The Pursuit of Passion

Mikayla Holmgren is just another girl who loves to dance. Although she has Down Syndrome that has never stopped her in achieving her goals. I love this video not only because I am a dancer myself and understand how dance can be an amazing outlet and way of creative expression, but this video really showcases how similar people with disabilities are to those without. As her dance teacher stated in the video Mikayla "reminds her of what dance is really all about", which is passion. Mikayla's perseverance shines through in the fact that she hasn't let anything or anyone stop her from performing, and she continues to dance because SHE loves it. I also love how Mikayla thinks she is pretty amazing, because she is. It just proves that people with disabilities don't see themselves in that way and don't define themselves by their disability. This is why we shouldn't either. Her dance teacher says she doesn't separate Mikayla from the rest of the students because she has a lot to offer the class, and with her passion she is sending out a great message to the rest of the students. She works just as hard, and is a great learner. It was very insightful to hear from Mikayla's parents because they express their point of view and let us in on what it's like. They say that physical activities are the best types of activities for Mikayla because she can respond by doing. Mikayla can understand things well she just has a hard time explaining that she understands and what she means, so when on the dance floor she can talk using her body. I love this video because it is so amazing to see the inclusion of Mikayla at her dance studio, and of how she has positively affected all of the people she has come in contact with. Passion isn't destined for only certain people, its destined for everyone and its great being able to see Mikayla working so hard at hers.