When it comes to the dance life, sophomore Meaghan LaBrecque is almost professional with her various competitions, shows, and long practices.

It is hard for her to believe that only eight years ago she stepped forward on to a path that has seriously affected her life in many ways.

“Dance is pretty much my life. I breathe, eat, and sleep dance,” the sophomore stated.

Meaghan is currently dancing at 5-6-7-8 Dance Studio in Dracut. She practices everyday, including weekends, for long hours. She practices various forms, such as solo and with a group of dance partners. She is critiqued and made better by her dance teacher, Ms. Jennifer Coughlin, or as Meaghan calls her, Ms. Jen.

When competing with other people, Meaghan takes it as serious as possible. She has competed in several competitions. Over the past year, she has competed in the New York Danz Jam, where she placed first in solo, and in the IDC Nationals, which she placed 12th out of 60 girls. Other competitions she takes part in are IDC and ADA Headliners. Currently, she is rehearsing for Dance Ovations, which will take place at Merrimack College in just a few weeks.

A few months ago, Meaghan took a leap onto the Broadway experience of dance life by starring in Jose Mateo’s “The Nutcracker,” in Boston.

She was chosen because of her great audition, and was granted the privilege of performing side by side on the same stage as real Broadway dancers.

“It was exciting to see the principle dancers, who are professional dancers, be in the same room as me. It was also just as exciting to be on the same stage as them, and be directed by Jose Mateo,” she said.

Meaghan was given the part of an angel. Jose Mateo, a professional director of Broadway musicals, is known for his “strict” methods, and demands perfection. He was known to say such lines as, “There’s never almost, theres only perfect.”

With her intense dedication to dance and rehearsal, Meaghan is somehow still able to spend some time on the other things that mean just as much to her, such as family and friends.

“She can never really hangs out with us a lot due to her dance, but when does, it is always special,” said sophomore Frances Duncan.

“I cherish every moment that she is with me,” sophomore Sam Mullin added, on the time she spends with Meaghan.

All the hard work and effort pays off for Meaghan, as she is truly an amazing dancer and shines in front of the crowd. She is something worth seeing and can be seen competing in various dance competitions in the surrounding areas.