Kelleigh Bannen | 38, Singer/Songwriter
Robby Klein
Kelleigh Bannen
Kelleigh Bannen’s voice is as beautiful as her face. The singer, who co-wrote all of the songs on her upcoming album, Favorite Colors, out this month, also shares every moment of her journey as an artist in Music City—the good, the bad, and the ugly—on her podcast, “This Nashville Life.” And she’s got a heart to match it all:
“I recently got involved with an organization called the Keep A Breast Foundation, whose mission is to fight breast cancer through education and early detection,” she says.
“Particularly, their focus is on educating young people about breast health, because 12,000 women age 40 or younger are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. I just did a cast as part of their Nashville Keep A Breast Collection, which is a campaign that is creating breast casts of musicians and pairing them with artists. The casts will be painted, displayed, and ultimately auctioned at a private fundraiser. It’s a beautiful approach to education that is meant to take breast health out of the cold clinical setting, and make it less scary, and more understandable.”
Daniel Armando Rios Calderon | 24, Professional Soccer Player with the Nashville Soccer Club
Robby Klein
Daniel Armando Rios Calderon
“Work hard, dream big” is not just a favorite quote for Daniel Rios, it’s a philosophy. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, he grew up playing soccer alongside his brother.
“Since we were kids, we have always shared the same dream. He has become a role model for me. He listens to me, supports me, and gives me advice.”
Now that he’s reached his dream of playing professional soccer, he’s finding his passions off the field, as well. Whether he’s taking in the sunset from the Pedestrian Bridge, or supporting Nashville Soccer Club’s community outreach endeavors, he makes the most of every day.
Imani Sailers | 24, Company Dancer at Nashville Ballet
Robby Klein
Imani Sailers
There’s no questioning Imani Sailers’ grace and beauty. As a Company Dancer with Nashville Ballet, she’s worked her way up to become one of the most visible performers on the stage. It’s a position that brings her great pride and great responsibility.
“Ballet dancers begin training for their careers at such an early age, and becoming a professional dancer is the culmination of many years of hard work,” she says. “As an African American woman, it means even more to me personally because I have the opportunity to use my platform to bring even more visibility to the women of color who have pursued this career and who are paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps.”
Sailers furthers her position as a role model by teaching at Rejoice School of Ballet, which provides dance training to students of different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
“To be able to pass on what I have learned to a new generation of dancers is an honor and a blessing.”
For the full list of this year's Most Beautiful People, pick up a copy of the October issue on newsstands now or visit shop.nashvillelifestyles.com.