Laurel Springs freshman and ballet dancer Sydney Qian knows working hard and giving 100% in preparation is essential when she’s training for competitions or studying for her coursework. Sydney Qian’s Laurel Springs journey started in seventh grade after attending traditional school for several years while ballet training in the afternoons. She quickly learned she needed a more flexible education, and chose to make the move to Laurel Springs to achieve her dream of becoming a ballerina. 

Sydney’s Dance Journey
Sydney began her dance journey at age nine by participating in recreational and casual dance classes. At first, Sydney’s involvement in dance was just for fun, but after attending a YAGP at age ten, she fell in love with the art form. She started getting more serious about ballet, and in 2022, she joined the Bear Valley Summer Intensive. From there, artistic director Ina Bayer saw real potential in Sydney’s dancing, and encouraged her to enroll in year-round training. 

Sydney’s intensive dance training paid off, because after competing in her first Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) with a solo en pointe, she received the Hope Award. This honor is given to dancers who excel in both classical and contemporary categories. “It was a huge milestone for me, especially since I had only two years of formal ballet training,” said Sydney. 

Currently, Sydney is enrolled in the day program at Bayer Ballet, allowing her to train for most of the day while balancing academics on her own schedule with Laurel Springs. She remains a competitor in YAGP competitions, most recently winning the Youth Grand Prix Award in the junior division. Like the Hope Award, this distinction is also given to dancers who excel in both classical and contemporary categories. 

Dance Passion and Growth Mindset
Sydney’s passion for dance and artistry has led her to take more risks on stage during competitions. Together with her dance teachers, they’ve been able to create routines that add more of her personality into her dancing, helping her to let go of perfectionism and lean into what makes her unique. “At a high technical level, artistry becomes what sets you apart,” she said. “I have been focusing on presenting myself in a unique way and expressing individuality, which I believe made a difference during my most recent competition.” 

After winning the junior division Youth Grand Prix Award, Sydney was able to not only get a boost of confidence, but also receive feedback from judges’ that will help her improve future dance performances. “While awards aren’t the most important part of a dancer’s journey, they help you understand your strength and areas for growth,” she said. 

Sydney knows resilience and perseverance are both essential in training and competition, and she strives to work hard and give 100% whenever she can. She knows if it’s meant to be, it will be, and enjoys getting to focus on creating the art she loves.

As most performers know, mental preparation for the stage is critical for success, especially during competitions. While Sydney still has nerves from time to time, she likes to focus on praying with her parents, breathing, relaxing, and listening fully to the music to become ready. “I remind myself that it’s a performance, not just a competition,” she stated. “My goal is to tell a story, not focus on being judged.” During competitions, she likes to treat each performance as an opportunity to tell a story. Whether it’s for a recital or in front of a room full of judges, her love for dance pulls her back to the moment, allowing her to focus on the moves. 

Sydney’s ultimate goal is to become a principal dancer with a company that tours the world. She plans to continue refining her technique and growing artistically, all while working hard and creating unique dances that reflect her personality and artistic style. 

Laurel Springs’ Impact on Sydney’s Dance Career
Sydney started at Laurel Springs in seventh grade, and as a third year LSS student, she’s been able to benefit from an education built around her needs. “Traditional schooling was stressful alongside my training schedule,” Sydney shared. “Laurel Springs allows me to structure school around dance. When preparing for competitions, I can adjust rehearsal hours and complete assignments at times that work best for me.”

Her favorite subject in English, and she’s been able to see her communication skills improve through online school. She’s continued to make friends at Laurel Springs and in dance spaces, growing socially in all aspects of her life. 

For student dancers interested in Laurel Springs, Sydney has some advice. “If you’re serious about training at a high level, having flexibility in your education makes a huge difference,” she said. “It requires responsibility and self-motivation because you’re given a lot of freedom. But if you’re disciplined and passionate about your goals, Laurel Springs can strongly support both academic and artistic growth.”

We are so proud of how far Sydney has gone in her dance journey, and can’t wait to continue to see her thrive! 

Interested in learning more about Laurel Springs and other students like Sydney?
Consider joining us for a Virtual Open House, where you can meet Laurel Springs staff, students like Sydney, and alumni! Our premier and accredited college-prep curriculum supports student dancers around the world, and we’ve consistently ranked as one of the top online private schools in the nation. To learn more about what current families have to say, view Laurel Springs School’s Niche page.

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