Ainsley Waite Earns Scholar-Artist Merit Award from Long Island Arts Alliance

Ainsley Waite, a Senior from Half Hollow Hills High School West, has received the Scholar-Artist Merit Award from the Long Island Arts Alliance for her exceptional work in the field of dance. Ainsley has managed to maintain a challenging academic schedule while also attending the Long Island High School for the Arts for four years, balancing both schools with hard work and perseverance.

At LIHSA, Ainsley’s experience was influenced by the Performing Arts teachers, Mrs. Laura and Mrs. L’Etoile. “LIHSA has gotten better every year. My favorite memory was dancing a musical theatre piece to Another Day of Sun with Austin Sora. For the first time, I wasn’t just performing. I was genuinely having fun and laughing with my fellow dancers. That moment deepened my love for performance.”

In 10 years, Waite envisions herself as a choreographer and artistic director, hoping to start her own dance company and share her passion for dance with the world. Her experience in Broadway Supports LIHSA, alongside other dancers that were named Scholar Artists, will certainly help her along the way!

Ainsley shares that her time at LIHSA helped refine her technique, artistry, and performance skills. The exposure to guest artists like American Ballet Theatre and Paul Taylor Dance Company have helped her push her craft to new heights. As she looks ahead to college, Ainsley plans to continue pursuing dance and dance around the globe.

We look forward to following Ainsley’s next adventures no matter where they take her.