Gabby Mullins was one of 50 dancers photographed for the book “Dancing Across the USA,” and she was the only dancer chosen to represent the state of Indiana.
Mullins, 14, is a Fishers resident who dances jazz, ballet, lyrical and tap. She dances at the Dance Magic Performing Arts Center in Lawrence.
Author Jonathan Givens photographed all ages and types of dancers for the book. Mullins was photographed in August 2016. Recently, she traveled to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for the release of the book.
“Jonathan traveled to all 50 states and hand-selected dancers to represent their state, and I was selected for Indiana,” Mullins said. “This past weekend was the book launch of ‘Dance Across the USA’ in Ft. Lauderdale. All the dancers could get together and Jonathan could sign our books and we’d get to meet everybody from all the different states.”
Mullins applied for the position after her mother saw an ad on Facebook. After a rigorous selection process, she was chosen to represent Indiana. Dancers in the book range from ages 5 to 61.
“It was really cool to see all the different ages and see no matter what age you are, you can still dance and still have passion for it,” Mullins said. “Hearing why everybody loved to dance was really cool and to see that portrayed out in the book.”
Mullins said her love for dancing stems from the activity allowing her to express herself.
“It allows me to express my feelings and not just use words and actions,” she said. “It’s an escape for me. I would love to continue to dance into college and after.”
For more, visit danceatusa.com.
