Sophie Nugent
Sophie began dancing at the age of seven. Kaitlyn entered her dance education and saw potential in her. According to Sophie, ”Kaitlyn encouraged me to achieve everything I have thus far in my life and to always strive for more.” Sophie has been with The Independent Dance Project since the beginning, when she was one of only four students. Sophie thinks IDP is a welcoming environment for all dancers to improve their training in multiple styles. “IDP is my home away from home and I couldn’t imagine living without everyone at the studio. Dance is very important to me and it’s very important to be surrounded by positive and supportive people who want you to thrive and improve,” Sophie says. She believes that her teammates and everyone at IDP have positive intentions and want to see every student improve while having fun. “Words can’t describe how thankful I am for Kaitlyn and all her studio as done for me as a dancer and a person!”
Simone Maher
Simone Maher is an intermediate dancer at the Independent Dance Project (IDP). She came to IDP when she was 10 years old, at the very beginning of 2015. Lots of her friends danced, and she became interested too. Compared to her friends she felt old to begin dance; most of her friends had started lessons in preschool. So immediately Simone was nervousshe was worried wasn’t going to be good enough, or she was going to be put in a class with people much younger than her. After her first dance class at IDP, she realized she wasn’t too old to start dancing because there were lots of beginner dancers even at her age. She began taking a jazz class, and then quickly started picking up more and more classes. After 3 years of dancing, she is taking around seven classes a week and has two rehearsals for competition teams. The teachers at IDP helped my catch up, and taught me to enjoy dance. Her twin sister joined IDP shortly after her. Simone didn’t compared to her twin, instead she felt that the teacher at IDP let them shine in different ways, and with the variety of classes, she and her sister were able to branch out into different styles. With the faculty help along the way, dancing at IDP not only became a passion for Simone, it boosted her confidence and introduced her to many friends and role models. “IDP makes an environment open to everyone,” says Simone. “They take all levels of dancers across a variety of ages, and coach them along the way. With the incredibly amazing and supportive teachers, you learn an art that helps you express your emotions and let go in a free space that allows you to be, and enjoy yourself.”
Natalie Santilli, age 10
Natalie joined the IDP dance family 3 years ago. Her parents think was the best decision they could have made for Natalie’s love of dance. Her journey began with Kaitlyn welcoming her to be a part of the competitive jazz team. Through Kaitlyn’s dedication and guidance over the past three years Natalie has made tremendous growth, has gained confidence, a strong love for dance, discipline, focus, and proper training. Natalie’s mother is in awe over the technique that Natalie has been learning at IDP. Because all of her teachers’ patience, guidance, and support Natalie has continuedto enjoy adding more dance classes each year.
Three years ago she started with ballet and jazz, and now she loves taking ballet, jazz, contemporary, tumbling, and being on two competitive teams, as well as working on a solo. When Natalie is dropped off at the studio excited to dance, and picked up smiling, loving all of her time spent at IDP. Most recently, Natalie went home excited to add a prepointe ballet class. It is only through IDP’s amazing training that Natalie could have made this many strides in just three years. Natalie’s parents are excited to watch Natalie dance and enjoy being a part of the IDP family for many more years to come!
Lilly Cameron, age 7
Four years ago Lilly’s mom decided that she wanted her daughter to dance. Lilly was three years old at the time and was always dancing around the house. Her mom emailed five different studios in the area and Kaitlyn was the only studio director to email her back and even within a 24 hour time period. She never did hear back from theothers and IDP got her business! Lilly started back when IDP was a one room studio in downtown Milwaukie.
Lilly’s mom has watched her daughter grow into such a beautiful dancer at almost the age of seven. Lilly is currently on the Minis dance competition team, taking two classes a week, jazz and ballet plus a thirty minute rehearsal. What she has loved most about the studio is that Kaitlyn has high expectations of her dancers but also a kind and gentledemeanor. Of Kaitlyn and IDP, Lilly’s mom says, “Kaitlyn is so graceful with the girls andI have loved watching Lilly grow into the dancer she is becoming. I am big supporter and fan of Kaitlyn, her studio, and the little family we have there.”
Emma Wilson, age 4
Emma joined IDP right after her 3rd birthday. She wanted to be a ballerina fairy princess and her parents wanted her in an activity that would teach her patience and focus. She’snow been with the program for over a year and has developed a passion for ballet (and tumbling). Also she has developed a new level of self control and determination. Emma loves the instructors and all the wonderful students she has met. Her parents are immensely grateful they found IDP and are looking forward to many more seasons!