Temecula resident Mira Larsen, age 17, who graduated from Springs Homeschool program in June, was one of 15 girls worldwide accepted to the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. Her story was featured on ABC News, and she was honored by the mayor of Temecula at City Hall for her accomplishment.
Her family chose Springs’ Homeschool program for Mira and her sister, Maiya, because her parents “loved the idea of us being able to work hard and study and learn those things that mattered to us. We also had the time to participate in activities that we loved and to develop talents that we enjoyed.” Mira was able to try many different activities because of the Homeschool program, she said, “then as I grew to love ballet more and more, I had the time and flexibility to add more classes and focus on working hard and doing my best in ballet.”
Mira started taking pre-ballet classes at age 3. In the past five years she has danced at the Academy of Ballet Arts in Murrieta, using some of Mira’s instructional funds to pay for classes. She said, “It is hard work, but that’s part of the reason why I love it so much.” She dances 8-10 hours on weekdays, and 4-6 hours on Saturday. She noted, “It is challenging because it will never be perfect, but I love always having something to work on. And it’s a wonderful feeling when you practice and practice and the steps all turn out beautifully.”
It has always been her desire to attend the Royal Ballet School. She was offered a spot after performing for the director of the Royal Ballet School. She said, “I still can’t really believe that I get to go train there.” The program is three years. She leaves for London on August 29; the program lasts three years. She and her mother, Julia, have visited the school to meet the teachers and experience the school. Mira said, “Everything there was perfect for me.” She continued, “Many people around the world consider the Royal Ballet School to be the best, and I can see why. The teachers were really wonderful, and the dancers all worked hard and danced beautifully.”
Mira hopes to one day dance for a professional ballet company. She said, “I love training, and I love dancing and performing. Nothing is better than being able to communicate the love and joy I feel while dancing for an appreciative audience.” She describes her time at Springs as “a great blessing.” She continued, “We have been able to read and study all about the world and combine our studies with meaningful field trips.”
In addition to ballet, Mira has studied contemporary dance. She found it difficult initially, as “I wasn’t used to the different movements or moving quickly. But now I love the freedom and expression of the contemporary movements.” Mira also enjoys reading—her family has never owned a television—and she also plays the violin. She is active in her church, likes going to Disneyland and loves turtles. After seeing sea turtles while visiting Hawaii, she said, “They were beautiful and magical, and I have loved them ever since.”
