Darrion Sellman, 13 Opportunities for Learning Charter School Ballet Dancer
Proudest Accomplishment? Being invited to become a part of the Royal Ballet School International Scholars Programme. It accepts no more than 10 students worldwide per academic year to come to London. I am currently the only male American dancer participating. Second proudest accomplishment? Winning a bronze medal in the Junior Men’s division in the 2017 Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Finals held in New York. What drives you? I love the challenge of ballet—the precision and detail of it. It’s the fine art of making something that is difficult look easy and beautiful. What are you grateful for? My mom. She’s been there with me every step of the way. And for my training at Los Angeles Ballet Academy. It has opened up doors I never thought possible. Aspirations? To become a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet. Biggest challenge you’ve faced? I started dance at 6, and I was teased a lot. No one wanted to eat with me at lunch, and other boys wouldn’t let me play sports with them because I wasn’t “athletic.” At one point, I had to make a decision. I could let these kids take my dream away or I could follow it. I think I made the right choice.
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VENTURA BLVD | APRIL 2018