News
Class of 2024 Senior Spotlight: Khamari McElroy, Brianna Voldeng and Calla Coonin
This year, three talented dancers who chose to make New Ballet their home studio are graduating and heading to college! We have loved getting to know these artists and watching them grow into the people they are today.
Khamari McElroy
Khamari began dancing with New Ballet through the Pathways Program at Dunbar Elementary when he was 5 years old. Many are drawn to his energy and understanding nature. He plans to attend the University of Memphis this fall to major in nursing. In addition to dancing, Khamari enjoys playing baseball and listening to music.
Khamari’s two favorite styles of dance are tap and ballet, and Petrushka is his favorite production. One of his most memorable performances was when he took the stage at the Orpheum. Additionally, he looks up to New Ballet alumnus and professional dancer Lil Buck. Khamari has been able to dance alongside him throughout his childhood, and he says it’s been amazing to see both of them grow as dancers.
New Ballet has impacted Khamari by making him mentally strong and giving him a healthy body, which also helps him in other areas of life like baseball. He loves how everyone feels like family, describing it as a positive environment where you can always depend on the people there, not just with dance but in all aspects of life. The one piece of advice Khamari would give younger dancers is to always think about the end result and not the current pain.
Brianna Voldeng
While she’s been dancing since the age of 3, Brianna joined New Ballet when she was 11 years old. Her peers describe her as bubbly, joyful, charismatic and friendly. This fall, she plans to attend the University of Arkansas to major in business and minor in interior design. Her dream job is to be a successful businesswoman. When she’s not at New Ballet, Brianna enjoys running and hanging out with her friends.
In addition to dancing at New Ballet, Brianna has trained with Roudnev Youth Ballet and Washington School of Ballet summer intensive. Her favorite styles of dance are ballet and contemporary. Her favorite New Ballet production is NutRemix™ where she performed as her favorite role — Clara.
Brianna’s favorite things about New Ballet are the people and community. To those who have never heard about New Ballet, she’d describe it as a close-knit community of artists who enjoy dance and help each other grow. A piece of advice she’d offer younger dancers is to focus on yourself and don’t worry about other people. She credits New Ballet for preparing her for the future by honing her communication skills and helping her learn to advocate for herself.
Calla Coonin
Calla started dancing at New Ballet when she was 5 years old. Her fellow students describe her as funny, honest, loyal and easy to talk to. She has plans to attend The George Washington University this fall as a math major and dreams of being a successful businesswoman one day. When she’s not at the New Ballet studios, Calla attends pilates classes, bakes and hangs out with friends.
In addition to her training at New Ballet, Calla has attended local studios. She loves to dance ballet, and her favorite production is NutRemix™. Additionally, her favorite role to dance at New Ballet is as a demi-soloist. To her, the best thing about New Ballet is show week!
Calla says her time at New Ballet has made her the dancer she is today. It prepared her to stay active, understand her body better and taught her commitment. If she could offer younger dancers one piece of advice, it’s to follow your own path and stay focused on your goals.
Congratulations, Khamari, Brianna and Calla! We have loved watching you grow with New Ballet throughout your childhood, and we are cheering you on in this next stage of your lives.
Posted by New Ballet at June 10, 2024