CORY HAMMOND

BROADWAY BOUND

BY ELLA KUNAR

From the time he could walk, Cory Hammond knew he wanted to dance. It was like breathing for him, his passion came so naturally.

Cory is currently a sophomore, but he plans to finish all his credits next year and graduate a year early so he can start his career on Broadway.

Cory has already done a lot to further his dance career. He already has an agent who will help him get paying jobs.

Cory plans to move to New York City after he graduates. Here, he plans to dance and attend school at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) performing arts college. He hopes to get a four-year degree at AMDA and to someday be on Broadway.

“I’m going to AMDA’s summer program, which will hopefully get me a good experience with the school,” Cory said.

Cory has been constantly training for this moment. He has been dancing since he was 4-years-old and has already made appearances dancing on TV and with professional dancers. Cory dances six days a week, threefive hours every day. He also has been going to dance conventions on the weekends where he can establish connections with other dancers and teachers and get more professional training. Additionally, Cory has been working on his singing to prepare for Broadway auditions.

Cory says his family is very supportive of him and his goals. His parents have known about his goals from a young age and have helped his ambitions become actions.

“As parents, you foster their desires to form whatever path your children want to follow,” Cory’s parents said.

Though Cory’s goal is following an untraditional career path, his parents have made sure Cory has been offered stability by continuing in-person high school until he graduates.

“While it would have been easier to have home schooled Cory to benefit his life path, the Granville education, music program and continued training at Patty’s Dance Center was a value factor that we wanted to protect,” Cory’s parents said.

His parents believe that the path he is currently taking offers him the best of both worlds. His parents also said that principal Matt Durst and school counselor Elizibeth Adams have been very supportive throughout this experience.

Cory has certain attributes that have made this career path realistic. Cory’s parents say that he is an over-

Cory poses for a “C Jump.” Cory is a skilled dancer who is determined to display his talents on Broadway. Photos courtsey of Argyle Photography

achiever and dislikes failure, causing him to meet all of his expectations. Cory’s dance teacher, Jeanette Kieffer, said that Cory’s attitude is an asset that will help him get further in his dance career.

“Cory is one of the most positive dancer’s I have taught,” Jeanette Kieffer said. “He is determined to get any challenge that comes his way.”

Not only is Cory’s attitude outstanding, but he is captivating when he dances. This will set him apart from other dancers.

“Cory is a force to be reckoned with when he dances,” Kieffer said, “He is a very technical and passionate dancer.”