Dancing her heart out
Gracelyn Anderson Jones pursues her passion for dance
By: Erin Saathoff
Gracelyn Anderson Jones, a junior at Doniphan-Trumbull, has spent much of her life pursuing the art of dance and shows no sign of stopping soon. She started dancing when she was 3, and now, at 17, she dances at the Just For Kix dance studio in Grand Island and is a member of the Cardettes Dance Team.
“Dancing makes me feel free in a way. When I'm dancing, either in practice or on stage, I can really just clear my mind, and it lets me be myself. It has helped my confidence grow in everything,” says Anderson Jones.
Not only does she have a passion for dancing, but she also has a talent for it. Over the years, she has earned many awards in different categories. Anderson Jones won the All-American award at the Cardettes dance team's NDA camp, along with many Outstanding Dancer awards. Some of the biggest awards she has earned include elite hip-hop national champions at Just For Kix, and this past year, she won national champion for her lyrical solo, which she dedicated to her grandma, who passed away recently.
“I put in tons of hours and work into this dance because my grandma was always there at all my dance competitions,” admits Anderson Jones. “Not only did I dedicate this dance to her, but I incorporated her through my uniform and song.”
As of now, Anderson Jones continues to work on dances for the Cardettes Dance team and the upcoming dance season at Just for Kix. At DT, Anderson Jones has been working on two routines for the state competition in February. At Just For Kix, she has a new solo and other group competitions.
The future plans that Anderson Jones maintains are outlined by her love of dance.
“For the future, I haven't decided if I'm gonna dance in college yet, but there's definitely a chance. If I don't, I will at least be a dance coach somewhere,” admits Anderson Jones. “As of now, my goals are to just continue to be a positive influence and help other people grow as well as myself.”
Anderson Jones has proved to have a large impact at DT and Just For Kix.
Ms. Brianna Dulitz Brown, the DT Dance Team coach says, “Gracelyn brings all the positivity, and she encourages her teammates to better themselves, push themselves, and try new things.”
Her goals and dedication to dance have largely impacted her life, and she will continue to put time into this sport, and her love will continue to grow.
“I've put lots of hard work into dance all my life, and as I've grown up and done more, I have loved it even more,” says Anderson Jones. “I don't know what I would be doing if I never started.”