Stephanie's breathtaking work as a dancer with Ballet Memphis is a result of her passion, something that has been nurtured since she came here in 2000.

"I never thought I'd be here this long," she said, and it's unusual for a dancer to have such longevity at one place. "But Ballet Memphis has evolved significantly since I've been here and I would not have chosen any other direction."

Stephanie, one of the jewels in Ballet Memphis' crown, was recognized in 2009 as an outstanding artist by the Tennessee Arts Commission. She received a coveted Individual Artist Fellowship. "It was pretty incredible.

When I went to my audition, there were many dancers from all kinds of disciplines. How do you judge one dance form against the other?"

The judges doubtlessly saw in her a history of hard work, passion and dedication that started when she was doing competitive figure skating as a child.

"I really got serious about ballet when I was 12. It transformed my feelings into making it my career — being surrounded by passionate artists inspired me to pursue it."

She's finished her 11th season at Ballet Memphis where she has her daily ballet classes and also teaches at the company's school and its Pilates center. "The thing about Memphis is the people I work with and friends I've met here," she said. "We have a big city but a small art community and the relationships created with all the local artists form a strong bond."

Now go Behind-the-scenes of Young Memphis with Stephanie Mei Hom.

Meet the rest of Young Memphis.