Whiz Kids: Kim Diebold, Dancer Leaps into Prestigious Program

Kim Diebold

• Whiz Kid's Age: 13
• Whiz Kid's School: Algonquin Middle School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Diebold has been studying dance since she was 3 years old. She's accomplished in tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, ballet (her favorite) and more. She's a fourth year member of the Des Plaines Park District's Artistry in Motion dance troupe and she just performed seven numbers in their annual spring show, including a solo performance, titled Secret. She is one of 13 dancers accepted into the prestigious Inaside Chicago Dance Company's Youth Trainee Program, which accepts students on audition only. Besides her dancing accomplishments, Diebold is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society and volunteers extensively for the Des Plaines Park District's many events, such as Fall Fest, the annual Mother & Daughter Tea, and Dance Idol. Des Plaines Park District's Lisa Haring said, "She is an inspiration to her classmates, fellow dancers, and staff."  
• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: Practice, practice, practice. Diebold dances sometimes more than four hours a day, five days a week. She said she manages her busy schedule on a day to day basis, squeezing in homework before and after dance. She's looking forward to dancing at Maine West High School when she graduates from Algonquin and although she isn't sure how yet (hey, the kid is only 13) she knows she will incorporate dance in her life as an adult. "It's something I can do to express myself, but it's not rough and tough" said Diebold of her dancing. "You have to be tough (when you dance) but you can't show how hard it is."

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