Meet Paisley, a 15 year old girl from Field High School, a girl driven by passion and her goals. Paisley is a strong and skilled dancer, and also a budding photographer. Her passion for photography is comparable to that of Davinda's. When you see her out and about she’s likely to have a camera in her hand. She is a testament to the power of following your heart, working hard, and creating your own path.
A Dancer Through The Years
Paisley’s relationship with dance began when she was just 2 years old, and over the years, it has grown into a full-blown love affair. She’s trained in a variety of styles—ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, and pointe—each offering its own unique challenge and beauty.
Paisley started with ballet and then expanded to jazz, tap and lyrical; eventually leaving ballet and tap, but continuing with jazz and completely falling in love with lyrical. Paisley has recently decided to pick up pointe and is working hard to perfect her skills in that style of dance as well.
When asked about her favorite memory through her years of dance, Paisley said, "My favorite memory would be the year we had an outdoor performance. A lot of girls couldn't make it, so it was just me and one other girl that did that dance." Whether she’s performing a delicate pointe performance or lyrical recital routine, every step she takes is a reflection of her heart and soul. It’s a passion that’s driven her since she was young and continues to inspire her every day.
Paisley revealed that she is driven by dance and the emotion she can put into it. She has been a dancer for so long, allowing her to make a strong relationship with her teacher and have someone she can talk to when she needs it. But also having a place to escape reality and allow her thoughts to float away for a while.
A Role Model: Melanie McIntyre
When asked who her dance role model is, Paisley doesn’t hesitate: Melanie McIntyre. A name known to many in the dance community, Melanie is a dancer who embodies the skill and artistry that Paisley admires most. From her precision on stage to her ability to make every movement seem effortless, Melanie has long been a source of inspiration for Paisley.
“I’ve always looked up to her as a dancer,” Paisley shares. “She’s a very good dancer, and seeing her posts on social media really inspired me to try a new style of dance.”
Paisley’s admiration for Melanie goes beyond just her technique. It’s the way she carries herself, her dedication to the art of dance, and the grace with which she approaches everything she does. It’s that same drive and commitment that Paisley strives for in her own dance journey.
Like Father Like Daughter
While dance is Paisley’s first love, she’s also developed an interest in photography, thanks in part to the influence of her father. Paisley’s father is the publisher of Portage Sports, capturing the action and intensity of athletes in motion through words. Inspired by his work, Paisley has started helping him out by photographing all the games he writes about. Giving her the chance to learn the ins and outs of photography along the way.
Although Paisley doesn’t plan on attending college, she’s committed to honing her craft through hands-on experience and further education in photography. Once she graduates, Paisley is ready to find a job and get to work. While she isn't completely sure if she wants to be an independent photographer or work for a company, she knows she wants to be a sports photographer.
Not only has she gained experience from her job, but she believes it has helped her become more outgoing too. "Every week when we get to the stadium or gymnasium," she said, "I meet new people and make new friends while waiting for the game to start."
Paisley’s passion for photography goes beyond capturing just the action on the courts and fields—we love that she also captures memories with friends along the way. Traveling to many different schools, she always seems to find one of our Teen Team girls at most games she attends, and she makes a point to snap a photo to celebrate their bond. Through these moments, Paisley is a true ambassador for what Teen Team is all about: promoting camaraderie, building friendships, and spreading positivity wherever she goes.
Balancing Work and Passion
While she’s still immersed in the world of dance, Paisley has also been working with her dad. The job has given her a unique perspective on photography, allowing her to work alongside her dad, learn the technical side of the craft, and discover new ways to capture motion. Paisley shared that, "It's not only the picture taking that I like, but I like having the one on one time with my dad."
Paisley’s work ethic and dedication to both her passions—dance and photography—show just how deeply committed she is to achieving her goals. Even though she’s not planning on pursuing a traditional college route, Paisley’s focus on learning, growing, and honing her skills is what will set her apart in whatever she decides to do. For the next few years though we are excited to keep her right here with us!!!
So cute Paisley!!