Learner Spotlight

Lazarus Shapiro is an amazingly talented young man. This 11-year-old ninth grader is not only academically advanced, but is also an accomplished dancer.

Laz has been dancing since he was 5 years old. He began as a commercial dancer and then began ballet at 9. He currently devotes more than 20 hours per week over the course of six days to developing his craft.

Laz says, “It is hard to describe why I love to dance because it is such an essential part of myself. I can’t imagine a life without ballet. It allows me to express my emotions through movement and to share those feelings as art for an audience.”

Laz is on track to graduate high school at 15, at which time he would like to pursue dance further. He also plans on attending college to study law, history and political science. Ultimately, he’d like to pursue a career in government service.