- April 18, 2024
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Darian Swirka has a passion for dance.
But dancing is more than just a hobby for the 14-year-old; it has become a way for her to overcome her day-to-day battles. Swirka was diagnosed with a panic disorder and has ADHD, which can make it difficult for her to remember choreography. This has also been a challenge when it comes to school work and socializing with peers.
Nevertheless, Swirka has continued to push through these obstacles and sees dance as a way to become stronger.
"I've developed more and more of a love for it," Swirka said. "At the time it was something to keep me occupied, but as I got older it became more fun, and I started getting better."
Swirka started dancing when she was 3 years old but stopped after about a year. When she was 5, she began dancing again with the encouragement of her mother. According to Swirka, whether she is participating in ballet, contemporary or jazz — her favorite genre of dance — dancing has given her an outlet for her emotions and her energy.
"If I'm frustrated or upset, I just dance it out, and I start to feel a little bit better," Swirka said. "Sometimes I dance better when I'm angry."
Swirka's advice to other teens facing their own individual battles is to find something they are passionate about. She added that if they don't know what that is, to keep looking for it.
Though she plans to continue dancing as she gets older, Swirka's goal is to become a therapist and help young children with disabilities or similar disorders by using dance as therapy. Already, Swirka has become a mentor to a group of children that she helps with dance instruction each Saturday. It's a passion just as strong as dancing.
"A lot of these kids, they don't have a role model to look up to sometimes," Swirka said. "I make it my personal obligation to be a good example. Because some of these kids, they need that."
