AIMEE GENTIL

ACROPAD ATHLETE

The PAD

MEET AIMEE: Hi I'm Aimee, I'm 16 years old and have been dancing for 9 years. I'm currently training at The Performing Arts Depot in Dunstable. I started out taking ballet and street dance lessons at OPDA, then as time went by added, contemporary, modern, acro, jazz, tap and commercial. I am now also an assistant teacher for pre primary/primary ballet, which I throughly enjoy and love to watch the children grow their passion for dance.

At the age of 9 , I was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, this allows my joints to bend too much which damages my ligaments and tendons. I was told by the doctors to give up dancing to avoid injuring myself but this was something I just couldn't do. So with the help of my amazing Osteo and support from my wonderful dance teachers at OPDA, I continued to get stronger and began to achieve my dreams. I have taken part in many show's with OPDA and love performing on stage.

I was honoured again this year, to become a head girl of my dance academy and to also be awarded most hard working student. I am so grateful for the opportunity of being an Acropad Athlete and so excited for all the events I will be attending this year with them, including the Dance World Cup, where I will also be competing.

WHAT'S IN YOUR DANCE BAG: All types of dance shoes, a big bottle of water, theraband. phone charger, hair stuff, deodorant, perfume, loads of coursework and my laptop.

FAVE ACRO MOVE: It would definitely be my side ariel, as this was one of the first ever tricks I achieved.

WHO IS YOUR HERO: Dan and Amanda Keating, as they have always been there for me and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

ON MY REST DAY: On the rare occasion that I have a day off, I like to spend time with my dogs, Zhola and Zhuri and watch Netflix.