Nyah Torbert is a dedicated student leader at La Salle Prep.

[Author’s note: “Senior Spotlight” is a miniseries offering a quick look at some of Oregon’s Class of 2022 dance standouts. Today, we are getting to know La Salle Prep dancer Nyah Torbert. Torbert is a founding member of La Salle Prep’s dance team and currently serves as one of the team captains. She serves on the student council, runs the Black Student Union, and is involved with the Communicare Club. We provided Torbert with a series of questions to answer. Her responses are below!]

OSAAtoday: Why did you decided to join your high school dance team?

Nyah Torbert: I decided to join my high school dance team because I have been dancing since I was three years old, so there was no doubt in my mind that dance would continue to be a part of my life as long as possible. When I went into high school, La Salle didn’t have a team yet, so I was on the dance team for my local high school. It was extremely hard for me to leave my old teammates to join a new team. Ultimately, I decided it was the right decision because I wanted to help create a lasting program for future students.

OSAAtoday: What was your first big success as a dancer and how did it impact you?

Torbert: My first big success as a dancer was becoming one of the team captains for my middle school dance team as a seventh grader. I was the youngest captain they’d had in several years, and it gave me a new sense of confidence and leadership. I have always been quite introverted and quiet, so this gave me an opportunity to come out of my shell and build relationships with my teammates. Because of the experiences I’ve had during my years as captain, I have grown significantly as a person and feel much more prepared to step out into the real world once I graduate.

OSAAtoday: What is your favorite class in school and why?

Torbert: My favorite class that I’ve taken in high school has been calculus. Math has always been my subject of choice, but I found calculus to be especially challenging and engaging.

OSAAtoday: What’s next for you after graduation? Will you pursue dance after high school?

Torbert: Though I’m not sure which university I will attend next year, I plan to pursue a psychology degree and then go to law school to become a family lawyer. I am still undecided about whether I will continue dancing after high school, but I hope to continue dancing in some way or another. I may try out for a dance team or take some local classes when I have the time.