Jaden Mooney is going over her choreography in a rehearsal for the Snow Queen taking place on February 16^th at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. At 13 years old, she’s landed her first lead role.

“It’s really a thing that I want to pursue in life, and it makes other people happy, it makes me happy," said Jaden.

And to become pro…dancing must make you happy, but getting there takes a big commitment to the craft.

“We call it dancing seriously because we have a set goal, and we know what we want to become,” said Abigail Wolschon, another dancer in the company.

Like Jaden, Abigail is serious about a dance career.

So at the studio, study in their designated homework room to help them stay focused. Many of these girls, like Jaden and Abigail, make the honor roll, are in AP classes, and have outside commitments.

Their days often start at 6:00 a.m. and end at nearly 9:00 p.m., but they wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“It’s worth it because school can only get you so far, it’s really important to have a life outside of school where you can really build character,” said Abigail

But the balancing act of school, a ballet company, and other activities might not be for everyone.

Dancers often times have to miss things like birthday parties, or playing sports.

Dancing in a company requires 15-20 hours per week outside of rehearsals for productions like The Snow Queen.

And their teachers understand what they give up, but also, what they gain in return.

“It takes commitment, but what dance, what ballet builds, is discipline that’s going to take these girls, oh past, right?! Beyond a career in dance. It’s going to make them successful in whatever career they choose,” said Abigail's teacher.

So whatever career these girls end up having, they will find a way to dance because they love it.

And Jaden and the Redondo Ballet Company will express their love for dance when The Snow Queen comes alive February 16^th.