15-year-old Jenna Bartholme loves to dance.
She started at the very young age of 2 as a student at Terri Newman’s Dance Shoppe in Waterford. Now, Jenna has turned her love for dance into a principle role in ‘The Nutcracker? at the Waterford Kettering High School Performing Arts Center.
‘Dance has always been a way of expressing myself,? said Jenna. ‘I think my heart has always been in dance.?
A Clarkston resident, with her mother Janie, father John and brother Gerrit, Jenna has participated in many productions including: Lakes Area Civic Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker,? Terri Newman’s Dance Shoppe’s annual production, and has competed in competitions at the regional and national levels.
With the holidays just around the corner, Jenna auditioned for a part in ‘The Nutcracker.?
?’The Nutcracker? has always been a way to share the holiday spirit with the community,? said Jenna. ‘I received the principle role of the Snow Queen.?
Jenna has performed in different productions of ‘The Nutcracker? since the fourth grade. Her hard work and participation landed her a spot on stage she deserved.
Once ‘The Nutcracker? closes, Jenna will participate in annual competitions in February, and will travel to many cities to perform her solo and group routines. Jenna has the training and the talent; however, she looks to her mentors for support.
‘I look up to Alison Moss of Clarkston,? said Jenna. ‘She choreographed my lyrical solo this year and has been an inspiration to me.?
Jenna accomplished many things in her dancing career, including recognition as ‘Junior Dancer of the Year 2002? and ‘Teen Dancer of the Year 2003.? She also won numerous scholarships to various dance studios throughout the United States.
‘I see many more days of dancing in my future,? said Jenna, a young lady with a graceful future.