appreciate the art of dancing, but is able to bring herself and others joy by producing it. Anna Grace has been stunning audiences since the age of 8. For 10 years now, she has been a part of Above the Barre Dance Academy, and through her studio she has been able to take part in many valuable workshops. Some of them include Millennium Dance, Street of Dreams, and Denise Wall Dance Energy. This past summer, she also had the opportunity to travel to California for Dancerpalooza. Her talent and passion combined with her extreme work ethic and dedication give her the ability to create beautiful stories to music.

Q: Out of all the arts and sports, what made you choose dance?

A: I chose dance because it’s a mixture of arts and athletics, and it’s enjoyable to watch and perform.

Q: What is your first dance “memory?”

A: Going the wrong way on stage at recital, opposite what everyone else was doing, when I was 4.

Q: Who choreographed your favorite dance, and why was it your favorite?

A: Kim Munn, my studio owner, choreographed a jazz solo for me this year. I am strongest with that dance, and it is my favorite.

Q: Which style do you like the best?

A: I like jazz and contemporary the best by far because they are both so fun to dance.

Q: Which dance instructor has had the most powerful influence on you?

A: My dance teacher Sara Cato Bailey has influenced me by teaching me how to really work hard in dance.

Q: Name one of the hardest things you have had to work on to improve your dancing?

A: I  used to struggle with turns, and I still have to practice them every day to keep up my turn technique.

Q: What are some of your greatest dance accomplishments or awards?

A: Last year, I placed overall at the Platinum National Dance Competition and got good scores for my solo. I also was on the All Iowa dance team.

Q: Have you had to make any sacrifices to pursue this talent?

A:  Yes, I don’t have a lot of free time like other people, and I cannot do other sports because of dance.

Q: Do you plan to try out for a dance team in college?

A: Yes, I plan to do the St. Ambrose dance team.

Q: What is advice you would give to young or new dancers?

A: You can never work too hard. And always remember that when things do get difficult, they will eventually improve in the future.