Dance Student Spotlight: Miakoda Yniguez

My name is Miakoda Yniguez and I am 11 years old. I dance at Long Beach Ballet Academy in California.

@Myniguezballet

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

My Mom put me in ballet and tap when I was 3 years old. I enjoyed both but wound up loving ballet. I chose to stick with ballet. I was at 2 other dance studios before I landed at my current studio to focus on classical ballet.
Ballet is my every day and such a big part of my life. I have such a connection to it and am excited to continue growing and learning.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

No, not everything has been easy. There have been rough patches. During covid staying motivated to keep going and doing my best on zoom was challenging. There have been times throughout the years when I have to focus on my reasons for continuing dance.

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

I fractured my ankle a couple of years ago and had to miss a performance. It took months of physical therapy and rest to recover. I still watched classes and rehearsals during healing. It was difficult, but a great learning experience.

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

No. I'm grateful to have supportive instructors, classmates, friends, and family who have always supported me.

How do you conquer negative talk?

I talk to my Mom about any negative thoughts and feelings. She taught me that it's okay to not be positive all the time, but at some point, I have to turn it around and decide to focus on the positive.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I am really excited to perform as a Party Girl on stage in Nutcracker this December! I'm also so looking forward to performing at YAGP in 2022.