At just 16, a Houston teen traded AP classes for an unexpected moment on one of the country\u2019s top ballet stages.<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 Sixteen-year-old Aubrey Daniels<\/a> has taken a remarkable leap in her ballet career<\/a>, going from Pearland to one of the most prestigious stages in the country.<\/p>\n Back in February, Daniels became the first Houston native in nearly a decade to compete in the renowned Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland. That experience opened unexpected doors.<\/p>\n \u201cI got a lot of different scholarship offers, and I talked to different ballet companies,\u201d Daniels said. \u201cIt really opened so many doors. That\u2019s what led to my summer being spent in Boston, and I made so many new connections.\u201d<\/p>\n Now, she\u2019s signed a professional contract with the Boston Ballet\u2019s second company \u2014 a rare milestone for someone her age.<\/p>\n
Daniels said she was \u201cabsolutely thrilled\u201d when she got the news.<\/p>\n \u201cI called my mom and I was, like, screaming. And I was so excited,\u201d she said. \u201cIt really changed my whole life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her path hasn\u2019t been easy. At just 16, Daniels has been balancing a rigorous training schedule \u2014 20 hours a week at the Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance in Houston \u2014 while also keeping up with full-time high school and Advanced Placement classes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt just never ends,\u201d she said with a laugh, noting that late-night homework often followed hours of training.<\/p>\n With her move to Boston, Daniels has transitioned to an online school program. She said it\u2019s bittersweet to leave Dawson High School and her friends behind but is grateful for the support she\u2019s received from Pearland ISD teachers.<\/p>\n
Because she is still a minor, her parents will rotate staying with her in Boston. Daniels thanked them for standing by her dream:<\/p>\n \u201cThank you so much for supporting my journey. I\u2019m so excited for what the future holds.\u201d<\/p>\n
For other young dancers looking up to her, Daniels offered one piece of advice:<\/p>\n \u201cMy main thing is dream big. My mom always taught me that you have to set ambitious goals for yourself, and that\u2019s how you will go far.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nA life-changing moment <\/p>\n
\nTraining and sacrifice <\/p>\n
\nFamily support <\/p>\n
\nInspiring other dancers <\/p>\n