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Senior Spotlight - Rylie

Graduating Seniors
June 07, 2024•2 min read

Class of 2024 Spotlight - Rylie

With recital right around the corner, we are shining the spotlight on our graduating seniors one at a time. Today, we're thrilled to celebrate Rylie, who has danced in all styles and in Company at The Pointe. Rylie is a Marion HS Graduate and 6-year PSD dancer! She is an excellent role model for our younger dancers and has been an assistant teacher for many Dance & Discover classes!

This year, Rylie has competed in group dances and a solo. At recital, you'll see Rylie perform in these routines, plus her Graded Technique classes, and the Class of 2024's senior dance. In her own words, here are some highlights of her dance career and advice for younger dancers.

How long have you been dancing?

I have been at the pointe for 6 years but have been involved and in love with the sport for 15-16 years!

What is your favorite routine that you've performed?

My favorite was "Coming in Hot" by Miss Laura for Advanced Hip Hop!

Favorite dance memory?

When I first realized my love for preforming. I was around 6 and absolutely killed my hip hop routine! It was extremely rewarding as I had finally found something that made me feel complete.

Favorite genre of dance (and why)?

Hip hop and contemporary because the only task you have to complete is falling in love with the rhythm. Once you let yourself go, there is nothing else in the world but you.

I love dancing at The Pointe because....

Dance has the ability to bring out the best in people. You get to see what they love and sometimes feel what they have lost.

What are your plans (as of now) for after high school?

I will be attending Drake University to study pharmacology, Spanish, and ASL, and will be a member of the Drake Dance Team!

What advice would you give younger dancers?

Your skills and abilities may not last forever, but the passion you hold for this sport does. No matter how that last performance went or how “bad” you felt about a skill, as long as you gave your best and pushed yourself to do something great, that is all that matters. You are worth so much more than how high you can kick your leg. The heart in your chest is the true determinant of how great of a dancer you are. Be kind to others and be kind to yourself. Patience with progress :)

Miss Vanessa is the owner and director of The Pointe School of Dance. She has been sharing her passion for dance and mentorship with students for over 10 years. In addition to teaching at the studio, Vanessa has taught and choreographed for a variety of dance programs and performing groups throughout Iowa. Her choreography has won several “Best Choreography” and “Judges Choice” awards. She is the founder and director of The Pointe School of Dance. Vanessa is also the founder of The Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. In addition to her work at the studio, she is dedicated to improving the dance industry by serving as a Certified Coach for Youth Protection Association for Dance and More Than Just Great Dancing. Outside of her work, Vanessa lives with her husband, Dan, who is a band director at Linn-Mar High School and their son, Ray.

Vanessa Terrell

Miss Vanessa is the owner and director of The Pointe School of Dance. She has been sharing her passion for dance and mentorship with students for over 10 years. In addition to teaching at the studio, Vanessa has taught and choreographed for a variety of dance programs and performing groups throughout Iowa. Her choreography has won several “Best Choreography” and “Judges Choice” awards. She is the founder and director of The Pointe School of Dance. Vanessa is also the founder of The Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. In addition to her work at the studio, she is dedicated to improving the dance industry by serving as a Certified Coach for Youth Protection Association for Dance and More Than Just Great Dancing. Outside of her work, Vanessa lives with her husband, Dan, who is a band director at Linn-Mar High School and their son, Ray.

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