Q:How did you start dancing, and why do you still pursue dance arts today?
A: I started dancing with ODC when I was eight, and my first class was modern with Tiffany. I had an idea in my head that I didn’t like ballet, but ODC changed my views immediately! Now ballet is one of my favorite dance styles! I pursue dance today because dance is my passion and it’s what motivates me to get through my day. It’s also a way for me to express my emotions.
Q: What is your favorite part about dance class?
A: This is a really hard question… I love all of it! If I had to choose, I would probably say it depends on the class. For example, in ballet class my favorite thing is when we are learning combinations in the center and going across the floor. In things like jazz or hiplet it’s also learning combinations!
Q: What is your favorite dance or role that you’ve ever performed?
A: Probably miniature Alice from Alice in Wonderland. I enjoyed that role because it was really fun to act as that character and to switch between mini Alice and big Alice with the doors. It was fun to have a special part in that production.
Q: What are some of your favorite steps to practice or perform?
A: I love doing pirouettes, and I really enjoy doing beats, like entrechat quatres. I like really big leaps, and things like firebirds. I love all of it, really. ♥️
Q: What steps do you find challenging? Do you have any tips for working on difficult steps?
A: Some challenging steps for me are fouette turns and frappes. How I work through difficult steps is I think about all the notes that the teacher has given me and I try to apply them as well as I can. Also I practice them a lot. Another thing that I do with hard steps or regular steps in general is I pretend like I’m on stage and I’m performing it.
Q: The teachers really appreciate your “growth mindset”, as well as your sense of self direction and motivation! Do you have any tips for staying positive and focused in classes/rehearsals?
A: You’re never going to enjoy every single part of class, so focus on the things you love about class, and remember that the things you don’t like are still going to help you become a better dancer. ☺️
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not dancing?
A: When I’m not dancing, I like to hang out with my friends, be with my dog and my baby chickens, and read books. and I like watching TV 🙂
Q: Any sweet or silly backstage moments you’d like to share?
A: When we were performing Sea Island Nutcracker, Eleanor and l were the “lead mice” in the mice scene, and I remember we were on opposite wings, so right before we went on, we would always wave to each other and wish us luck and we would jump up and down because we were so excited. ♥️
Q: What’s a funny memory or story you have of an ODC teacher?
A: While we were preparing for Alice in Wonderland, during a rehearsal with Miss Moss, she told me that she was going to put bricks on my head so I wouldn’t grow any more for the little Alice part. 😆
Q: What’s the best part about being a dancer with Orcas Dance Collective?
A: The best part for me about being a dancer at ODC is how inclusive and caring everyone is. Everyone in my classes cares about one another and supports us. The other best part is the teachers. I am so grateful to all of my ODC teachers for being so kind and supportive and helping me grow into a better dancer and person. I appreciate all of your hard work!
Q: Anything else you’d like us to know?
A: I want to thank my dance teachers for voting me Dancer of the Month! It means so much to me. And to all ODC dancers: you are amazing! You are all talented, beautiful dancers! ♥️