Kylie Davis, Aleah Sanders and Madison Cothern, from left, are teaching free dance classes at Brainerd Youth and Family Development Center after receiving a Disney Summer of Service Grant. They are kicking off the program with a free event at Brainerd YFD Monday, July 11 from 2-4 p.m.Standing 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 170 pounds, 13-year-old Madison Cothern is the largest student at her dance studio.
“She knows there’s not a lot of children that look like her, and that it’s not common to be a larger person in the dance and ballet world,” said Madison’s mother, Chasney Zulueta.
But Madison didn’t let her size, or her hearing impairment, prevent her from doing what she loves: ballet and modern dance.
Wanting other kids to have the chance to follow their passions as well, Madison asked if she and 13-year-old Kylie Davis, a friend who loves hip-hop dance, and cousin Aleah Sanders could teach free dance lessons to children at the Brainerd Youth and Family Development Center.
“I want to give back to the community and share my love for dance with others,” Madison said.
She applied for one of Disney’s Summer of Service grants, which award $500 to youth to turn creative ideas into projects that will positively impact their communities. Madison, who told her story of the obstacles she overcame to be a dancer and how she wants to help her community, is one of 340 youth to be awarded one of the grants.
Madison, Kylie and Aleah will be teaching dance classes at Brainerd YFD Wednesdays beginning July 13 from 1-2:15 p.m. each week.
“I want to make it so more kids feel comfortable dancing and feel comfortable with their talent and being different,” said Kylie.
On Monday, July 11, the community is invited to a free event to kick off the program at Brainerd YFD from 2-4 p.m. Papa John’s and Chick-fil-A have donated food, Memorable Events will be serving popcorn and snow cones, and a fire truck will be on-site, said Zulueta.
Sponsors are still being sought for the event, she added. Anyone interested can contact her at 400-1704.
Brainerd YFD is at 1010 N. Moore Road and can be reached at 425-3600.