I am a proud teacher. My students are smart, empathetic, creative, talented and hard-working young women who strive to challenge themselves and seek out opportunities in this amazing city and beyond. Since April 2015, I have featured students on the Student Spotlight where they have the chance to share their dance and performing arts pursuits with the e.g.dance audience. Perhaps some people reading will recognize a summer program or high school program that they will be attending. I think this presents a wonderful chance for them to connect to the dance world in an innovative way. Please feel free to let me know if you'd like to reach out to them!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

December 2022

Evie

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Something that has been a huge part of my life since I was five years old is the violin. I’ve been taking lessons for twelve years now, and just like dance, it has been a major outlet for my feelings and emotions, and it is a great form of self expression. I mostly play classical, but I love switching it up and playing some Klezmer and Folk pieces as well. After an unfortunate lull in my reading habits — something I did not expect having spent my whole childhood with my head in a book — I got back into it last year and am extremely grateful for that. I have not had nearly enough time to read so far this school year, but when I have the time and a great book available, I can get lost in it for hours. (I will gladly take book recommendations!) I also have been really into crocheting lately. During quarantine, I taught myself via Youtube, and this year I started a club at my school to donate crocheted and knitted items to charities. It is amazing to be able to make your own clothes and accessories, and it is such a calming activity. I also spend a lot of time with my family. Because I am an only child, I am extremely close with my parents (and my labradoodle Buster), and we spend a lot of time playing games (Rummikub is our favorite), watching old movies, and exploring different neighborhoods in New York City.

How long have you been dancing?

I started dancing when I was three years old. I first took a ballet class and tried tap dance for a couple of years around the same time (I wish I had continued it because it would be awesome to be able to tap dance). I did some other classes over the following years — some ballet, some modern — but I started to get more serious about dance in 6th grade when I chose dance as my talent at M.S. 51. That is when I really started to get passionate about dance and started taking it seriously. So, I’ve technically danced on and off for thirteen years but solidly it’s been a good seven years.

How often do you train?

I train six hours a week. I have an hour and fifteen minute class with Erin once a week. In school, I have four 50 minute periods of dance a week, and I have an after school class for my company in school that is an hour and a half.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

With Erin, I take a contemporary class. In school, it really varies. It ranges from West African to hip hop to Latin. Some days we’ll do a Dunham workshop, others we get into pairs and do the hustle. One of the things that I love about the dance program at my school is how much of a variety there is in the styles we do. My favorite style — and the one I feel most comfortable with — is definitely contemporary/modern. However, learning a variety of styles that I am not familiar with not only gives me a lot of range as a dancer, but it also has helped me to grow comfortable being uncomfortable. It is not easy dancing in a style that you don’t have much experience with and know is not your strong suit. However, being comfortable with this discomfort has made me a much stronger dancer, and the more I dance in these unfamiliar styles, the more familiar and comfortable they become. For our show in December, we are also having a commercial hip hop piece set on us by a guest choreographer. Hip hop is one of those styles that really requires me to let go and not worry about how I look and just try my best, but I’m really enjoying it. I’m also hoping to start ballet classes with Erin once college applications are in!

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

There are so many lessons that come from dancing, such as teamwork and confidence and trying your best (the list goes on), but one thing in particular that it has taught me is perseverance. Almost every time I dance, I face some sort of challenge. Whether it’s when learning a new phrase or a new move or a new style, there is most likely going to be some sort of obstacle that I will have to surpass. Tricky timing for a combination, a difficult move that trips me up, a phrase that I just can’t seem to get the hang of. With all of these challenges, the way to overcome them is to try again. I may try again and figure it out the next time or it may take twenty tries, but these experiences of getting back up and trying again — despite any mounting frustration or uncertainty — and finally getting the result I want, has taught me what perseverance truly is and that it can be applied in so many aspects of life.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

This year, my favorite dance moment from a seat in the audience was my Spring dance show for school. For the show, a few seniors got to choreograph their own pieces, and getting to watch how they developed overtime and seeing the final product during dress rehearsals with costumes and lighting was really amazing. I love watching dance in general, but getting to watch your peers dance, especially in a piece that another one of your peers created, is really spectacular and it made me want to choreograph a piece this year, which I’m doing! It is honestly so hard to pick a favorite dance moment as a dancer because I love every class with Erin, and each one is never the same. One recurring moment that I love, though, is when all the bits and pieces get glued together, and I can see a full dance fall into place. Erin has a really cool way of teaching where we learn a lot of phrases completely detached from one another, and we learn them to completely different songs. After practicing these phrases separately over the course of many classes, Erin puts them all together, and it is a huge “aha” moment for me. Everything really starts to make sense, and finally getting to do all the phrases back to back in one long piece is such an amazing moment.

