Local 10-year-old dancer makes big moves

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Frankie Bussman is more than just a dancer at a local dance studio.

The 10-year-old has been dancing at Darcee's School of Dance, a studio on St. Joseph's Southside, since she was three, and has already accomplished a lot in her young dance career. 

Most recently, Frankie was named a nominee for Youth Athlete of the Year. She’s also competing for an opportunity to be featured in Sports Illustrated. 

“And (she'll) also be in commercials along with $25,000, which can go towards her dance career and we are super excited that she is nominated,” said Darcee Blanchard, Frankie's teacher and owner of the dance studio.

Bussman has also traveled to Los Angeles and Panama City Beach. She was part of the Step It Up program, a mentorship program for dancers who want to pursue a professional career. 

During the program, Bussman was selected to serve as an ambassador.  

“I am super proud of her also emotional because she has been at the studio since she was a baby and watching her grow has been inspiring,” Blanchard said.  

For Bussman, her love of dance comes from being able to express her attitude and show who she is. 

She said her biggest challenge comes when she attends conventions and has to learn new dances quickly.  

“Just have to keep on practicing. My biggest strength would be going all around the place and being able to do all the cool stuff since I am only 10 years old,” she said.  

Bussman encourages other dancers to never give up and to keep practicing so they can perfect every move while also being themselves throughout the process. 

She is excited about the opportunity to travel and accomplish the goals she has worked so hard for.  

“My inspiration is Krimzyn Blanchard she is Darcee’s daughter but I call her my sister because that is what she basically is,” Bussman added.  

With the studio preparing to open, Frankie is also getting ready for the next competition season. 

Blanchard said Bussman has already started working on her solos. She will compete while also traveling to do promotional work for Step It Up.  

“We are waiting for this next competition to see where she might to headed to do some commercials with Sports Illustrated,” she said.  

Before wrapping up, Blanchard encouraged Bussman to keep reaching for her dreams, stay true to herself and never give up.