Amina Vargas

When I started at THEARC at age 7, I was nervous because I had never worn a leotard. I remember seeing Katrina at my audition, speaking to the families. She was very nurturing.

What I appreciate most about THEARC was the sense of community that I found there. I started in elementary school, and Ms. Toews saw me through all these different phases of my life. The older I got, the more time I spent there. TWB@THEARC became my second home for homework, meals, and sometimes working around the office. Ms. Toews created a safe space for kids whose parents were constantly working. Ms. Toews and her team were very supportive of my family. I was very relaxed there, never afraid to speak up or say something or ask questions.

Katrina was my introduction to ballet and contemporary dance. That is how my passion started and how I got to where I am now. Even after I left, she still gave me opportunities to come back and mentor the younger groups. That was really great.

I definitely carry with me the confidence I got at THEARC. It goes back to feeling comfortable with my teachers there. THEARC—especially in terms of classical ballet—created such a healthy environment. There were never any constrictions, when it came to body image, what a ballerina is supposed to look like, or how you were supposed to perform. I was not introduced to that until I was much older, and then it was a shock to me. At THEARC, I felt like of course I can do ballet, there was never any doubt. That is something I’ve carried with me, even now. I am not afraid to be in front and go for it.