May 2022

STELLA B.

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Recently, I’ve been getting very into weight lifting and the gym. What started as me following my summer crush into the gym as the fall started, has turned into one of my main hobbies, and maybe even passions now. I love not only the mental release, but when I’m physically strong I’m able to feel more mentally strong and in control of my body and my mind. Of course like any teenager, I also enjoy a night out with my friends whether it be trying a new restaurant, or going to a fun party. 

How long have you been dancing?

I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember, I think I was four when I started ballet, all I can really recall is the video my mom has of me in my first recital, and in the middle of the number I was in, I bend over and pick up a feather that was on the stage. When I got into elementary school, my rebel self quit ballet and modern, and started to take tap more seriously (only because there were less rules, and it was more loud). But in seventh grade, I followed my best friend to e.g. dance and I’m forever grateful. 

How often do you train?

I train almost eight hours a week - on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:45pm, and on Sundays from 2:00 to 5:30 in the City for tap class and ensemble rehearsal and then I am in Choreography Lab on Sunday nights for two hours.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

I take ballet & modern technique classes with Erin as well as Choreography Lab, where I am creating a solo. And then I take technique class for ATDF, and Tap City Youth Ensemble company rehearsal. 

Will you dance this summer?

I don’t think I will take any formal classes after graduation this summer, as I move into my dorm on the 12th of August, and have to make the last of all of these moments with my friends really count. However, I am known to be the dancer of the group, and if you see me at a party oftentimes my feet are bare, and my butt is twerking. 

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me so much. Mostly, it has taught me how to be a leader and inspire my peers. Dancing for the past six or seven years in an all female group can be challenging, competition is a huge obstacle, along with everyone’s own internal dialogue and insecurities. However, under the guidance of Erin, I feel as though I’ve been able to wield some of my traits for the better, and use them for good. I’m extremely outspoken, and I speak from my heart before I rationalize what I should be saying in my head. Erin has helped me see that this is something actually useful I could provide to the group. As a senior, I now can help inspire our younger dancers, speak up for my friends, and set the bar when it comes to inspiring my peers to not only be stronger in their dance but also become mentally stronger and self advocates. 

What has been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

It’s hard to choose just one funny moment from dance this year, as so many happen. Probably the most fun was our weekend performing in Nut/Cracked. It was really a series of unfortunate events, my best friend got deferred to her first choice school, and in general all the seniors were on edge about college. Then, one of our cast members was exposed to Covid, and we all had to wear masks.  Most people probably would’ve gotten sad about this, but for me I just couldn’t stop laughing, finally everyone else started laughing too. There were plenty of selfies to be had backstage, and we performed amazingly both times.

June 2021

Luna

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Recently I have gotten into volleyball. I used to play when I was younger, before I started dancing, and I remember enjoying it, so I decided to give it another try. From July until January of 2020, I lived in Mallorca, a Spanish island in the Mediterranean. I took a beach volleyball class there that was actually an incredible workout because we had to move around in the sand. When I got back to New York I decided I wanted to continue, so I joined a Saturday class and I love it! Another new addition to my life is coaching. I used to be a competitive gymnast, and ever since I was six years old I had been training at Ms. J’s gymnastics and dance. It became my second home, but was starting to get too time consuming and so I stopped and decided to start dancing instead. After I left gymnastics, I was offered a job as an assistant coach. I love working with younger children, and I will always love gymnastics, so the job is perfect for me! I work with three different groups, ages ranging from three to thirteen and all different levels. 

How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing for about three years now. But before officially starting with dance I did ballet as part of my gymnastics training to improve my floor and beam routines. 

How often do you train?

