teen spotlight
photography by Lauren Childs
stats
14, Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
notable
Danced for 3 years, Promoted to pointe work, Alabama Dance
Theatre for classical ballet, Animal rescuer, Babysitter
her motto
“I don’t say I can’t. I say I will.”
how it began
After moving to Alabama, it didn’t take long for Kathryn Lindsey
to dance into her passion for the arts. Shortly after enrolling in
Baldwin Magnet, she began taking ballet and has since taken on
modern dance and jazz and taken classes at the Alabama Dance
Theatre for classical ballet. She has even been promoted to pointe
work in ballet and is auditioning for the company at the Alabama
Dance Theatre.
Kathryn is dedicated to her craft, dancing nine times a week
during the school year and four times a week during the summer.
For fun, she’s also choreographed a few dance numbers for
various school performances.
Dance isn’t her only love. About five years ago, her and her
mom rescued two cats from the pound, and three years later
adopted two additional dogs. She also babysits triplets
throughout the summer.
what’s next
After high school, Kathryn would love to try out for Julliard and
pursue a career as a professional dancer, but, “I think it’s
important to have a backup plan and a career so I can take care
of my family,” she said. For that reason, and combined with her
love for animals and math, she’d like to become a veterinarian.
kathryn lindsey
PG (parental guidance) rating
Kathryn counts her family as her biggest supporters, noting that
her mom has “always been supportive of my goals and
aspirations.”
Some helpful advice that has stuck with her over time was the
encouragement to have faith in yourself and your purpose.
Montgomery, AL
parents’ perspective
Kathryn continues to impress her mom Shawna Lindsey with her
drive and ability to manage responsibilities. “She amazes me every
day. During the school year she dances a minimum of nine times
a week, while also excelling in her studies and staying active in her
youth group,” she said. Shawna is a single mother who has done her
best to demonstrate to her daughter that “the seemingly impossible
is completely possible with desire, dedication and determination.”
parent-to-parent
“While it is important to allow your child to become their
own person, never stop providing boundaries and
guidance,” said Shawna. “Some would say I run a tight
ship. We have rules, responsibilities and consequences for
poor decision-making. We don’t do things halfway. Something
worth doing is worth doing right.”
34
www.potentialmagazine.com