Several sports can often elicit emotional expression from the intensity of competition. Yet for Lilly Jones in the realm of competitive dance, she harnesses the emotions and feelings from the floor to field her spectacular performances and give her audience a show they will not soon forget.

The Valley Regional High School senior first started dancing at the age of 5 and has been doing it ever since. She tried her hand at other athletic venues along the way, but none held true as the love of dance for Lilly. Over the last few years, she has ventured out to some individual showings and has diversified her acumen and abilities.

“I started doing solo dances instead of with a group around my sophomore year, and it really helped me grow by finding a style that worked for me. I have started doing a lot more emotional and contemporary pieces,” says Lilly. “I have placed multiple times in solo competitions, but I never dance for a trophy. I feel I dance for the biggest achievements, which to me are just coming off the stage knowing I did my best and gave everyone a great performance.”

Lilly loves to paint a perfect picture that truly captures her individuality and makes her feel right at home. She explains along that journey, she is always fine tuning the little things to broadcast a show that satisfies all parties involved and truly connects with them on a deep level.

“I feel my main skill as a dancer is my storytelling ability,” says Lilly. “I enjoy doing those emotional pieces to truly get my point across. I am always looking to improve upon my technique, and I try to play to my strong suit, which is making someone feel something when I dance.”

Speaking more to her passion for her craft, Lilly explains she has an extra source of inspiration she taps into by being around a tremendous support system. It gives her the grounds to really utilize the dance floor to its fullest.

“I have always loved attending dance lessons weekly,” Lilly says. “I just love being around great friends, and it is such a positive environment. It has helped with letting my emotions out there when I dance with their support.”

Lilly certainly has the scope of various colleagues with diversifying backgrounds and speciality dances. Still, she keeps things in perspective and stays grounded by never being intimidated by others’ talents and abilities while setting herself aside from any scale with them.

“It can be hard to perform on stage sometimes when you see some amazing girls go onstage before you with their performances,” says Lilly. “I just think and tell myself that their dancing does not take away from my dances or abilities. I can admire them without comparing myself to them. I look up to them rather than compare them.”

The Dance Corner owner and director Elizabeth McCabe has seen first-hand for over a decade the metamorphosis that has formed with Lilly. She has blossomed into an individual never hesitant to take on a new task, dance, or assignment to help others.

“Lilly Jones has been a student at The Dance Corner for 12 years, and it has been incredible to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman who presents herself with great poise,” says McCabe. “Lilly's confidence at the studio and onstage is evident through not only her dancing, but in the way she interacts with other dancers and supports her teammates. Lilly is never afraid to take on a new challenge and is always willing to learn something new. Lilly is a dedicated dancer and a student that we know we can trust and rely on. We will truly miss Lilly as she goes off to college in the fall!”

The feeling is mutual for Lilly, as she looks forward to every venture to The Dance Corner. She explains that both her peers and mentors bring nothing but optimism to her life. She adds that even surrounding establishments divulge an added layer of support.

“We have such a good environment at The Dance Corner,” says Lilly. “It is so positive with uplifting people and instructors. Other studios are also so kind to me and cheer me on. It all creates just a good vibe and feeling.”

Even after graduation from Valley, Lilly has no plans to leave the floor anytime soon. She would love to keep her feet and body moving towards a teaching role in her future and give back to an entity that has only given her the absolute best experiences.

“I would love to continue dancing in college and beyond college,” Lilly says. “I would like to teach and teach others the same way I have been taught through the years. The experience of dancing and being taught the sport has really helped center myself.”

Swagger can sway one a long way with any sort of athletic endeavor–Lilly knows that quite well through her over decade in dance. She has not only found herself through her forays in the sport, but she has gained great confidence to take on any challenge that lies ahead.

“The biggest lesson I have learned is to be yourself and be confident in who you are,” says Lilly. “You have to explore who you are and how you fit in. My confidence is so much higher through dancing, and it all has come from being on that stage and expressing myself.”