One of the conservatory's prima ballerinas is principal soloist Andrea Jiles, 17. She first donned ballet slippers at the age of 2. While she made each move seem effortless and weightless during her performance, she also concentrated on her form. At one point Lemus had to remind her to smile. Andrea's mother, Dee Jiles, who once worked as a ballet teacher herself, sees wonderful benefits for her daughter both physically and mentally in mastering the art of ballet.
Dance is also an excellent form of discipline for the mind.
This summer Andrea will attend the Boston Conservatory on a scholarship. I just love to dance. She and her husband are former ballet dancers. She said the conservatory offers a high level of training and performance opportunities.