Dancing her way to a sense of place

(NEWBERG) — Vada Coats is nothing if not busy.

The 17-year-old Newberg High School senior (she will be graduating a year early in June) divides her time between her studies, volunteering in the community, and a rigorous schedule connected to her love of dance.

She mentors younger dancers, teaches classes at her mother’s dance studio (Chehalem Valley Dance Academy), performs in a myriad of local dance productions, and choreographs dance performances in the area.

It’s a wonder she has time for her other activities, which have included regular volunteer work at A Family Place relief nursery in Newberg, the Newberg Public Library and the Newberg Early Bird Rotary Club.

“I have also volunteered for specific events with (Newberg Friends In Service to Humanity), the Community Wellness Collective and Wine Country Pride,” she said. “Along with my official tasks at CVDA, I volunteer at the dance studio for performances and special events.”

Coats employs a disciplined approach to tending to her many duties.

“Being organized with a detailed calendar has helped me balance the many activities and responsibilities I have,” she said. “Regular communication with my family and friends, as well as prioritizing my commitments, has set me up for success.”

Coats’ exploits also earned her the Newberg Junior Human of the Year award from the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce at its annual community awards banquet in February. A citation read during the event highlighted Coats’ 4.0 grade-point average at NHS while taking Advanced Placement classes and additional online credits while maintaining her busy schedule performing and mentoring other dancers.

The citation said, “Vada is a leader and loving role model to her younger sisters, and most importantly, she prioritizes her own self-care and mental health.”

Plans for the Newberg native after graduation involve moving south to Los Angeles to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Once she graduates, her goal is simple: “I see myself choreographing for and performing alongside musical artists on tours and in music videos.”

In nominating Coats for the Amazing Kids designation, Francisco Stoller is clearly a fan of his stepdaughter: “Albeit an intricate balance, Vada has been able to organize her life in a way that she puts herself first while still showing up for classmates on group projects, her students who look up to her, her friends and her family. Yes, her accomplishments are impressive. However, her true glory and why she is so safe for both youth and adults to look up to and be inspired by is her willingness to achieve, be resilient and take up space.”

Coats said she gains inspiration from people close to her and from people far removed from the Newberg community.

“My mom (Kristen Stoller) has been the biggest influence in my life, as she was the one who put me into dance and encouraged me in everything I do,” Coats said. I also take creative inspiration from artists like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Kendrick Lamar because they all remind me of how important it is to be authentic and true to myself.”