Age: 13
Hometown: Irvine, CA
School: Princess Grace Academy (Monaco)
Favorite Brand: Discount Dance, Russian Pointe Brand (of course), Wear Moi, Yumiko, Capezio
Dream Roles: Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Odette in Swan Lake
How did you first come to dance?
My Mom took me to my first dance class when I was 3. When I was 4, my grandparents took me to watch Sleeping Beauty and I sat at the edge of my seat the entire performance. Ever since then, I've dreamt of being a ballerina.
Who has been your most influential teacher?
There have been so many teachers that have invested in me so it is hard to name just one. My very first teacher was Ms. Hanna Przyludzka-Karacic from Southland Ballet Academy. She has believed in me and taught me since I was 7 years old. Every week we used to have privates together and she would always encourage and push me to do my very best. Another teacher that has greatly influenced me is Gioia Masala from Princess Grace Academy. Although I have not known her as long, she has been a big part of my life and inspires me daily.
What is your favorite source of healthy energy?
I usually have chamomile tea and rice cakes, and occasionally a piece of chocolate to give me extra energy. When I'm home in California I loved Acai Packs and power berries.
Walk us through a day in the life at Princess Grace:
I usually wake up around 6am, go to breakfast, do my hair and get ready for class. Then, I head to the petit studio to warm up one hour prior to when my class starts. After class, we usually have French and or Pilates. After lunch, we either have contemporary, composition, technique (pointe work), or variations. When we have finished our day, we like to stretch and practice what we have learned that day. After dinner I start to study, shower and get ready for bed!
What has been the most challenging part of living away from home?
One of the most challenging things about living away from home is being independent. Before I left everything was done for me, laundry, schedules, snacks and making sure my day was organized. My Mom was always there to tell me where to go and what time I needed to be places, but now I have to do it all by myself. It might sound a little bit harsh, but you get used to it and everything falls into place. Another big part of living away from home is missing your parents. When you live at home you know that they are always next to you and will come and get you whenever you need. But living a million miles away is hard especially on days when you need a big Mommy or Daddy hug (I miss my sister too!).
Where do you plan to study this summer?
I am going to take classes at my home studio in California so I can be with my family and see all my old friends and teachers again.
Who is your dance idol?
Too many to name! A few I love to watch are: Sylvie Guillem from Paris Opera Ballet, Lauren Cuthbertson from Royal Ballet, and Maria Kochetkova from ABT / SFB.
What is something not many people know about you?
I can be very crazy at times but I can also be very serious.
What is a goal of yours for 2017?
To have better turn out, balance and a stronger core.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
I hope to be dancing at an amazing company like The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, San Francisco Ballet or American Ballet Theatre. And since I’ll be 23 maybe I'll have a boyfriend too ; )
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