Junior Drake Wilson has been dancing since he was seven years old, and even when he was little people were astonished by his level of talent.

One of the biggest award Wilson has won is the X Caliber Award, but he has also received many other standard ranking awards.

Being so committed to dance can sometimes be difficult for Wilson. With two hours of practice four days a week, and five hour practices on Saturdays, Wilson puts a lot of time and effort into dance. Wilson continues to dance not only because he is talented, but because dancing gives him joy, which no other sport he has tried has been able to do.

“Dancing makes me express myself where words can’t, and it just gives me a good feeling,” Wilson said.

A special person that has been with Wilson throughout his journey is his mother, Debbie Wilson. Wilson’s mom talked about how he used to make up dances with his sister, how he has been dancing since he could stand, and how his level of talent amazed people even when he stepped into the studio for the first time.

“He walked into a recreational hip hop class and before the class was over the teacher came out with Drake and said, “Where’s the boy’s parents? We need to talk.” Wilson’s mother said, that night the dance instructors saw something in him and had signed him up to compete around the south east.

Due to the fact that Wilson was born premature, he had trouble with his speech. She said that dancing helps him express his emotions.

According to his mom, “he has always been able to use dance as a communicator.”

Not only does Wilson express his emotions and share his talent through his performances, but he also enjoys teaching other kids how to dance. Wilson has been assisting classes at his studio since last year, but this year he started teaching instead of just assisting. Wilson enjoys being able to teach the kids and make them smile.

“The way dancing can express your emotions is unlike any other.” Wilson said.

At his studio, Steppin’ Out Performing Arts Center, Wilson was the first boy to join and compete. At school, the guys would call him names sometimes because he was a dancer, but when he got to dance class all the girls were supportive and helped him become more confident.

“It was really fun at the studio because I found out how to talk to girls,” Wilson said. ” I was always a shy person.”

For now, Wilson is focused on dancing as much as he can, and teaching within his studio, but in the future Wilson wants to become a choreographer. Another thing Wilson is interested in is judging competitions later on.

“My ultimate goal is to make a career out of dance because it is my life and passion,” said Wilson.

Freshman Annelyssa Destin met Wilson in their dance studio 8 years ago when Destin was only seven years old. She knows all about Wilson’s skill, quirky personality, and potential in his future dance career. She believes that Wilsons dreams for the future are very realistic considering his level of talent.

Dance has become a big part of Wilson’s life and since he has been dancing for so long, Wilson has many stories from his past years. One of which being a time when he passed out right before his performance at Starpower competition.

“It’s late night on day two (at Starpower) and I’ve been dancing all day, so it’s around 11:40,” Wilson said, “we were some of the last people performing our solos and after a little bit of hanging out back stage before I go on, I pass out like completely out, and so the announcer calls my name and my routine but I’m asleep so my teacher yells at me ‘Drake, wake up you have to dance’ so I wake up right there and I’m like ALRIGHT so I get out there and the music starts and I kill it. I ended up getting first in my category and third overall.”

Another great dancing moment was when Wilson got to dance in Disney World when he was only eight years old. Wilson was chosen to dance with a group from all over the world. According to his mom, this was one of his favorite moments.

Overall, dancing has always made Wilson feel good. Even with all of the practices and tight schedules, dancing gives Wilson a feeling that nothing else can. Dancing helped Wilson find his voice, and that will always be a part of him.