Katherine Yang

The balancing act of purpose and passion

Photo by Ian Sands

Manha Survery, Editor-in-Chief & Olivia Ma, Staff Writer

When Katherine Yang first followed her best friend into an elementary school dance class, she didn’t realize she was stepping into a lifelong passion. Years later, she trained alongside teachers from the Paris Opera Ballet and the Royal Ballet of London, surrounded by dancers from all over the world. Whether in dance, music, or writing, Katherine Yang has fueled her passions into shaping not only her schedule but her entire mindset.

"Some days, if I don't go to dance, it just feels like I'm missing a little something. Because when I leave dance, I usually feel rejuvenated and more motivated to do everything else. I think it keeps my mindset very straightforward," Yang said.

Last summer, Yang attended the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland, a prestigious international dance competition with a highly selective application process. Yang learned from renowned artists and met peers from around the globe. She discussed how this experience helped improve her mindset by teaching her fundamental values.

"It's [taught me] values that I need to [succeed at anything] in life," Yang said, "like the value of hard work, the value of consistency, also the value of community."

Despite the demanding schedule required for dance competitions and performances, Yang still finds time to play the violin. As a member of the school orchestra, she balances hours of dance rehearsal with hours of musical rehearsal.

"Recently, we just had our All-State auditions, and it was a pretty nerve-wracking experience, but luckily, I managed to get in," Yang said.

Her mindset is visible in both her work ethic and how she interacts with others. Claire Ling, one of Yang's closest friends, notes the impact Yang has on the people around her.

"If I could describe Katherine in one word, I would describe her as really genuine," Ling said. "She puts in a lot of work in all her extracurriculars, and she motivates me to become a better dancer and work harder each day."

The two trained in the same studio for years, participating in multiple ballet competitions together and winning numerous awards. They recently performed together at Northview High School's International Night, an annual event that celebrates different cultures that make up the community. Over the years, Ling has witnessed her friend's growth and dedication in multiple aspects.

"I've seen her grow exponentially as a dancer and a performer in general. I've seen her confidence grow as well," Ling said.

The dedication Yang shows in the studio mirrors the commitment she carries in other parts of her life. Her mindset shapes her not only as a dancer, but also the way she approaches other responsibilities. Her teachers see the same qualities in her work, describing her as someone who stands out both on and off the stage.

"Katherine’s work ethic is one marked by diligence and careful attention to detail," Dr. Ashley Ulrich said.  "I don't think I can remember a single instance where she didn't meet a deadline, and she didn't clearly put effort into whatever the task was. It was just a given that Katherine's work was going to be of good quality," Dr. Ulrich said.

Ulrich has witnessed Yang's growth firsthand in her class. Having previously received the Gold Key in Scholastic Writing, Yang had already demonstrated a commitment to her craft, which she continues to develop as a member of the National English Honor Society. Her selection as a finalist for the Georgia Laws of Life essay contest and later the Susan G. Mason Founder's Award has further strengthened her voice as a writer.

Amidst the demanding schedule that comes with academics, dance, writing, and music commitments, Yang has developed a system that keeps her grounded. She credits her successful balancing act to the importance of staying organized and keeping her priorities structured. What began as a small habit has slowly become part of her routine, and she has recently adopted a calendar as a tool to manage her time, something she once overlooked.

“When I’m stressed, I find it really helpful to write down a concrete list of things that I need to do,” Yang said. "It actually helps a lot, keeping everything on track and not letting your mind run too loose.”

Through trial and error, Yang has learned that balance doesn't come from doing everything perfectly. She understands that many students may be struggling to keep up with different responsibilities, which can make even small tasks feel overwhelming. For those who feel caught between academic and extracurricular pressures, she encourages putting productivity in a different perspective and breaking things down instead of trying to tackle everything at once.

“Just take it one step at a time. If you can do that every single day, it’s gonna be okay," Yang said, emphasizing that progress doesn't have to be dramatic to be meaningful. "Just know that anywhere you are is the place you’re supposed to be.”

As Yang continues to grow as both a student and a dancer, she remains grounded in her mindset and guided by her passion, which has carried her from that first elementary school dance class to international stages. Whether onstage or in the orchestra room, she strives to pursue each of her passions with purpose. Her courage to take each step not only helps her grow but also inspires the people around her. In every community, Katherine Yang proves that progress builds patiently, one step at a time.