Born to Dance: TLC Student Kreayshawn Aguirre Is Living Her Ballet Dream

Mar 27 2026

Some students discover their passion over time. For Kreayshawn Aguirre, an 8th grader at The Learning Choice Academy Chula Vista, she knew from an early age what she wanted to spend her time doing. Kreayshawn has been dancing since the age of two — and everything since has been in pursuit of one dream: becoming a professional ballet dancer.

As Kreayshawn describes:

"Dancing is my home and it's my life."

Kreayshawn trains at the San Diego Academy of Ballet, where she is a pre-professional student. Her schedule reflects the level of dedication that title demands. On a regular day she trains for three hours, but during rehearsal periods that number climbs to six, eight, or more. And training doesn't stop when she leaves the studio:

"I train every single day, even at home."

She also participates in summer intensives to continue developing her craft during the off-season. Much of her current work centers on pointe and variations — some of the most technically demanding elements of classical ballet. It isn't easy, but Kreayshawn has found her own way through the hard moments. As she describes:

"The most challenging part is dancing en pointe. How I work through it is by not giving up and telling myself you got this."

Her biggest inspiration is someone who embodies that same spirit:

"My biggest inspiration is probably Misty Copeland because she is amazing and ended up making history as the first Black female Principal dancer."

Kreayshawn is already building an impressive performance history of her own. She has appeared in numerous shows, but one stands out above the rest. "My most memorable performance is the Nutcracker," she says — and for good reason. Last year, she danced the role of Clara, the lead, a milestone for any young ballet dancer. This year she attended a summer intensive in Utah, and has since auditioned for two programs, passing both. She is currently deciding which opportunity to pursue. When she is not in the studio, Kreayshawn is finding the balance that so many student athletes and performers know well. "Sometimes I try to work in the mornings, then go to ballet, and after I try to do homework," she explains. It is a full schedule — but one she clearly embraces wholeheartedly.

For Kreayshawn, TLC has been a meaningful part of her journey both in and out of the classroom:

"TLC supports me a lot."

Kreayshawn notes that TLC staff and students have shown up to cheer her on at performances — a reflection of the close-knit community that makes TLC so special. As for her favorite ballet, Kreayshawn doesn't hesitate: Giselle. She hasn't performed it yet, but with the trajectory she is on, it may not be long before she does. We are excited to see where Kreayshawn's dream and hard work takes her next!