For many students, balancing school, extracurricular activities, and personal goals can be challenging. For Phoebe Gray, that balance includes pursuing elite ballet training while completing her high school education. Thanks to International Virtual Learning Academy (IVLA), Phoebe has found a way to successfully manage both.

Phoebe is a 17-year-old senior and a trainee with Charlotte Ballet, one of the premier ballet organizations in the region. Her demanding training schedule requires discipline, focus, and flexibility — qualities that also make her successful academically.

“My best friend actually started at IVLA before I did,” Phoebe explained. “She loved it and told me all about it, so I decided to make the switch too.”

Phoebe’s passion for dance started early. Inspired by her mother, who performed professionally on Broadway, she began ballet lessons at just four years old while living in Texas. After moving to North Carolina in fifth grade, she eventually found her place at Charlotte Ballet. However, the rigorous training schedule and daily commute made traditional school difficult to maintain.

That’s where IVLA became the perfect fit.

“I’m a Charlotte Ballet trainee, and I train from 9:00 to 3:30 every day,” Phoebe shared. “I get home, change into comfortable clothes, and then work on school the rest of the evening.”

The flexibility of IVLA allows Phoebe to tailor her education around her dance career while still staying on track academically. She appreciates being able to work at her own pace and use the course materials in a way that works best for her learning style.

“One thing I really love is being able to pause the videos, slow them down, speed them up, or rewatch them as many times as I need,” she said. “That’s something I couldn’t find anywhere else.”

Phoebe also values the strong support system she has through IVLA’s teachers and staff.

“I definitely feel connected to my teachers,” she explained. “Because they’re not trying to manage a huge classroom all at once, I feel like I get more individual attention.”

While balancing ballet and academics comes with sacrifices, Phoebe says the flexibility of online learning has helped her maintain friendships and still enjoy life outside the studio.

“As a dancer, you do miss out on some things,” she admitted. “But most of my friends are dancers too, so we understand each other’s schedules.”

Now entering an exciting new chapter, Phoebe is preparing college applications for several prestigious dance programs, including Juilliard, Indiana University, UNCSA, and Oklahoma City University.

As for advice to other students considering online learning?

“Don’t procrastinate,” Phoebe said with a laugh. “When you have time, just go all in and get your work done.”

At International Virtual Learning Academy, students like Phoebe prove that education can adapt to support big dreams. Whether students are pursuing athletics, the arts, travel, or unique career opportunities, IVLA provides the flexibility and support needed to succeed both academically and personally.

Learn more about International Virtual Learning Academy at https://internationalvla.com