I train three times a week in person, on Mondays I have an hour-long class, and Wednesdays I dance from 5 pm to 7:45 pm, both at the creative arts studio. On Thursdays, I take a class at Mark Morris Dance Group from 6 to 7:30. 

What kind of dance classes do you take?

On Mondays I have my ballet class, on Wednesdays, I have back-to-back ballet and contemporary, and on Thursdays, I have a modern class. I have tried out a few other types of dance such as tap and hip hop but decided they weren’t really for me.  When living in Mallorca I also started a pointe class. I loved it and hoped to continue here in NYC but I haven't been able to find a class here yet. 

Will you dance this summer?

I will be away in Germany and Spain this summer, and as of right now I haven't made any plans for dance classes. There was a dance studio that I trained at for a little while in Mallorca, and I might take a summer class there. If not, I will definitely continue to stretch and workout on my own to be prepared to come back to dance in September.  

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me that I shouldn’t give up on things too easily. When I first started dancing, I always felt incredibly behind, and to be honest, the class I was in was probably not the right level for me, however, for some reason, I managed to stick with it. I ended up learning so much and catching on pretty quickly. I am so glad I decided to continue, and I know that if I practice something enough, and want it enough, I can make it happen.   

What has been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

My favorite dance moment was a day in ballet class a little while ago. We had just learned a new combination and I remember feeling very confident when marking every position. Normally I make a few noticeable errors, and I get a little frustrated with myself, however half way through the exercise I realised I hadn’t missed a single step. I got a rush of confidence and continued to do the exercise even better on the left side, even attempting double pirouettes, and to my surprise, they were pretty good! That moment really made me realise how much I have learned and improved.

What is the difference between dancing on Zoom vs. dancing in the studio? What did you learn from making movement for camera? Or what did you learn from watching movement on camera after Erin compiled it?

Dancing on zoom versus dancing in the studio were two very different experiences for me. I noticed that when dancing on zoom, I didn’t feel as embarrassed when I made an obvious mistake because I couldn’t tell if anyone was watching. For the same reason however, I also didn’t feel as motivated without the other girls there to push me  to dance to my fullest ability. I did find a good area to dance in my basement, so space wasn’t a big issue for me, but dancing on a wood floor facing a wall of mirrors will always be better

Are you currently dancing in the studio or via Zoom? How is it to be back? Tell us everything!

I’m excited to say I am dancing back in the studio! It is great to be back, and it almost feels like pre-covoid dance. I do miss things like leaps and chaine turns across the floor that we had to stop for social distancing, and I’m hopeful we can get back to that in September. 

How have you been feeling about time away from live performance (both as a performer and as an audience member)?

Since I haven't been a dancer very long, I'm not too familiar with live performances. The few that I did perform in were incredibly fun though. My favorite part is the excitement and chaos backstage, hair, makeup, costumes, and practicing numbers. I definitely look forward to performing live again. As a gymnast I always had to “perform” alone in front of an audience,

which was a different kind of experience. Both are incredibly nerve-racking but also extremely fun.

May 2021

Gabby

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Recently, I’ve been becoming a bit of a yoga fanatic. With everything that has happened in the past year, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for stability. Whether I’m working through all the snap crackle pops of my limbs right after I wake up, with the sunlight beaming through my window, or I’m nearly asleep in childs pose right before bed as I reflect on my day, yoga has added a layer of comfort to my routines. Additionally, I’ve always been quite the history buff. Of all my classes, history seems the most relevant. After all, it’s entirely real. Beyond being a good story, history allows me to conceptualize current events, which pushes me to be politically engaged so the bad parts of history don’t repeat themselves. 

How long have you been dancing?

I’ve been dancing ever since I could stand up straight. My parents have told me I would bounce around to my dad’s rock and roll music as a toddler, and I soon obligated them to play it right before bed because the movement helped me fall asleep. I started formally dancing when I was 5 with a ballet/tap class, and continued to explore different styles at my studio and with my middle school dance teacher. In 9th grade, I started ballet and modern classes with Erin. 

How often do you train?

I formally train once a week with Erin, but I truly am dancing all of the time. Whether I’m walking down the street, with the music in my earbuds dictating how my arms start to sway, or I’m gazing out the car window on a long drive and I subconsciously start choreographing to the song on the radio, dance is continuous for me; my training doesn’t stop once I leave the studio. 

