Carly Lawson

Favorite dance memory

I’ve been blessed with so many unforgettable experiences. All four of my trips with Boundless Energy are among my favorite memories. From dancing in parades at Disneyland and Disney World, to performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage, to most recently dancing in the middle of Times Square and on a Broadway stage, each experience felt surreal. I’ll never forget the nervous jitters before stepping onstage or the honor of leading everyone in prayer before each performance.

A moment you felt especially proud

One moment I felt especially proud was when I began assisting with classes throughout the week. I was so excited because I’ve always loved working with kids and helping others grow. Stepping into that role felt natural and meaningful to me. Since then, I’ve built so many special connections with younger students that I will always cherish. Watching them perform at recitals, knowing I played even a small part in their journey, is one of the most rewarding feelings.
One dance you'll never forget, and why

One dance I will never forget is Cinderella from the 2019 Name Dropper recital. It remains my favorite routine because I got to perform it with my dad. Anyone who knows him knows he loves the spotlight,

so he was all in. Looking back, I realize how rare and special that moment was. I’m forever grateful I have that memory and that dance to revisit for the rest of my life.

A teacher or coach you'd like to thank 

I have been incredibly blessed by every teacher who has poured into me. Brenda: Thank you for truly changing my life. From the moment I walked through the studio doors, it became my second home. You have been a mentor, a role model, and a second mother to me. Thank you for creating a space where I could fully be myself and for opening doors I never imagined possible (The Miss America Opportunity). So much of who I am today is because of the lessons you taught me inside and outside the studio. Lexi: Thank you for
sparking my love for dance and encouraging me from the very beginning. From teaching me how to cartwheel to watching me help the next generation do the same, you’ve been there through it all. Your energy and joy made me fall in love with dance, and I’ll always be grateful for that foundation. Alissa: Thank you for pushing me beyond what I thought I was capable of. You challenged me physically and mentally, and through that, you taught me perseverance. Your belief in me, even on my hardest days, shaped both the dancer and the young woman I’ve become. Ainsley: Thank you for your honesty and high expectations. You taught me that growth doesn’t come without hard

work. You saw potential in me before I saw it in myself, and that belief pushed me to be better every single week. Keele: Thank you for making every Sunday practice feel special. Your classes were full of warmth, humility, and joy. You challenged us while reminding us to laugh and enjoy the process. That balance is something I’ll carry with me forever. Ari: Thank you for growing alongside me, from teammate to teacher and everything in between. You bring empathy and light into every room, and you’ve shown me what it means to lead with kindness.

A teammate or friend who made your time special

Jayden Weaver has been such a special part of my journey. We started at Brenda’s the same year and grew up side by side, from little pigs to Boundless teammates. We were inseparable in class, always laughing (sometimes a little too much). I’ll always remember getting ready together before performances, sitting in front of a mirror while she braided my hair way too tight. Every trip and every stage felt better because she was next to me. I truly can’t imagine my time at Brenda’s without her.

Something dance taught you beyond the steps

Dance taught me who I am. It taught me discipline and time management, but more importantly, it taught me

how to lead, how to mentor, and how to lean on others. Becoming a co-captain of Boundless Energy showed me the responsibilities that come with leadership. Dance has been my emotional outlet, my foundation, and the place where I’ve grown into myself.

One way dance helped you grow

When I first walked into Brenda’s, I was shy and reserved. Year after year, dance helped me find my confidence, both in the studio and on stage. It also reshaped my perspective on failure. I’ve learned that not getting something right the first time doesn’t mean I can’t achieve it; it just means I need patience and persistence. That mindset now carries into every area of my life.Advice for younger dancers

Cherish every moment. It truly goes by faster than you think. Say yes to opportunities, even when they scare you. Have fun, laugh often, and soak in time with your teammates. Always point your toes and smile big, and take more pictures than you think you need. One day, you’ll be so grateful you did.

What's next after graduation?

I plan to attend a four-year university majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I also hope to participate in the Disney College Program during my time in college.

How dance will start part of your life?

Dance has been my life for 14 years, and it will always be part of me. Through dance and through competing in the Miss America Opportunity, new doors have opened that I never expected. I now carry the confidence, discipline, and adaptability that dance gave me into every new chapter. No matter where life takes me, dance will always be part of who I am.

Please recognize anyone you would like to thank for your dance experiences.  

I truly could not have asked for better support. Mom: Thank you for seeing my potential and always keeping me grounded. Your reminders to “point your toes and smile” echoed in my head before every performance. Thank you for traveling with me, adjusting to my schedule, and cheering the loudest in the crowd. Your love has been my constant. Dad: Thank you for being the best girl dad. Thank you for believing in me, driving me everywhere, funding my dreams, and saying yes to the crazy ideas, including dancing on stage with me. Thank you for reminding me I am always enough. Your support and love has meant everything. Hannah: Thank you for being my biggest fan. Hearing “that’s my sister!” right before the lights came on meant more than you know. Your support and presence made every performance more special. My Grandparents: Thank you for always showing up, for your pride, and for supporting me even when dance meant missing other things. Your encouragement never went unnoticed. My Boundless Teammates: Thank you for being my chosen sisters. Growing up alongside you all has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Every team, every rehearsal, every laugh, and every experience has shaped and changed me. I will carry those memories forever.