Although freshman Autumn Steed was probably not someone students saw at any DGS football games, her dedication and passion for dancing has been nationally recognized.  

Her immense, five-hour a day, seven days a week, commitment to dance led her to win first place in the contemporary dance category, and fourth place in the classical dance category in January of this year at the Chicago Semifinals of the Youth America Grand Prix competition held at Dominican University in River Forest. She was then chosen to progress to the national level of this competition, which took place in New York in April.

Steed started dance, as well as rhythmic gymnastics, through the Downers Grove Park District at age 3. She continued rhythmic gymnastics until last year when she chose to leave gymnastics in order to further her dance career.

“It was…my time to dance,” Steed said. “It [is] just what I like to do more.”

Steed currently concentrates solely on dance. Her favorite genre of dance is ballet, although she also trains in modern dance.

Steed trains at the Academy of Dance Arts in Downers Grove and is coached by Sherry Moray, the founder and director of the academy. She understands that in order to achieve such a high level, she must be fully committed to her talent, even if this means she has to give up some hobbies normal teenagers take part in.

“I can’t go to the football game[s] or anything, or hang out with my friends all the time,” Steed said. “[But dance is] worth it.”

Although Steed’s social life is limited, her dedication has allowed her to accomplish a tremendous amount. Her 10-year rhythmic gymnastics career was quite successful. She competed in five regional competitions and qualified each time for the Junior Olympics, a national competition held each year.

During these Olympics, Steed was scouted for the Youth Elite Squad, which she joined in 2009 and remained on for three years. While on this squad, Steed trained at the Olympic training centers in Texas, New York and Colorado.

 Although she is done with her rhythmic gymnastics career, she has positive memories from her experiences, especially in regards to the Junior Olympics.

“I met a lot of new people…and I have [made] a lot of friends from [the competition],” Steed said. “It’s really [fun] because you travel all over the place.”

Currently, Steed is preparing for the upcoming Youth America Grand Prix in January. Moray describes this competition as “the Olympics for young dancers.” She has high hopes for Steed this year.

“She’s only been training seriously in ballet for about a year and a half,” Moray said. “Already, in the short period of time that she had trained, she was chosen to go the New York last year. I would be very surprised if she was not chosen again [this year].”

As Steed’s coach for four years, Moray is particularly impressed with Steed’s natural talent.

“She’s one of those people that are like a Mozart, like Beethoven. [She’s] gifted,” Moray said. “That’s God-given talent. You have to have a lot of natural gift in order to compete on the…world-wide stage.”

Steed hopes to continue to do just that.

“I am a member of the Academy of Dance Arts ballet and modern teams that compete at various times during the year,” Steed said. “But my daily training is to help me achieve my goal of becoming a professional ballerina.”

Although Steed has been highly committed, she believes that people are just beginning to realize the extent of what she’s doing.

“I think that many of my friends did not realize how serious I am in dance until they saw me at the variety show or pep assembly,” Steed said.  “It can be difficult to balance school and 30 hours of training each week. When I get a free moment I try to spend it with my friends or family, but it’s hard to find time.”

Moray hopes that the community will really understand how talented Steed is.

“Your school just got a very small taste of what she can do,” Moray said. “That’s only the tip of the iceberg of what she’s capable of.”

In addition, Moray calls on us to continue to support students in the arts.

“This kid puts in a ton of work, a ton of hours, besides all her schoolwork. She’s constantly training,” Moray said. “The school and the kids hopefully will continue to support her in any way they can, and root for her, just like they would for the football team. It would be nice if they’re rooting for kids that are in the arts, and doing these wonderful things.”

Through the long training hours, the traveling and the intense competitions, it can be seen that Steed truly loves to dance.

“I like dance because it is a way to express myself,” Steed said. “Dance is who I am.”