Devoted senior Kaley Casagrande is bound to turn heads as she sashays into her future at Muhlenberg College.

Casagrande’s commitment to dance sparked from a young age and quickly became a huge part of her life.

“My aunt told my mom to take me to try a class at 3 years old, and ever since then it’s all I have done,” Casagrande said. “It transformed itself from a hobby to a lifestyle.”

Aside from her dancing life, Casagrande stays busy in school while being involved in the Spanish Honor Society, Senior Class Cabinet, and by being a PE helper for the special education children.

As her time at Bangor comes to a close, Casagrande plans to attend Muhlenberg College as a dance major.

“I will do concentrations in dance education and arts business administration,” Casagrande said. “I plan on continuing to be a dance teacher, and running my own dance studio one day.”

Preparing for Muhlenberg, Casagrande plans to meet her goals by continuing to teach dance classes and take classes that will mostly benefit her.

“I also plan to shadow my current teachers to learn their teaching styles and how to run a studio,” Casagrande said. “I plan on being persistent in being a mentor and educator to young girls throughout college.”

Casagrande’s dedication, patience, and strength paid off as she was accepted into and attends the Joffrey Ballet School of Jazz and Contemporary Dance Intensive in New York City, one of her greatest accomplishments.

“I believe patience is key in the education part of my major. You have to be patient with everyone’s different learning process” Casagrande said. “I believe I am strong and determined as a dancer because of the way I was strictly trained.”

Casagrande’s inspiration sparked from her aunt’s passion for dance as she grew up watching her run her own business and mentoring young girls, aspiring to do the same thing one day.

“My aunt took her business into new heights, and is now more successful than ever and continues to flourish every year,” Casagrande said. “She found her love for dance as a child as well and I would not be the dancer I am today without her.”

Getting support from her friends and family has gotten Casagrande exactly where she wants to be.

“The support I receive from my family and Haakon means more than anything to me,” Casagrande said. “No matter how long the show or how far away they always are there to support me.”

With a bright future up ahead, Casagrande is sure to stay humble, kind, and dedicated no matter where life takes her.