Sachem Alum Living Dancing Dream

Kristin DeCesare was at a cross roads in her life a few years back. Either she could continue teaching junior high Spanish in Mount Sinai and dance part-time, or leave the security of the educational field and go full-time into her true passion of dance and entertainment.

Already a Knicks City Dancer while teaching, DeCesare, a Sachem alum, had a taste of the big stage.

“I was teaching during the day and commuting into the city and dancing for the Knicks at night,” she said. “I did that for about two years and decided that I really liked teaching, but wanted to move forward and focus on my dancing career.

“Something inside said I had to do this because it would be something I would regret. I loved my students and it was a profession that definitely fit, but my passion was so great for something else.”

In a short amount of time, DeCesare has leaped hurdles to dance with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Diddy, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Marc Anthony and Pitbull. She’s performed at the Latin Grammy’s, the VMA’s, the American Music Awards and during the half-time performance at this year’s NBA All-Star game.

“I feel very grateful and happy this is happening,” said DeCesare, who did not dance for any Sachem teams, but spent her earlier years taking countless dance classes at private studios. “When these moments come up in your life, you have to be in the moment and live in it. I’m so happy to be doing what I love to do and be passionate about it.”

For now, she’s set to go on tour with Pitbull and enjoy that, and is always ready for the next big thing. She said she has Broadway as a goal on her to-do list as well.

“It’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice,” she said. “I love performing. That’s always been my dream."