KW grad finds beauty in dance

by Christi Marsico
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 12:08 PM MDT

A recent Kelly Walsh High School graduate, Callie Bishop loves to dance, and it shows from the Miss Teen crown on her head down to her dancing toes.

"I love to dance because you are competing against yourself, and that's beautiful," Bishop said.

Feeling uplifted and inspired by dance, this teen has desires to do the same for others, describing dance as a personal art that deals with one's own body.

Bishop learned to dance at the age of 6. She furthered her studies at the Rocky Mountain School of Dance (RMSD), under the direction of artistic director Heather Marsh-Schieck.

According to Bishop, RMSD provided her with a solid foundation among other skills that she has implemented into her life, such as self-discipline, respect, time management and organization.

Bishop noted a turning point where she knew dance was destined to be a part of her life when she performed a modern dance piece to Ani DiFranco's song "Not a Pretty Girl."

"I just felt comfortable on stage and felt like I had a purpose," the dancer said.

A student of many techniques, Bishop favors modern dance for its freedom and focus on body strength and power, which allows many body types to shine.

"I am able to express myself more in modern dance," she said.

"You can be unique, and you don't have to have to follow the steps exactly because it's very interpretive."

Having received a full-ride dance scholarship to the University of Wyoming this fall, she is looking to pursue a doctorate in kinesiology, the study of human movement, as well.

Keep on dancing

As Miss Teen Wyoming 2008, she has had opportunities to exhibit one of her favorite pastimes -- public speaking.

"I love public speaking, especially to younger kids about he building blocks of life," Bishop noted.

In 5-10 years, this Miss Teen Wyoming sees herself teaching, in an internship for a doctoral school or performing dance professionally.

Dance can take up a person's life, changing one's eating and sleeping habits, Bishop said, adding that it's been worth it and provided her with scholarship opportunities and awards.

She consistently has won awards at Spotlight Dance Cup the last few years, such as "Miss Junior Spotlight," "Miss Teen Spotlight" and "Miss Spotlight" twice.

The dancer, who describes her body as her temple, is compelled to address body image issues in her public speaking.

"Dance has forced me to be confident about myself and has allowed me to turn criticism into positive improvements," Bishop said.

The best part of competing for the teen has been hearing feedback about her stage performances and presence.

Bishop is excited for college. She grasps the motto “to live presently" and finds dedication in dance to be a benefit for her artistically and perhaps professionally.

"I am still figuring out who I am, but I do know what I love," Bishop said.

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