WHEATLAND – Among the dancers who took the stage during Dance Wyoming’s Christmas 2021 dance recital on December 19, one of them put on his dancing shoes for a leading performance.

Matthew Streets is a senior at Wheatland High School and has been dancing since he was about eight years old. It has been a hobby he which he has enjoyed.

“I thought it would be fund and give me something to do during the week,” said Streets.

Matthew says that his family supported him when he started dancing. He has learned multiple style of dancing along with hip-hop including tap, jazz, and Irish dance styles, but hip-hop is his favorite.

“The hip-hop style of dance is kind of like street dancing per se,” said Streets. “And it really pops out at you with big moves.”

Matthew’s favorite instructor from Dance Wyoming is Mira Taylor, the Studio Manager for Dance Wyoming.

“She really explains the dance well and if we trouble with it she will go back and help us figure it out and always makes dancing fun,” said Streets.

Taylor had good things to say about Matthew. She complimented his character and noted his improvement as a dancer.

“We’ve really enjoyed having Matthew as a part of the dance studio for such a long time,” said Taylor.

“He’s just a really great kid. He’s a joy to have in class. He’s always friendly, helpful, and he’s really grown in his dance abilities, so we’ve loved to watch him over the years.”

Along with dancing, Matthew’s hobbies include 4H and sports like track and field and cross country.

“Cross country and track has helped me stay in shape and gives me something to do,” said Streets. “I might try to get a scholarship with cross country or track and field.”

Recently, Matthew ran a five-kilometer race in 19 minutes and ten seconds. This accomplishment earned the Athlete of the Week honor from the high school.

After graduating high school, Matthew hopes to keep running and become a student athlete at a college, possibly on a scholarship.

“I’d like to go to college and maybe run for a college team and try to get my architectural engineering degree,” said Streets.

Matthew offered encouragement for his fellow dancers and other high school seniors.

“If you’re enjoying it, just keep doing it and have the most fun you can while doing it even if people make fun of you for it,” said Streets. “As long as you like it, nothing else matters.”