17 year old Kelsie Jeffords Dances Into Her Future
Kelsie Jeffords, a local Coloradan living with CF, is a member of the Silhouettes, who danced their way into America’s hearts on America’s Got Talent. Kelsie took a few moments away from her busy schedule to talk about the Silhouettes’ second place finish and what her life looks like now.

Congratulations on the Silhouettes’ amazing run on America’s Got Talent! Did you imagine before the show starting airing that you would go as far as you did?
We never imagined we would make it this far. We were just a dance group from Colorado wanting a different life experience and a chance to inspire audiences. The fact that we made it so far and were able to do just that is more than we ever could have asked for.

What was your favorite performance and why?
I loved all of our shows but I think performing with Leann Rimes was my favorite. That performance was sort of a recap of our AGT journey and it was a great way to look back at what we had accomplished. Not to mention Leann Rimes is such an amazing singer and performing live with her made it that much more powerful to perform. See the performance athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLJA1SUuKJ8

Did you have any close encounters with celebrities?
We had a few run-ins with various celebrities. It was so fun to perform with and meet Leann Rimes, so that was definitely one of my favorites. On the side though, we met Hannah and Damian from the Glee Project one night out at dinner so that was really cool too because I loved watching that show.

What is up next for the Silhouettes?
The Silhouettes are performing for America’s Got Talent Live at the Caesars palace October 28, 29, and 30. After that we have some jobs locally at home in Colorado, and hopefully even a Silhouette tour. Nothing is secured yet, but keep your eye out for the Silhouettes.

How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing since I was three years old. However, Rocky Mountain School of Dance, the studio that is home to the Silhouettes, has been my dance studio since I was 14 years old. (I'm now 17)

Does having CF affect your work with the Silhouettes?
It hasn't yet! The Silhouettes and my director, Lynne Waggoner Patton, are so supportive and caring for me though. They always know how to make me feel better when I'm down, and they keep me motivated to live as healthy and as normal of a lifestyle as possible.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me is I wake up, go to school, go home for a quick dinner and homework, then I'm off to dance for about four hours a night, Monday through Thursday. My family is a great support system to help me balance my crazy life. I also go to a great school so they are always willing to help as well. I owe thanks to the loving people surrounding me for making my chaotic life possible, and enjoyable.

What are your future goals?
I hope to go to college and pursue a degree in either film and media studies, or psychology. I will also always keep dance as a part of my life in some way, big or small.

What would you like to say to other young people with CF?
I would just like to say, don't let life's obstacles stop you. CF can complicate many things, but with optimism, strength, and the support of friends and family you can overcome those obstacles. I always have lived by the motto "CF doesn't have me, I have CF", so go out there and show CF and everyone else that you cannot be defeated. You can live your dreams no matter what anyone tells you, and as the Silhouettes would say "imagine, create, believe, love, and give". If you follow those words, CF doesn't stand a chance against you ;)