Dancer Spotlight: Kestrel Graham-Lavine
For Kestrel Graham-Lavine, dance has been part of her life for nearly as long as she can remember. Now 11 years old and entering her eighth year of dance training, Kestrel continues to find joy, friendship, and personal growth through her experiences at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. Kestrel's introduction to dance came from close to home. After watching her older brother Wesley dance, she decided she wanted to give it a try herself. Years later, she's still discovering new reasons to love being in the studio. Among the many styles she has studied, lyrical dance stands out as her favorite. She is drawn to its emotional quality and the opportunity it provides to tell stories through movement. As Kestrel explains, "I like lyrical because you can put a lot of emotion into it." In fact, when asked which dance style best represents her personality, she chose lyrical without hesitation. While performance skills are an important part of training, Kestrel says one of the biggest changes she's noticed is in herself. Dance has helped her build confidence, especially when it comes to expressing emotions. What once felt challenging now comes more naturally, allowing her to communicate feelings and personality through movement in ways that words sometimes can't. Reflecting on that growth, she simply says, "Dance has made me feel more confident." Just as important as the dancing itself is the community she's found at TCFA. Kestrel describes the community as her favorite part of the program and enjoys learning alongside her classmates. She also appreciates the instructors who encourage dancers to keep growing and developing their skills. That supportive environment helps young dancers discover leadership opportunities as well. Kestrel recalls helping a fellow student improve their technique, a small but meaningful moment that reflects the collaborative spirit of the program. By sharing knowledge and encouraging others, dancers learn that leadership can take many forms. Whether she's rehearsing, performing, or working alongside her peers, dancing brings Kestrel happiness. "Dance helps me express my personality," she says. This year, she's excited to keep learning. With her growing confidence, willingness to help others, and love of creative expression, Kestrel is a wonderful example of how TCFA's dance program helps young people develop as artists, leaders, and individuals.
