Swept into the world of dance since the early age of three, varsity contemporary and hip hop dancer Tessa Good (10) has channeled her artistic talent into a rapidly rising career in dance.

Since her parents first signed her up, Good says she has “loved [dance] ever since.” 

Currently, Good dedicates three to five hours a day, six to seven days a week, to dance. Her passion shines both through her role in the school’s dance team and her individual dance journey.

“What I love most about dance is how it’s an outlet and I get to express emotion throughout it,” Good said.

This attitude is seen throughout many dancers. According to a UCLA health study, “Large percentages [of dancers] reported that conscious dance helped them let go of distressing thoughts.”

Using dance as a way to manage and convey emotions has helped Good in many aspects. She describes it as “something [she] can go to to get [her] mind off things.”

Good’s favorite styles of dance are hip hop and lyrical. As dance has become deeply interwoven into her identity. Good envisions a future in dance, with dreams of building a passionate career.

“I hope to join a dance team in college, major in dance, and go professional after,” Good said.

Despite competitive dancing’s physical demands, including back and foot injuries over the past few years,  Good has remained resilient, learning to “push through it and take care of [her] body” while building on her personal growth.

As dance has become deeply ingrained into many aspects of Good’s life, she treasures the many lifelong friends and memories made through her dance journey.

“Dance has impacted me by shaping me to be the person I am and I have met some of my closest friends doing it,” Good said.