Q: So, let’s get right to it! How long have you been a dancer?
A: I've been dancing since I was 2 1/2 years old!

Q: Oh, wow. So dancing has been a passion of yours for a very long time! Do you compete in a lot of competitions?
A: Yes, dancing is my passion and my life! The studio I'm at now goes to 4 competitions as a team each year, but I'm also attending two optional competitions with my solo! The first one is coming up on February 16th.

Q: Oh, that's very soon. Good luck! What is your favorite part of competing?
A: Oh man, I love almost everything about competition. Getting all your stage makeup on, your costumes, hanging out with friends, the anticipation before going onstage...but my favorite part is the feeling of being on stage. It's just...amazing! I love love love it.

Q: Wow, that sounds awesome. You mentioned before that you have scoliosis. Has that affected your dance career since the beginning or did it affect it later on?
A: I started developing scoliosis when I was 12, and it was because I was diagnosed with celiac disease when I was 9 years old. I was super malnourished and small, so once I started my gluten-free diet I grew super fast! Growing fast with weak bones tends to lead to curvature of the spine, AKA scoliosis. From my 12 year checkup to my 13 year checkup, my scoliosis had rapidly gotten worse, so I started getting x-rays on a regular basis and I did some physical therapy. At the end of 2010 I was told I had to have surgery and I had to have it soon. It was scheduled for December 20th, 2010 which meant I had to go on a medical leave from the dance competition team that year. But I knew I'd dance again. I never thought for a second that I wouldn't be able to dance. I just knew I would be able to and that is what got me through it all.

Q: Once again, wow. That's incredibly inspiring. I'm so glad it all worked out! Has Keystone helped you with both your health situation and dance career?
A: It really has! Besides being busy with dance and my health, public school was hard for me because I got bullied a lot. At Keystone I don't have to deal with those bullies! I also have chronic migraines so the florescent lights at school made them worse.

Q: Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. I agree that Keystone has many benefits. A lot of people have struggled with the same things. Would you say that you’re thankful for the challenges that you’ve had to face? Have they made you a stronger person?
A: If I hadn't had to face all of these health problems and challenges in life, I wouldn't be who I am today. My eyes are open so much wider because of it all, and I know what strength is now. You never know how strong you are until you are forced to be strong. But through it all, I've become a better person and closer to God!

Q: That's a great perspective to have! If you could say one thing to someone out there who is thinking about giving up on his or her dreams because of a health issue, what would you say?
A: Don't give up! There is a saying called NEGU and it means Never Ever Give Up! Remember, when you think you have it bad, someone out there has it worse than you. Also, remember that God will never give you something that you cannot handle, and that good will always come out of everything bad! Keep your chin up high and give your problems over to God. Also, it's amazing how many people you can end up helping who have the same problem!

Q: That's so true! All right, last question. If you were to choose your favorite memory that has to do with dance, what would it be?
A: Oh man, that is a hard one! Probably the first time I got a platinum! I have been to many different studios, but I finally found the one that is for me right before my surgery. We are a huge family and everyone is so kind and sweet. At competition last year, a few of our group dances got platinum many times (that's the highest you can get). I have never been in a group dance at any other studio that received a platinum so this was huge for me and the best feeling ever! Also, my studio does an all-nighter once a year where the competitive members stay all night at the studio and we play games and dance and eat. Those are some of my favorite memories because I absolutely love my team!

Q: That's awesome. Well, thank you so much for sharing your story, Stephanie. You're incredible. Good luck!
A: Thank you for interviewing me! I feel honored!

So, through strong-will and hope, Stephanie was able to continue her dream of being a dancer. You, too can overcome any challenge as long as you NEGU!