What kind of dance classes do you take?

I currently take ballet class every Wednesday. It’s especially rewarding this year, as after a long day of remote learning, I’m always very eager to get moving in the studio with all of my friends. I also dance at my high school, where I’m President of the Dance Club. We explore different styles throughout the year, and I’ve just finished teaching a hip-hop dance with jazz and contemporary influences.

Will you dance this summer?

Definitely! Even if I don’t have the pleasure of spending time in the studio with Erin, I will always find time to dance, whether it’s taking an online barre class or having a solo dance party in my room. 

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me to not take myself too seriously and to accept when things don’t work out as planned. For my whole life, I’ve been proud to call myself a perfectionist, as I thought it made me hardworking. Yet recently I’ve come to realize perfectionism isn’t really something to be proud of; quite frankly it’s something I’ve learned to hate. It’s given me the warped idea that anything less than perfect is undesirable, and that kind of mindset is more detrimental than it seems. Dance has given me the opportunity to feel all kinds of emotions, experience highs and lows, and find value in my mistakes. There are days when I go into the studio feeling confident about every turn and jump along the way, and then there are days when my balance is off and my mind can’t focus on the choreography. I’ve learned that that’s okay. Having a passion capable of making you feel the absolute best AND absolute worst has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I’m grateful for precisely that. Dance has taught me to accept my best, even if it isn’t perfect. 

What has been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

My favorite dance moment this year was actually just last week in ballet. I had been embarrassingly off my game the whole class, falling out of turns I usually nail and losing my balance during my favorite combinations. Towards the end of class, I’d gotten noticeably frustrated, shaking my head at myself as I made minor mistakes during the combination. Once we finished Erin gave her usual feedback, but what truly resonated with me was what she said about making mistakes. She explained the importance of positive self-talk and not being too hard on yourself, as doing so often translates to the way you treat others. Big aha moment right here. Since then, I’ve paid extra attention to my internal dialogue throughout my day and how I treat myself when I’m not at my best, both of which have been beneficial to my mental health. 

What is the difference between dancing on Zoom vs. dancing in the studio? What did you learn from making movement for camera? Or what did you learn from watching movement on camera after Erin compiled it?

Dancing on Zoom, like many other pandemic-era adaptations, has given me a renewed appreciation for normalcy. In the months I was on Zoom last spring, I found myself dancing just fine, but I didn’t feel as empowered after classes as I was used to. It made me realize how much power there is in the studio when we are all dancing together. Even though dance is mostly independent, working with all my friends in the studio brings an entirely new and intense dimension to my movement.

Are you currently dancing in the studio or via Zoom? How is it to be back? Tell us everything!

I’m dancing in the studio for ballet classes, which I’m so grateful for! I really love seeing everyone and having so much space to move, even if it means having to wear a mask while dancing. Additionally, I’m dancing on Zoom for Dance Club at my school, which is certainly a challenge. Teaching choreography in a tiny box to a group of students in tiny boxes is often confusing and much less interactive; nevertheless, I’m happy to be dancing in any way I can be. 

How have you been feeling about time away from live performance (both as a performer and as an audience member)?

I truly do miss performances, both as a performer and audience member. When I’m dancing, I always try to put my mind in performance-mode: eyes up, trying to tell a story. It’s difficult to continue finding use in this mindset when there is no real performance coming up, but I’m trying to see the bright side of this performance hiatus as a time to really focus on my technique and flexibility, without the stress of juggling choreography. 

December 2020

SaDIE

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Usually, I’m able to travel with my family, go to different galleries, and go out to eat and try new food. Of course, right now, those activities are much less possible. In the past year, I’ve been spending a lot of time doing creative writing. I’ve found that it’s a really good outlet for expressing things that are hard to articulate. That may seem a bit oxymoronic, but I find it easier to explore my own experiences without having to say them in a way that’s entirely non-fictional and clinical. I ended up discovering a playwriting program last year, and I’ve spent the past few months writing short scenes and plays. 

How long have you been dancing?

I started dancing in sixth grade with my middle school’s arts program. Every student was required to take an elective each year, and all admitted students auditioned for two tracks before their first school year began. Dance wasn’t actually my first choice, but I never switched to a different program. Unlike some of the other students, I had never danced before (baby ballet classes and a single modern course the year prior notwithstanding). I wasn’t alone in this, but I spent a lot of my time in the program wondering if I should really be there, or just leave and take a different course. I’m glad I never did. 

