EDISON SENIOR TO DANCE IN COLLEGE AS A UB DAZZLER (2024-06-09)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
Edison senior Amanda Hatfield has been dancing for 16 years, and next year she’ll be dancing at the college level as she was recently accepted as a UB Dazzler on the Buffalo Dance Team.

The Elmira Heights senior plans to attend the University at Buffalo in the fall and major in exercise science with a minor in dance.

“I am so excited to dance in college,” Hatfield said. “Not many dancers continue dancing after high school, so this is really special to me.”

Hatfield has been dancing at Leslie School of Dance for 16 years. She was a part of her studio’s competition team where she was often recognized for her dedication, passion, and hard work on stage multiple times from competition judges as well as placing in her division’s top 10 many times.

Hatfield’s dedication to dance shows in her busy schedule. A typical week consists of 25-30 hours of dance (about five hours a day, five to six times a week).

Hatfield was a resident dancer at New Heights Dance Theater. She performed in the annual showing of the Nutcracker in Motion for 13 years, where she was awarded multiple roles (some of the best include: Clara, Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Spanish Leas, Arabian Lead and Gardeness). She also danced in the NHDT’s annual spring show, Legend! For five years and was a three-time soloist for their shows.

“Ever since I was little I’ve always wanted to have dance in my life,” Hatfield said. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to live without it, whether that would be teaching, dancing, or just helping at my home studio after I leave. I’m not sure if I always pictured myself on a dance team, but I knew I would always be dancing.”

As a UB Dazzler the Edison senior will be attending all UB home football and basketball games. Alongside her team she will perform at halftime and other school events.

“Everyone on the team is so nice and welcoming,” Hatfield said. “It’s always a little nerve wracking showing up to auditions when you don’t know anyone there. But, my new teammates made me feel at home and helped me around.”
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