The Orangeburg Civic Ballet has announced that a second member of its company has been accepted into the University of South Carolina's Dance Program.

Principle dancer Samantha "Sammie" Whitman said she is excited at the opportunity it represents.

"The facilities at Carolina are world class," she said. Still, she's keeping her options open -- Winthrop University, in particular, remains a possibility.

"Winthrop's emphasis is on modern dance," Whitman said. "Ballet is very technical; jazz is

fun and flirty. But, for me, modern is the most powerful. It gives me a real feel for the music and the movement. It allows me to let out all of my emotions."

Whitman's life in dance began when the family attended a performance of "The Nutcracker" in Columbia. Immediately afterwards, she informed everyone that her new name was Clara, a reference to the ballet's heroine.

Next was a trip to Tamalyn's Dance Centre, where she was signed up for her first classes. By the age of 8, she was a member of the Orangeburg Civic Ballet. What followed was a variety of roles that she has attacked with gusto.

Her progress continued until the 10th grade, when she chose to take a year off. Instead of dance, Whitman chased a soccer ball and pursued other interests.

She said that was a pivotal time for her, as by the end of the year, she sensed something was missing from her life.

"I missed dance. I needed to return," Whitman said. "Being away helped me to understand my love for dance, how it's something I need to do for myself."

Guiding here through this time were her family and friends from the studio. Whitman has a large family that she said is more akin to a personal cheering section at her performances.

"They're very 'arty,'" she said. "They are a constant source of encouragement, and I know they will always be there for me."

Likewise was the support she received from the other dancers.

"Dancers form special bonds," she said. "Over the years, you learn who they are, and they learn who you are. You share interests. You learn to deal with frustration. You learn how to stick with it."

Whitman never got to dance the part of Clara. "Every girl wants it," she said.

But that didn't dampen her passion. "We are made in the image of God," she said. "We should create beauty using his gifts. I dance to feel God's pleasure."

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