Our Alumni Share: What It’s Like to Dance at TRAC
We asked our beloved graduates of the RAA (Railpath Arts Academy) Competitive Program to share what it’s like to dance at TRAC. Below are reflections from past students who made a lasting mark on our studio as both dancers and teammates. We look forward to continuing to grow this collection of meaningful stories.
Photo by Marlowe Porter
Eda Ibbott - 2025 Graduate
As a recent graduate of the RAA 4 competitive dance team, TRAC was the place where I had the privilege to grow into myself as both a dancer and a person. The training I received pushed me to work hard, discover my strengths, and build confidence in my abilities. Every shared goal and the years spent growing together as a team created friendships like no other. The trust and vulnerability you share through dance is rare and will always be something I am grateful to have experienced. Every teacher takes the time to build relationships with their students, gets to know each dancer individually, and ensures the training they receive is meaningful. TRAC has not only provided me with a strong and well-rounded dance experience but also instilled in me a sense of belonging and family. The faculty and community at TRAC truly value every dancer's place in its story and will forever be one of the most special and fulfilling experiences of my life.
Photo by Marlowe Porter
Selma Icard - 2024 Graduate
Dancing at TRAC is a magical experience. When I think of TRAC, the first word that comes to mind is thoughtfulness. It means learning from the most thoughtful and passionate teachers who not only teach you to grow as a dancer but also help you to grow as a human. You learn that to dance is to connect your body and your mind, but more importantly, it is to connect with those around you. It means becoming a part of a community full of so much care that Golden Avenue will truly feel like a second home. And best of all, it means feeling inspired every day by your teammates and teachers. Dancing at TRAC has taught me so much in more ways than I could have possibly imagined.
Photo by Marlowe Porter
Kiara Marazzi - 2022 Graduate
Describing what it’s like to dance at TRAC has two sides for me. I can reflect on my experience as a student from 2019 to 2022, and now, as a member of the TRAC faculty, I can share what I see in my own students. But instead of explaining both, I’ll invite you to think about what it means for a student to become a teacher — for the led to become the leader, for the youth to grow into a mentor. Dancing at TRAC means being given the space and support to flourish in your own unique way. There isn’t a set path laid out for you; instead, you’re guided by educators and artists who help you forge your own — and follow it with confidence and grace. I strengthened my love for the discipline and focus that technical excellence demands in a space that was born during the pandemic — a place that carries an underlying resilience and sense of community. TRAC is its own experience — unlike any other.
