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| Photo credit : Rachel Neville |
I trained in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet and eventually I joined American Ballet Theatre, and was a principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet before I branched off into more commercial work when I joined the TV series So You Think You Can Dance.
1. Tell us about your Background and Journey?
I started Dancing when I was about 7 years old. I used to make up my own dances and perform for my family. I would turn off all the lights and hand my dad a flashlight and say "spotlight me". I did this for a few years and my parents would always ask me if I wanted to Dance.
My answer however was always "no, dancing is only for girls". They asked me for a few years until finally they brought me to a local dance school show and I saw guys dancing and I guess it changed my whole perspective and I wanted to start immediately after!
I trained in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet and eventually I joined American Ballet Theatre, and was a principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet before I branched off into more commercial work when I joined the TV series So You Think You Can Dance.
2. What inspired you to pursue Dance as a Career?
I think I always just loved it so I wanted to keep on dancing. I'm happy and grateful that a career in the arts was even possible as a lot of dancers are not able to make their passion into a professional career.
3. How would you define Ballet?
DIFFICULT. Hahahaha
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| Photo credit : Rachel Neville |
4. What is the most challenging part of being a Dancer?
Aside from the obvious physical demands and aesthetics, there's always constant rejection, and that can feel very personal. Rejection can be anything - don't like your face, don't like the way your feet look, maybe they think your eyes are too small or you move your mouth too much when you dance.
5. What are the most important traits a Dancer should Have?
A strong mind, a good attitude and LOVE for the art! I can't stress having a good positive attitude enough. It gets people way further than they might think.
6. Which Dancers inspire you the most and why?
There are honestly so many, and I can't pinpoint one person because I draw little bits of inspiration from so many dancers. Even dancers that I have no idea who they are and I just might pass a clip of them on social media. Dancers that have really devoted themselves to the art of dance. And that can literally be anybody. I love creativity.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring Dancers?
Always have a good attitude and try not to take criticism offensively. Take the criticism, but don't let it get you down, and then fix it and see how you could make it better. DON'T let it get you down. Strip away all the negative associations with criticism, it is there only to make you better.
8. Which is your favorite Book and Why?
I'm a sucker for teen dystopian books, haha, so I love Hunger Games and Harry Potter, but also one of my favorites is 'Dry' by Augusten Burroughs and I also think the 7 love languages is an amazing book.
Interviewed By - Serene Ingle
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