How often do you train?

I continued dancing in my high school. Funnily enough, when the pandemic came, dance was my most consistent class. In the Spring, when other teachers defaulted to asynchronous assignments, I would still have live dance calls every week. This year, I have various classes about 5 times weekly, including school dance company rehearsals. 

What kind of dance classes do you take?

Right now, I’m taking three classes a week with Erin, one ballet and two modern/contemporary/conditioning. At school, I’m learning Hip Hop, contemporary, and Broadway Jazz. 

Will you dance this summer?

Honestly, I have no sense of my summer schedule yet, but hopefully, yes! At the very least, I’ll try to take some of Erin’s classes. 

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance was the first thing I did that I remember I felt incredibly inadequate doing. I had always been a pretty good student; even in subjects I struggled with, I at least had the reassurance of report cards and praise from teachers. But I felt out of place in my own skin, waiting patiently for a nonexistent hidden talent to surface. I quickly learned that there was no ace up the sleeve or sleight of hand that could save me from my own perceived shortcomings.  I felt like I would never catch up, never feel anything more than disappointment and slight embarrassment at the thought of being on stage. I don’t know how to explain exactly how I got over this. I would love to say that I just worked so hard I overcame all my doubts, but that wasn’t quite it. Really, it was more about a slow acceptance of what dance meant to me. For so long, I felt like I had missed some great opportunity to begin dancing years before, and thus, irrevocably damaged my ability to do so in the future. But I was never going to be a prima ballerina, whether I started dancing at 2 or 11. Once I let go of this, I found a way to enjoy dance for what it is. 

I’m not exactly sure how to properly articulate the way this impacted how I live my life, but this lesson, for me, was never about hard work. I knew how to work hard and power through tough moments before I began dancing, but I had never been taught to let go and try to see things from a new perspective. 

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

Because of the pandemic, most live performances were cancelled, but I was able to see the virtual Fall For Dance. The series of performances is usually held at City Center, and in recent years, I’ve attended with my parents. One thing I appreciate about live performances being prohibited is virtual substitutions; I do hope that accessibility becomes more widespread in the arts world beyond the pandemic.  

What has been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

Strangely enough, my favorite moment this year was on election day. My school dance teacher called us all in for a distanced day of filming, and as stressful as it was, it was also the first time I had actually danced in person with other people in months. 

Offstage, my favorite moment was watching Fall For Dance. It’s been a pretty chaotic academic year, so it was a really nice change of pace to be able to sit back and enjoy art. One bonus of virtual dance is that no one can hear my mom and I talk over the performance about our impressions. 

What is the difference between dancing on Zoom vs. dancing in the studio? What did you learn from making movement for camera? Or what did you learn from watching movement on camera after Erin compiled it?

Dancing on Zoom is certainly a vastly different experience. I feel like I’m constantly re-angling my camera to be able to properly see and be seen. One pretty unexpected adjustment is the need to constantly translate movement from the right side to the left and vice versa. It takes an extra level of concentration when learning new phrases. 

Are you currently dancing in the studio or via Zoom? How is it to be back? Tell us everything!

Right now, I’m dancing via Zoom. I’m glad to be back; when I go too long without dancing my body begins to deteriorate. It’s definitely weird to be the only (at least, at the moment) student dancing virtually. There’s certainly a bit of a disconnect. I miss being in a room with other people, but one bonus is being able to learn without a mask on! 

How have you been feeling about time away from live performance (both as a performer and as an audience member)?

It’s really strange to be taking classes without the same type of end goal in mind. And while I know that what we learn won’t stay trapped in a dusty room in my house or on a computer screen, it’s a pretty stark shift. The rush of live performance, backstage nerves, anxiety-inducing tech weeks -- everything is on pause, or at the very least, muted. 

Honestly, when I think about my absences as an audience member, I think mostly about performers. For the audience, performances are a short foray into another world, but for dancers, this is a livelihood that can’t sustain them in a world that prohibits close contact. 

