Lake Superior College News Releases

Some days, Kyle Duncan lifts a hammer and carries 2×4’s. Other days, he lifts ballerinas and carries them across the dance floor.  Duncan is a talented young man whose interests range from mechanics and carpentry to theater and dance.

This fall, he began his second year in the Building Construction program on a full scholarship from Denfeld High School.  “Kyle is the type of student that everyone gets along with,” said faculty member John Calcaterra. “He is quiet and has kept his accomplishments to himself, making him very humble.”

Duncan has been challenged throughout his life with learning disabilities. “When I was in grade school, a teacher told my mother I would never do well. Because I struggle, this has made me find other ways to learn things and keep pushing myself.”

He discovered that working with his hands and figuring out design challenges, whether in dance and choreography or in carpentry and mechanics, came naturally to him.

“I always had my hands into something when I was little,” said Duncan. “I had a friend whose Dad owned an automotive shop.  I hung around there a lot, learning how to fix cars and weld.”

“Kyle has worked very hard to get to where he is today,” said LSC High School Connections Program Director Michelle LaPorte, who has known Duncan since he was in fifth grade. “I know his mom has helped him so much. We are all amazed and proud of him.”

In junior high school, Duncan got involved in the East Hillside Youth Theater Camp. “Acting helped me with my speaking,” he said. He was spotted in a theater production by a Minnesota Ballet representative who offered him a scholarship to study dance.  For the past six years, Duncan has taken dance workshops with the Minnesota Ballet. “During the summer, we studied five days a week, all day,” he said.

Duncan has toured with the Minnesota Ballet in the United States and Canada.  This exposure resulted in an offer from the Long Beach Ballet in California for more training and the opportunity of a lifetime. This past summer, Duncan traveled with the Long Beach Ballet to China where they performed for enthusiastic audiences in six cities.

“I was amazed at how friendly people were to us,” he said. “They showed their appreciation by clapping whenever they enjoyed something during our performances. Even though we didn’t speak Chinese, I could tell we were communicating through our dancing. I still can’t believe I was there.”

Duncan is busy with school and working a part-time stocking job at Super One, a local grocery store.  He’s also helping with choreography at Central High School and does on-call stagehand work at the DECC.

He has been asked to come speak at Washburn Edison School, his former elementary school, and Denfeld High School.  “They want me to talk to the students and tell my story,” he said, smiling and shaking his head. “I can’t believe that after having such a hard time in school, I will be going back there as a different person. I hope I can help someone else who might be struggling, too.”

Photo caption: LSC student and professional dancer Kyle Duncan gives fellow dancer Callie Robson a lift at the Great Wall of China.

Originally published in the Duluth News Tribune on Sunday, September 14, 2008.  Written by Janet Blixt.