An Introduction

Abigail Barr

Eighth Grade, Alabama Virtual Academy, ADT Member since 2015, received a full scholarship and attended Alabama Ballet 2017, received scholarship to Mobile Ballet, Andalusia Ballet and Huntsville Ballet accepted to American Ballet Theatre 2015, ACES 3rd place winner 2017.

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​When I was 4, I started dance classes in Atlanta. If I’m honest, I don’t remember much. I don’t really remember having a specific “ah ha!” moment, where I suddenly realized I loved to dance. It was more of a slow progression until I got to where I am now. Somewhere along the way, I realized how different my life would be without dance. I realized: I didn’t want to live that life. I found that it wasn’t just the steps, but the artistry and atmosphere that I loved.

I danced for the next several years. When we moved to Prattville, I enrolled in a local school. We soon left that studio for more intensive ballet training, which is what I preferred over jazz and lyrical. A friend introduced my family to this school, Alabama Dance Theatre. As soon as I got here, I decided that this was where I wanted to stay. ​

My first performance was the “ah-ha!” moment if I had to pinpoint it. I was in their 2011 “Mistletoe” performance, and I loved it. Every second of it was exciting. Anytime I would see my dance on the rehearsal board, I would practically squeal with excitement. I’m actually pretty certain that I was more excited for the cast list than Christmas that year! The performances were, and are now, my favorite parts of dance.

As I got older, I joined the ADT company. Even now, the cast list fills me with anticipation and excitement. Sometimes I’m looking for a company list, to see who made it, and other times I’m scanning over the cast list, looking for my name in the sea of dancers. I’ve learned through the years that it doesn’t matter where I am in the company or the cast. I’ve learned to enjoy all the parts that I’ve been given.

Dance is exciting. It leads you places you never thought you would go. Not only have I learned how to turn more than once, how to stand on my toes, or jump 3 feet in the air, but I’ve learned hard work and dedication. For me, that’s the best lesson I could take from dance. ​