Poise, discipline, confidence -- dance offers young people an avenue to express themselves and develop valuable skills.

At age 17, Elizabeth Prociuk has been dancing since she was 3 years old. For the past four years, the high school senior has taken on more of a leadership role at Sharon's Dance Studio in Johnstown, assisting as well as teaching a class of her own.

Sharon Yoder, studio owner, said it's a role Prociuk is a natural at. And, Yoder said, the benefits are long-lasting. She said students who stick with dance have improved self-esteem and develop discipline, characteristics that help them on the dance floor, in school and in life.

Yoder said working with an instructor like Prociuk can also be a big benefit -- and vice versa.

"(The younger girls) help me to be a role model because I know they're counting on me and looking up to me," Prociuk said.

Today, Prociuk said she would rather teach than dance, but said she hopes to continue dancing while she attends college and hopes to open her own studio someday.

"I love it...I wouldn't want to do anything else," Prociuk said.

If you know a young person or group of young people who deserves recognition, e-mail news@wjactv.com or write to us at 49 Old Hickory Lane, Johnstown, PA, 15905.