ST. JAMES – For 43 years, Dance Arts Development Center (DADC), with locations in Islip Terrace and St. James, has been dedicated to building students’ self-esteem through dance and movement across Long Island. Over the years, the studio has continued to grow into a standout force in the competitive dance world, and this season has been no exception.
The studio is home to many extraordinary dancers who continue to shine both on and off the stage, but this year, one young competitive dancer in particular has touched the hearts of those around her.
Mia Schmidt, of Stony Brook, at only 12 years old, has been making an impact not only in the classroom but also through her emotionally charged performances on stage. After losing her father last year, Mia turned to dance as an outlet, using movement to tell her story.
Now, exactly one year later, she has dedicated her first lyrical solo to her father, a powerful performance that showcases not only her incredible talent but also her strength, resilience, and passion for dance.
With her lyrical solo titled “Can You Hear Me?”, Mia said this performance holds a deeper meaning than any she has done before. Through the dance, she feels she can speak to her dad once again.
Growing up, Mia said her father always encouraged her to strive to be the best she could be while also remembering to enjoy the journey. Now, every time she steps onto the stage, those words are what run through her mind.
She shared that she believes her father would be proud of her for stepping outside of her comfort zone with a lyrical solo, especially since she is usually most comfortable performing styles like jazz. Through the emotional performance, Mia has been able to channel both her love for dance and the memories she shared with her father into something truly meaningful.
When Mia spoke with The Messenger, she reflected on what she hopes audiences take away from her performance of “Can You Hear Me?”
“I hope people can feel how deeply I love and miss my dad and how much I wish he were still here,” she said.
Mia has been practicing both her lyrical solo, “Can You Hear Me?”, and her second solo, a jazz number, alongside the rest of her competition dances since the end of the summer.
She and the rest of her dance team recently competed in two back-to-back competitions, first taking the stage at Port Jefferson Middle School for Legacy Dance Champions, followed by this past weekend’s DanceXplosion competition at East Islip High School.
At both competitions, Mia and her team earned numerous awards, proving they came ready to perform and leave their mark on the stage. The studio also received the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award and the Legendary Impact Studio Stand Out Award, further highlighting the team’s hard work, dedication, and strong presence throughout the competition season.
During the second competition, DanceXplosion, Mia placed in both of her solo categories. Most notably, she earned second place in her category for her emotional lyrical solo dedicated to her father. The accomplishment was especially impressive considering the size and level of competition at the event, which featured some of the top dance studios from across Long Island. The competition was so large that it was extended to four days instead of its usual three, making Mia’s placement even more of an achievement.
Mia said she has been dancing with Dance Arts Development Center for the past five years and has leaned on her dance family as an important part of her support system throughout her journey.
She shared that everyone at DADC means so much to her and expressed her gratitude for all they have done to support her growth as both a dancer and a person.
Award-winning hip-hop teacher at DADC, Stephanie Osnard, has taught Mia for the past four years at Dance Arts Development Center, said Mia’s passion and natural ability stood out from the very beginning.
“From the very first day, it was clear she is a natural performer, born to dance,” Osnard said. “What sets her apart, however, is not just talent but determination, as she remains eager to learn and committed to improving every day.”
Osnard also reflected on Mia’s strength over the last year, noting that just two weeks after the loss of her father, Mia returned to the stage to compete.
“Mia is resilient, powerful, and deeply artistic, truly a young performer to watch,” she said. “She continues to inspire her teachers, her teammates, and everyone who has the privilege of seeing her dance.”
Mia said she hopes to continue pushing herself as a dancer and challenge herself by stepping outside of her comfort zone in future performances.
Looking ahead, she also has long-term goals of using her skills and experience to one day teach others how to dance, sharing the same passion and love for the art that has meant so much to her throughout her life.
Through her dedication, strength, and passion for dance, Mia continues to make an impact both on and off the stage. She has taken her emotions and transformed them into a beautiful tribute to her father, something only a true dancer can express through movement. Surrounded by the support of her teammates and dance family at DADC, her performance became more than just a competition routine; it became a heartfelt message from Mia to her dad. As her journey continues, there is no doubt she has a bright future ahead in the dance world.
To learn more about Dance Arts Development Center, visit their website at www.danceartsli.com.
