A Shining Light That Doesn’t Need a Spotlight
For a person that describes herself as shy and introverted, the idea of a spotlight shining brightly on just you might seem overbearing. But for soon to be graduate and self-described shy gal Abigail Panter, that will be the case next Thursday night when she gets the solo spotlight at our annual spring dance showcase Wanderlust.
“I am shy,” admits Abigail. “I’m an introvert.” Many of her teachers simply call her quiet.
Shy, quiet, and introverted are not personality traits that would seem to go with spotlights and being the center of attention in such an expressive medium as dance, especially dance solos. Yet here she is.
Abigail, a 3-year member of dance department’s top tier Dance Company, had a solo spotlight in last winter’s dance showcase where she danced a stunningly captivating performance of “Found.” And the spotlight is heading her way again next Thursday night with her solo of “Sailboat.”
So how does she feel about this? She can’t wait!
Dance is one form of communication she feels comfortable with. “I’m introverted and not great at speaking interpersonally. But through the things I do like dance and art - I can communicate to people, and I hope people see what I am trying to project. It’s a message.”
What is the message? The message is that a quiet, shy girl can also be boldly confident. It shows that you do not need to talk or seek attention to express yourself or be noticed. She is a smart but humble person that sets ambitious goals and has a clear plan to achieve those goals. And all this comes across in the way she carries herself.
When you see Abigail dance, you are not seeing a different part of her. You are seeing the essence of her. An essence that is conveyed by actions and an overall attitude, not words. When you look at her artwork, you get the same message. It’s bold and ambitious, not on a surface level, but a deeper level - just like her.
The message Abigail sends is clear to anyone that looks her way. Whether you’re in the spotlight or not, you can always be a shining light for others to see. No center stage - or spotlight - needed.
Abigail Panter is a senior at Heritage Academy Maricopa. She has been a member of Dance Company for 3 years and is also an accomplished artist and writer. She also serves our community by teaching Sunday School at her dad’s local Grace Fellowship church. After graduating she will enroll at the University of Arizona to study Interior Design. Whatever she does, I know she will shine brightly.
John Hill is a dual enrollment English teacher at Heritage Academy Maricopa. He has watched Abigail shine on the dance stage, in his class, at the art gallery, at church, and in everything she does both in and out of the spotlight.
