Alex Armand began learning a second language when she was only 4 years old.
When the French foreign exchange student came to the United States in August, she was excited to learn that Elise Kube — the daughter of her host parents, Jim and Connie Kube — spoke the same language.
That language is dance.
“I was really happy because my sister (in France) doesn't like to dance,” Alex said while waiting for her modern dance class to start.
Alex, who speaks fluent English as well, said she's happy to have someone with whom she can share her hobbies and passion — someone with whom she can practice, too.
Although she began dancing when she was very young, Alex said she didn't get serious about it until a couple of years ago. Recently, she has traveled in the region of Mougins, France, where she lives, to perform.
“It's not my first language, but my second language to express myself,” Alex said. “It's a way of life. It's a way of thinking.”
Alex came to the United States as part of the Rotary exchange program. She said she thought it would be a good opportunity to discover another country.
But her stay in the United States almost didn't happen. Chuck Olsen, past president of the Norfolk Rotary — the club responsible for finding a host family for her — said she was initially supposed to stay in Bellevue.
“The Bellevue Rotary Club was unable to find a host family for her,” Olsen said.
The head of the district youth exchange program contacted Olsen and asked if someone in the Norfolk area would be interested in hosting Alex.
“We had eight responses expressing interest within 24 hours,” he said.
Within a matter of weeks, Alex was on a plane bound for the United States and settling in with the Kube family. She arrived in Norfolk the day after Elise's birthday.
Elise said she has been dancing since she was about 4 years old, as well, but said she couldn't remember how she became interested. Her mother, Connie, said Elise's interest in dance sparked after watching her older cousins perform.
Elise said it has been fun being a part of Alex's host family.
“It's awesome,” Elise said. “I've always wanted a sister.
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