Some students go off to college and leave behind something they have been familiar with their entire lives. Others remain close to home and remain active within their communities.

Sophomore dance team standout Shelby Kirkland attended nearby South Aiken H.S. Kirkland, one of two captains on the team (along with senior Morgan Bookstaver), remains active each and every day with one aspect of her life that has molded her into who she is today.

She grew up attending Burns Dance Studio. Despite being in her second year at USC Aiken, Kirkland and the rest of the team continue to practice weekly at the studio.

The nursing major will help take care of patients upon graduation, but now, she gives back to the community by teaching at Burns Dance Studio.

Throughout her life and career in dancing, Kirkland grew up under the direction of Corey Burns, who is also one of the dance team coaches for USC Aiken.

We recently sat down with Kirkland to discuss the impact dancing has had on her life and the steadying influence of a familiar coach while moving into another phase of her life.

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