Walls Ballerinas Dance Their Way Through School

Senior Layla Rethy studies at the Washington School of Ballet – photo provided by Layla Rethy (‘25)

At School Without Walls, some students carry more than just backpacks—they carry ballet bags too. These students aren’t typical athletes; they are ballerinas, balancing rigorous schoolwork with the demands of dance. Their days are a blend of academics, practice, and sacrifice.

Layla Rethy (’25), who dances for The Washington School of Ballet, shared how she began her journey: “I started because my sister did it; she loved it, so my parents put me in it, and then I also fell in love with it.” Since then, ballet has become a central part of her life.

While ballet is widely recognized as an art form, it is also one of the most physically demanding disciplines. Rethy explained: “It’s physically challenging, especially because I dance for around 25 hours a week. So it’s really hard on your body.” Beyond the physical toll, ballet also requires immense mental resilience. Carmen Couts (’26) noted that “Ballet involves a lot of self-criticism, working hard on your own time, and putting in the work to eventually improve.” These challenges foster discipline and personal growth in dancers.

Balancing school and ballet is no easy feat. Couts described her routine: “Usually, I’ll try to do my homework either in the morning or spend an hour or so after class because dancers often get home late, at nine o’clock.” Despite the grueling schedule, many ballerinas find the experience deeply rewarding.

Evelyn Webster (’28) reflected on why she loves ballet, explaining, “I like ballet because I can see my growth and dedication pay off as my technique improves.” She added that each improvement fuels her passion and motivation. For Webster, ballet has taught valuable life lessons: “From dance, I’ve learned discipline, the ability to push through struggle, patience, and dedication.”

The commitment required for ballet often means sacrificing free time. Rethy mentioned that Sunday is her only day off from dance. Similarly, Couts shared how ballet has shaped her independence: “I think that ballet made me become more independent.” Spending long hours at the studio has instilled self-reliance in many dancers.

As ballet continues to grow in popularity, more students are exploring the art form. Rethy encouraged others to give it a try. “I would say just go for it and try all different types of dance. I think people can find so much joy and destress in dance,” she said. 

For these Walls ballerinas, their dedication to both academics and dance showcases their resilience and passion. As they master challenging routines in the studio and excel in school, they are dancing their way toward a brighter future.