Bohemian Blazers

Senior Lelia-Michelle Walker counts the week's tasks on her fingers, excitedly running through her list of activities. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays, she recounts, is practicing time for any one of the four instruments she plays. Every Sunday there is a concert. Tuesdays and Thursdays are devoted to music as well, and all her spare time goes to dancing. Despite this seemingly unmanageable schedule, Walker wouldn't have it any other way. "I hope to have the opportunity to continue my passion throughout the rest of my life," she says.

At 17, Walker has already progressed farther on her self-professed passion than many teens—or adults. She presently plays the viola, oboe, violin and cello in the D.C. Youth Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the New England Symphonic Ensemble and the Kindler Quartet. Walker dances in the Washington School of Ballet, the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

t age four, Walker auditioned for the Washington School of Ballet and won herself a place there. After 13 years and "too many concerts to count"—including a performance at Carnegie Hall and several Kennedy Center appearances—Walker doesn't regret a minute of it.

Walker says the fact that she has been a dancer since early childhood has helped her understand music. "When you're a dancer, you have a feel for rhythm," she says, citing the Nutcracker as a professional performance that inspired her to take up music and dance.

Walker has a strong love for performance in general. "My favorite part of performing is the rush you get right before you go on stage," she says.

Despite the thrill Walker gets from dance and music, she admits that she often has to choose between school or socializing and the arts.

Even so, Walker says that her friends are quite supportive and take an interest in her contributions to the arts; some come to her dance recitals, and all cheer her on. "I wouldn't be able to manage everything without my friends," Walker contests.