Dancing Toward Her Dreams: How Online School Helped This Indiana Student-Athlete Dance on a Global Stage

Dancing towards dreams – Hoosier College & Career Academy enables students to pursue their dreams without sacrificing education.

When eighth grader Addilyn steps into the studio, she’s not just dancing—she’s chasing a dream. As a competitive dancer training up to six days a week, Addilyn’s schedule would be impossible to manage in a traditional school setting. That’s why she—and her family—chose Hoosier College & Career Academy (HCCA), an Indiana-based online public school where students with busy lives, like athletes and performers, get a flexible, high-quality education.

Addilyn began dancing at age three and has since expanded her training to include ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, and contemporary. Recently, she competed in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), the world’s largest global ballet competition. With over 500 dancers in her age group alone, she held her own among elite performers from across the globe, including Hawaii and Asia.

Why Hoosier College & Career Academy Works for Student-Athletes

To prepare for the competition, Addilyn trained intensely—up to five hours a day, six days a week. That’s when the value of online education for student-athletes became clear.

“With a traditional school, we were constantly pulling her out early just to get to dance class on time,” said Addilyn’s mom. “HCCA gives us the flexibility we need for her to excel at both school and dance.”

Addilyn’s story is a powerful example of how flexible online learning can help student-athletes thrive in and out of the classroom. With HCCA’s self-paced structure, she has the freedom to complete her coursework around her demanding dance schedule.

“When I finish my work, it updates my grade automatically. I don’t feel rushed or behind—I have time to go back, learn, and get things done,” said Addilyn.

Not having to carry textbooks or juggle stacks of paper also helps her stay organized. “Everything’s online, which makes it so much easier,” she added.

But beyond the convenience, Addilyn and her family say HCCA offers something deeper: genuine support.

“When I let the school know she would be out for the competition, they didn’t just mark it down—they asked for pictures and videos,” said her mom. “They truly care, which you don’t always find in traditional schools.”

Building Confidence and Career Skills Beyond the Classroom

During her time at YAGP, Addilyn participated in master classes with internationally renowned ballet instructors—opportunities she wouldn’t have had if not for her flexible school schedule. These classes taught more than dance—they offered discipline, confidence, and exposure to a global community of performers.

Though she was one of the youngest in her group, Addilyn sees that as a strength.

“Being the youngest just pushes me to work harder,” she said. “That work ethic doesn’t stop after the competition, it will be a skill I take with me throughout my life.”

With high school on the horizon, Addilyn plans to continue dancing—and credits her success to the support she receives from both her family and HCCA.

Empowering Indiana’s Student-Athletes to Dream Big

Addilyn’s journey shows what’s possible when students are empowered with personalized learning paths. At HCCA, students don’t have to choose between their passion and their education. They can have both.

Whether a student is a dancer, athlete, musician, or entrepreneur, Hoosier College & Career Academy offers the tools, resources, and flexibility to help them thrive. As an NCAA-approved institution, HCCA enables students to take courses that count toward the academic requirements needed to become a college athlete. Interested in learning more about how HCCA supports student-athletes? Visit our website to explore enrollment options today!

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