When did you first fall in love with dance?
I fell in love with dance the first time I ever performed on stage. It felt like a certain familiarity I can't really describe. It just felt like home.
If you weren't a dancer, what would you be doing?
It's hard to imagine my life without dance. In addition to dancing, I act and sing so I'd probably still be a performer regardless if I danced or not.
Is life any different as a professional dancer than you expected it to be as a student?
The biggest change I had to go through was gaining confidence to perform and take risks on stage (and it is still a work in progress). It's both scary and an incredibly special thing to find your own voice in the creative process or share your true expression on stage. The growth that comes out of the transition is both daunting and rewarding as a professional artist.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I meditate daily. Even if it's just for 10 minutes, it's a little practice I have that keeps me feeling balanced and focused.
How are you similar/different in real life from your character in On Pointe?
My character in "On Pointe", Paige, and I are similar in the way that we are ambitious in following our goals. I also think we are both stubborn in the sense that once we set our mind to something we're going to do everything we can to make it happen.
Can we expect more acting from you?
Yes! I have another movie coming out Summer 2018, "High Strung: Free Dance". I play the lead, Barlow. I'll be acting alongside two brilliant actors, Thomas Doherty and Harry Jarvis, as well as performing with some of the industry's best dancers in the film!
Do you have any special pointe shoe prep routines?
I always prep my brand new shoes the same way, very basic. I smash the vamp a bit, and bend the shank slightly so the shoe feels more molded to my foot. Then I cut the satin off of the box and burn the ribbons so they don't fray.
What is your favorite brand of tights?
MDM Dancewear tights are my fave :) They're super soft and always match my shoes perfectly.
I would love to see more women as directors or choreographers!
Grand Allegro
What is one thing you always keep in your dance bag?It's so hard to choose one, every theater and performance comes with a completely different experience. I think one of my top places to perform is the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center because NYC is one of my favorite places in the world.
No, I grew up a total omnivore, and was on and off vegetarian growing up. I went vegan almost 5 years ago.
What is your favorite source of healthy energy?Fruit. It digests really quickly and is a really healthy source of carbs & sugar. (which equals energy!)Personally, I have faced self-doubt growing up as a dancer. I have learned that it is always there and I have the power to choose how it will affect me. When I was 15, I spoke about this in a TEDx talk called "Be Great". I knew I wasn't alone in feeling this way and I wanted to share what I have learned with other young artists and people alike. I believe we are capable of so much if we are mindful of our intentions and practice our power of choice each day.
Do you have any advice for aspiring young artists?
