For some, dancing simply means moving your body along to music. But for freshman Sydney Hall, it’s a way of life.

Hall started dancing when she was seven years old. She found a role model in her then babysitter, Haven alumna Jenna Beucler ’19.

“Watching her at a young age was such a great inspiration to me,” Hall said. “I like to think I’m following in her footsteps of dance.”

From there she joined the Parkside Academy of Music and Dance. She is now a part of the competition team, Parkside Performing Arts Company.

Hall practices three styles of dance: tap, jazz, and ballet. Although she enjoys dancing to tap the most, she especially loves being able to participate in The Nutcracker every year.

“I remember the second year I did it, I was a little reindeer who got to pull the sleigh that Clara and the Nutcracker are in at the end of the production,” Hall said. “Looking back on that, it was just so cute. And now seeing the reindeer every year, I’m like, ‘How was I ever this small? they’re just so cute!’”

On top of dance practice twice a week with The Nutcracker rehearsal in the fall, Hall is also part of Dance Haven and the cast of the Haven musical, Alice by Heart. 

“It’s usually difficult to have an off day, just where you can’t really do the things you normally can,” Hall said. “And it’s usually a struggle facing that.”

Around the studio, Hall is known for her upbeat attitude, encouraging nature, and skillful dance.

“She’s very joyful,” Hall’s teammate and freshman Chloe Christianson said. “She always has a good energy and a good vibe when she comes to dance. She’s just always so happy.”

Sophomore Holly Cari has been dancing with Hall for years. To her, Hall is not only a teammate but also a friend. Throughout the years, they have made memories not only in the studio, but also in the car.

“We would carpool to dance when we were younger, and we had this game called Neanderthals,” Cari said. “We had cards for it, but we started making up our own version. We’ve just been doing that in the car ever since.”

Hall’s favorite part is not the dancing itself, but the people.

“I just really love the community that dance has helped me find,” Hall said. “All the girls and all the teachers are just so supportive. It’s just really amazing that I can dance and just have fun and express myself.”