June 2004 - Andrew Ranshaw

Years Dancing: 7 years
Specialties: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip hop

My name is Andrew Ranshaw and I am in the 5th grade at Pope John XXIII Catholic School. My greatest passion in life is dancing. I hope to some day be a dancer and choreographer.

I started dancing at the age of 3. When I was six years old I auditioned for the performing company at my studio, Dance Motion Performing Company and made the company as an apprentice. Since that time I have continued to dance about ten hours a week. I have danced in many competitions and traveled to nationals. I have performed in the Ballet Arizona's Nutcracker and my studio's holiday ballet. Each year my studio puts on a company show at the Orpheum, similar to a Broadway show and I have danced there for four years now. I dance in a solo, and I have a duo partner and do group numbers.

Sometimes people ask me how did I start dancing? My mom says since I was little I danced in my crib to the music my mom would play in my room. Sometimes people think it is hard to be a boy and let your friends know that you are a dancer. I am also a gymnast and a member of Arizona Sunrays Boys gymnastic team. I work on strength and flexibility everyday. When I go to P.E. class at school the boys are sometimes amazed at my strength and how high I can jump. So they realize dance is a sport much like their football, baseball and basketball.

I have two sisters who dance also. My one sister and I have the same birthday. We are a year apart. She is my tap duo partner. My other sister is 7 and in precompany. I have tumbled and competed with my sisters cheer team. The X-Treme team.

Dancing has given me many opportunities and makes me feel good about who I am. I have won scholarships to conventions that I would have never been able to attend. I have a 3.7 GPA and do well in school even though I am at dance or gymnastics every night. I even dance on the weekends.

If any guy wants to start dancing they should go for it, what a great way to live out your passion for music and dance. Be extra nice to your parents who take you to all the classes and conventions.

My mom says may I always have happy feet.