September 2020

MARGOT

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Dancing is, and always be my favorite hobby. But aside from dance, I love to go on runs, bake, and travel the world with my family and friends. I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel all around the world and I am forever grateful for all of the places I’ve visited. I have family that lives in France, so every other year my family goes to visit them and it is my favorite way to spend time in the summer.

How long have you been dancing?

Even just dancing around the house, I’ve been dancing ever since I could remember. When I was about 5, my mom signed me up for ballet classes, but soon later I realized I also really enjoyed modern dance. With a few jazz classes in between, I have been dancing mainly ballet and modern throughout the years. It wasn’t until 7th grade that I started taking classes with Erin through e.g dance.

How often do you train?

This year, I train every Saturday and take a variety of dance classes. I also attend dance classes at my school 3 times a week and there I get to try many styles of dance that are new to me.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

This year, my Saturday morning starts off with a ballet class, a pointe class, along with a modern class. Although it requires many hours at the studio, it is extremely rewarding to see the hard work pay off at the end of the year when we present our work in the showcase. I initially heard about Erin’s company through Creative Arts because Erin was a choreographer once, and I immediately loved her style of teaching. That led to me taking a modern class with her the following year and to continue dancing with her. Although I love dancing in class on Saturdays, having the opportunity to take choreography class with Erin has really opened my eyes to learn more about myself and the type of dance I seem to gravitate towards. I had never presented a solo prior to last year, and that was a very eye-opening experience for me since in the past I had only ever presented group pieces with my whole class.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dancing for so many years has allowed me to be more willing to try new things, be more of a risk-taker, and has helped me discover what I am capable of. 

What professional dance performances did you see in 2019?

This year I’ve been able to see several professional dance performances, but this winter I went to go see the Rockettes in Rockefeller Center and I saw the show in a completely different way than I remember seeing it when I was little. When I first viewed the show when I was about 5 or 6, I didn’t take the time to understand how much work the dancer put in to be so specific with their movement. But once I started to dance more, I have come to realize that it takes lots of hard work and dedication.

What has been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

I have had many extremely memorable dance moments this year, but one that stood out to me was after a break of having no classes. When we had revisited a ballet combination from a while back and I thought I had completely forgotten it, but when the music started playing, it felt as if my body was moving on its own since my muscle memory had taken over. This was my favorite dance moment this year that happened so far, but I am looking forward to many more great moments for the future and as I progress throughout this year.

March 2019

Chloe

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Aside from dancing, I am passionate about writing along with spending valuable time with my friends and family. Writing has always felt like a second-nature to me. During times where I can not navigate verbally what I want to convey, I turn to paper to help me display my feelings the way I want to. I have learned not to yell when I am angry but instead vent to my paper what I am going through, in order for me to work through my feelings in a silent way. Additionally, as I have grown up in a complex world, where I see a devastating headline after headline via the internet beyond my control, I’ve realized life can change at any moment. Therefore, I constantly desire to spend time with my loved ones because a close relationship with my friends and family is not one I want to take for granted or waste.

How long have you been dancing?

For as long as I could remember my family has called me a rubber band due to the constant stretching and legwork I was doing throughout my entire household. However, I began dancing when I was about 7, yet really found my passion and started motivating a lot of my life through the art when I was 10.

How often do you train?

This school year I have been training on Saturday mornings with a hour an a half ballet class following a hour and a half modern class, which is such a motivating way to kick off my weekend. The energetic and lively dances in the class mold my mood for the remainder of the day, as I feel so alive and ready to do anything! However, when I am not in the studio I am constantly stretching to endure my flexibility and muscles.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

Currently, I am taking ballet and modern with Erin, yet in the past I have found a passion with a diverse group of styles of dance. Styles that differ from musical theater to african which expand to hip hop are all styles I enjoyed participating in throughout various classes in. In order to grow as a dancer, it is consequential to expand one’s learning techniques by being active in other cultures of the dance-world.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

From dance, I have gained many everlasting life lessons that have been incorporated into my everyday life. For example, the fact that dance can be frustrating, especially if I am unable to master a specific movement immediately. This annoyance has taught me the value of patience, positivity and practice (the 3PS). Dance isn't something possible to rush into, it takes determination and time to perfect. In my school life, as I am taking geometry which has had it’s highs along with it’s lows, I have learned that it is okay if I do not understand the day’s lesson immediately. I will need to pursue practice problems at home on my own time in order to figure the topic out. This is lesson I will teach future generations ahead of me, as it has helped me navigate my life through it’s struggles and obstacles.

