Long hours, brutal practices, and worn out pointe shoes consume the lives of these inseparable dance partners. That’s Hannah and Cara Solis- dancers by heart and sisters by blood.

“She’s my best friend and we do everything together,” junior Cara Solis said.

The Solis sisters, who are one year and a week apart, started dancing at ages four and five at the Wise Ballet and Music Academy.

“We wanted to start something together, and we never fought over who was the star,” senior Hannah Solis said.

Twelve productions later, they do everything together from movies to parties to meals.

“All of my friends are her friends and vice versa,” Cara said. “It’s cool because whenever we want to do something, we agree on who we want to invite.”

Cara also participates in theatre and says she enjoys aspects of both.

“I prefer acting to bar exercises, but would rather be center stage dancing than working lights,” Cara said. “Theatre is my own thing, but I couldn’t imagine my life without dance, especially next to my sister.”

While her sister participates in the school’s theatre productions, Hannah teaches a three-year-old dance class, and sometimes seven to eight year olds.

“I like having my own thing, and I think Cara does too,” Hannah said. “I would much rather be dancing than coaching a room full of hyper little kids, but they’re cute when they finally do what they’re supposed to.”

The sisters spend 20 to 25 hours every week dancing, as they are also members of the Flamenco team. Their first competition is in March.

“We’ve been in 12 or 13 productions together, so we’re very comfortable performing on the same stage,” Hannah said. “One year I got the lead as Pocahontas and it was hard for me to play the bigger part, but we both had such a good time and she understood that I had something to my own.”

The inseparable sisters will split after graduation while Hannah missions for two years.

“I have to work until I’m 19 in December, then I’ll go wherever my church sends me,” Hannah said. “I’m excited but I will miss not seeing her everyday. I am curious on how I will handle life without her by my side.”

Cara reflects on how supportive Hannah is in her life.

“I can always count on her,” Cara said. “It will be weird for her not to be here next year. I’ll be less motivated to go to school.”

The two sisters plan on keeping in touch, even if Hannah is on the other side of the globe.

“I’ve been with her my whole life,” Cara said. “It’s scary to think what it will be like without her, but I am so proud to have a sister like Hannah.”