Money dance

     By Sonya Padgett
     View staff writer
      The opportunity to dance has always been its own reward for 17-year-old Kristen Routh.
      Now, after 13 years of studying classical ballet, it's paying off financially.
      The Chaparral High School junior won a $1,250 scholarship from the Discover Card Tribute Award program last month for her rigorous pursuit of dancing, music and other activities.
      Routh will use the money to help fund her college studies in sports medicine, with an emphasis in dance rehabilitation.
      "I don't think I want to dance professionally because it's a hard life," Routh said. "I have so many interests I want to pursue. I'll possibly have it incorporated into my life, but not as a career."
      The Tribute Award program offers more than 470 scholarships totaling more than $1 million annually to high school juniors. Nine scholarships are given in each state.
      The scholarships are based on accomplishments in four of five areas: special talents, leadership, obstacles overcome, unique endeavors and community service in addition to a 2.75 grade-point average.
      Routh has achieved success in all of the categories, and then some. An honors student, Routh carries a 4.0 GPA; she also plays the clarinet, writes and makes artwork.
      She's even successfully overcome obstacles in dancing.
      Late last year, she broke her foot, cutting into training for an important performance. After six months of hard work and rehabilitation, she came back to dance in a recital in early June.
      Routh, who studies classical ballet at the Royal Academy of Dancing, is training to become an internationally certified ballet instructor. The June performance was part of her certification.
      She is still awaiting her scores from that performance, but feels as though she did well. Once she completes it, she'll be certified to teach ballet to others.
      "For a dancer, breaking a foot is like the end of the world," said her mother, Cheryl Routh.
      Through the whole process, Kristen Routh discovered she had an interest in sports medicine and saw an opportunity for a career when she met two physical therapists who had dance backgrounds.
      Cheryl Routh remembers her daughter's desire to dance started at an early age.
      "She went to the `Nutcracker' at 3 years old and said, `I want to be a ballerina,' " Cheryl Routh said. "We put her in classes, but it was obvious she wanted more than the parks and recreation classes."
      The youngest of two, Kristen Routh said dancing has boosted her self confidence over the years and lists her dance teacher among those who have influenced her the most.
      "She's been with me since I was 4," Routh said. "She's always kept me motivated, and I've always looked forward to it. That's affected other areas of my life. I've gotten over being really shy through music and dance.
      "My parents have instilled the value that education is important, and they made it possible to balance my crazy schedule."
      Even though she has a year to go until graduation, Routh said she's looking at colleges this summer where she can study sports medicine and pursue her many interests.
      "I'm trying to find a balance between art, music, dancing and writing," Routh said.
      Said Cheryl Routh: "I think it's awesome. She does so many things, we have to keep saying `Whoa!' But we don't hold her back. For us, we're just inspired by her."