Many mothers sign up their young toddlers for ballet class as an outlet for both energy and creativity. But not many of these prancing youngsters continue this artistic path for fourteen years, as senior Clarissa Gandolfo has.

Gandolfo began studying ballet when she was four, but now maintains a rigorous training schedule where she practices four hours a day, six days a week. She’s in a program at the Washington School of Ballet, which requires her to have an abbreviated schedule. She leaves school immediately after seventh period.

“I started [dancing] because just like every other little girl I wanted to twirl in a pink tutu,” Gandolfo said. “I would walk around the house on my tip-toes all the time, so my parents thought it was a good idea to enroll me in ballet classes.”

Since her freshman year, Gandolfo has been in the Professional Training Program at her ballet school. Students from all over the world, ranging in age from 14 to 20, participate in the demanding class. The combination of ballet and the stress of school can be difficult, Gandolfo said.

“It is very challenging balancing my ballet schedule with academics, especially at a school like Whitman were academics are important and classes are tough,” Gandolfo said. “Since I have been dancing for so long, I have learned how to manage my time a little bit better but still during times when I am preparing for a performance or am doing college apps or exams, it can be stressful.”

Since the age of 10, Gandolfo has danced in the winter classic, The Nutcracker.

“The Washington Ballet performs [the show] the whole month of December so while it is certainly a stressful time, it is also a great way to get into the holiday spirit,” Gandolfo said. “I always love an opportunity to perform.”

Gandolfo’s family has also expressed admiration for her dedication to dance.

“I think it’s really special that somebody can perform so many different roles and still remember their various combinations,” said her sister, junior Aya Gandolfo.

Gandolfo’s passion for dance is not only shown through her dedication to the art, but also through her views on dance itself.

“I love the feelings of freedom and serenity that I get when I dance,” Gandolfo said. “I feel like a different person and I don’t care at all about others’ opinions of me, except my ballet teacher’s.”

Gandolfo’s feelings surrounding dance is one reason she has a hard time picturing a future without the activity.

“I do want to continue dance after high school,” Gandolfo said. “I think that since I have been dancing for so long, it has become such a large part of who I am, so it would definitely be incredibly difficult for me to quit.”