When Jane Grocoff was younger, she didn’t expect ballet to become such a big part of her life.
“I did [ballet] because my mom wanted me to do it,” Grocoff said. “But now I do it because I want to be doing it, and I actually love to do it.”
During her 13 years of ballet, she has learned how to keep pushing herself and set higher goals even when things become harder. This mindset changed what ballet means to her and how she adapts as she grows up. Her friends at ballet help motivate and push her to do her best.
“My friends at ballet are literally my best friends ever,” Grocoff said. “We all go through the same things together. If I’m really stressed about ballet and school, everyone at ballet will understand that.”
Out of all the great memories she has made through dance, one stands out to Grocoff: last year, before going on stage at a recital, she gathered backstage in a small circle with her friends.
“We all went around and said things to motivate us to make the dance really good,” Grocoff said. “It’s something we decided we were gonna do before every show, just come and be together before we went on stage.”
Looking toward the future, Grocoff hopes to keep performing ballet to some capacity, even if going to a professional level is not viable because of the difficulty.
“I’m definitely gonna keep it in my life,” Grocoff said. “I’m either going to double major in dance or have it as my minor, or just continue taking classes when I’m in college and then teaching dance later.”
One of Grocoff’s ballet inspirations has been Marianela Nunez, and Grocoff has looked up to her since she was a kid.
“I’ve been watching her since I was itty bitty, and I was always in awe,” Grocoff said. “She’s literally beautiful and amazing and perfect.”
Grocoff has dedicated lots of time to ballet, practicing 16 hours every week during the regular season and up to 19 during the Nutcracker season. Through this commitment, she has learned perseverance and discipline, and every year she gains more experience in supporting and reinforcing her passion for ballet by improving her skills, mindset and friendships.
