Talented classical ballet dancer, Claremont High School (CHS) senior, Enya Wang, has accomplished an array of achievements driven by her genuine love for her sport. What was once her mother’s dream became Wang’s passion. Wang started dancing at the age of four when she was put into dance class by her mother, and then started training seriously at age six. Since then, she has practiced ballet nearly every day for hours, as reflected in her successes. One example of this is when she danced as Clara in Inland Pacific Ballet’s 2024 Nutcracker.
Wang was selected as Claremont High School’s Athlete of the Month. “It was such an honor to be recognized for my years of hard work,” Wang said. She has always loved to perform, telling a story through movement, and being around others who shared the same passion for dance. “One of the most magical moments is performing because you feel the energy from the audience and synergy with your fellow dancers,” Wang said.
She also finds accomplishment beyond tangible achievements. “I honestly believe that, for ballet, achievement is experienced daily,” Wang said. “It’s such a physically and mentally demanding discipline, and some days, simply showing up—exhausted, sore, injured—is the achievement.” Furthermore, she is proud of persevering as an Asian-American in a predominantly white sport, expanding representation on stage.
Despite having so many accomplishments, she still experiences setbacks. “I’ve always struggled with that inner voice,” Wang said. “In ballet, you share the space with people who are so talented and driven, and sometimes that blinds you from seeing your own strengths. But in the end, it’s made me so appreciative, and I feel like setbacks are the true sources of growth.”
Wang always reminds herself, even when she is feeling frustrated or dejected, that she is doing this because it brings her so much joy and it will end up being worth it in the end.
“You’re constantly thinking about it, dreaming about it, and envisioning yourself growing in the movement,” Wang said. “It’s truly such a privilege to be a part of something so collective and expressive.”
Wang’s passion is dazzling, and her achievements will continue to reflect that past graduation and into her college career. With her dedication and perseverance, she will continue to accomplish much more, wherever she may go and whatever she decides to pursue.
