2011-12 Luvabulls: Meet Kiley

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What does being a member of the Luvabulls mean to you?

Being a member of the Luvabulls is such a great honor. Dancing became a very big part in who I am and now being able to showcase that to people is the greatest feeling. I truly feel blessed to be apart of such a remarkable group of women and to be a role model to younger dancers.

Describe the feeling of hearing your number called at tryouts as you made the Luvabulls

The feeling of hearing my number called after a nerve-racking tryout was a mixture of emotions. When I heard my number I doubled checked that I wasn’t hearing things, once I put two and two together I didn’t know whether to scream, laugh, or cry. So I’m pretty sure I did all three things and had a permanent smile on my face for the next 72 hours!

What is your proudest accomplishment to date and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I can’t really pick just one because even little accomplishments mean the world to me. So if I could somehow roll all the medals, honors and awards I’ve earned over the years from skating, dancing and school… I would have to say that is my greatest accomplishment to date. In 10 years I see myself in the great city of Chicago running a successful high end fashion boutique while being an amazing wife and mother to my family.

How has your dancing experience led you to this point?

Oddly enough I started not as a dancer but as a competitive figure skater. I skated for 13 years with the two most amazing coaches that pushed me in all the right directions. I took ballet over those years to enhance my performance on the ice and took various dance classes at random. In high school I decided my passion for performing had to go farther so I tried out for my high school dance team. There I did three years with a coach who truly formed me into the dancer I am today.

What do you do for a living?

Almost everyday I get to be around my other passion…Fashion! I work in a high end retail store where I get to style women and make them feel confident in what they wear. I also overlook what merchandise we receive within the store so all day long I get to put together outfits, fashion forecast, and see sneak peaks into the next season. I couldn’t ask for a more exciting job and it also helps that I manage over a wonderful staff that share the same passion as I do.

What is your claim to fame - besides being a Luvabull?

I would have to say my claim to fame is my clothing designs. My clothes have been featured in numerous boutiques in Chicago and online.

What people do you admire the most and how have they supported or inspired you as a dancer?

The people I admire the most without a question, would be my entire family. Every single one of them has supported me in some way and has transformed me into a well rounded woman. I have my mom’s beauty and kind heart and my dads drive and competitiveness. Without the two I would not be the person I am today. I can’t even explain the way my parents have sacrificed for me financially and emotionally just so I can do the things I love. Everyone in my family continues to inspire me everyday which gives me the drive to be an accomplished young women.