"When AJ was my teacher, she’d always say “we’re humans first, dancers second.” Every time I found myself paralyzed by the feeling that my worth lied in being a “perfect” dancer with “perfect” technique, she taught me that the most valuable art is vulnerable, honest, and even messy, and the most perfect thing I could ever be is my imperfect, human self. I’m forever indebted to her for teaching me that lesson."