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

In the past year, I have been fortunate enough to see the professional dance performance, The New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, which I have seen every consecutive year since I was 6 with my cousins and my grandma. As well, in the past December, I had the opportunity to participate in The Bang Group’s Nut-Cracked, a great professional experience which took on a fun rendition of The famous Nutcracker.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

I cherish each moment at the end of class, where we practice the certain dance we learned that particular day. The sense of accomplishment felt while performing the dance each week is a feeling of relief and freedom. Since I know the choreography, I do not just focus on only doing the movements given but also use that time to perform the material to my imaginary audience in front of me.

February 2019

STELLA

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

When I’m not dancing, I love writing, music, and traveling. Over the past two summers I have visited Italy and Greece, and I am convinced that they are two of the most beautiful places in the world. In addition to traveling, my passion is writing. I have scraps of paper filling my room, my backpack, and my pockets, as well as hundreds of documents on various computers throughout the years, all just random ideas or bits and pieces of a story. One day I hope I will be able to connect all of these fragments and form a complete work, a concept that reminds me of putting together lots of choreography to create a finished dance.

How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing since I could walk, but was around age 7 that I started taking ballet classes. At these classes I began to learn the basics of technique and musicality, as well as developed an interest in movement that has been consistent throughout the past seven years.

How often do you train?

Unfortunately, this year I am only training on Saturdays with Erin, which is an amazing way to start off my weekend. My school offers a dance course later on in the year, and I believe I will take part in that.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

I am currently taking ballet and modern with Erin, but I hope to start expanding my horizons soon. I have previously taken pointe, but within the next few years I would like to start at least experimenting with new forms of dance that I have never tried before.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dancing has taught me about interacting with my peers, such as when it is helpful to take authority or actively ask questions, and when it is more beneficial to observe someone’s movements and follow their instruction. Along with this comes self-awareness, knowing how you can remedy the issue yourself (such as finding space in a formation) instead of asking the people around you to move. Knowing where I am in relation to others and being physically aware of myself has helped me immensely in my daily life, like finding space on a crowded train or weaving through a crowd, which I am constantly doing as a New Yorker.

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

This year I had the good fortune of seeing several amazing professional dance performances including A Chorus Line,  Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, and The New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

I am lucky enough to be enrolled in a school that has an amazing backstage program, and this year I developed an interest in lighting. I was involved in a production of “Legally Blonde” as a part of the lightning program, and during that show I was above the stage watching the dancers perform. Seeing everything come together was my favorite performance moment this year, and gave me a new perspective as a dancer.

June 2018

CLAIRE

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Aside from dancing, I’m interested in science and research. Just recently I conducted an experiment under a neuroscientist at NYU, measuring the effect of ballet on mental acuity and using our ballet class as the participants of the study! Additionally, I’m passionate about politics and local democracy. I’ve had the opportunity to campaign with the Progressive Caucus Alliance, which is a group that aids progressive and minority candidates in getting elected to council member positions throughout New York City. In that same vein, I am a founding member of the Participatory Budgeting Youth Committee of District 39, a group that helps facilitate the Participatory Budgeting (PB) process in this district. PB is a process through which the constituents of the district can have their voices heard about how discretionary funding is used in their neighborhoods. I was recently promoted to Chair of the committee, and with this new position I hope to increase participation in the PB process in neighborhoods of the district with demographics that are less civically engaged. I also really enjoy going to concerts- I recently went to see the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and Lake Street Dive at Brooklyn Steel. I love to travel- I most recently took a trip to Chile, where I visited my sister, Katie, during her semester abroad there. I have a new pup, Charlie, who I love to cuddle with, take long walks with, and absolutely love to clean up after! And lastly, probably my absolute favorite thing to do, is to go out and try new places to eat with the people I love.

How long have you been dancing?

I’ve been dancing for about 13 years, the past five of which have been with Erin. Prior to dancing with Erin, I danced at another studio since the age of four.

How often do you train?

This year, because I am taking my first year of college courses, my workload has been overwhelming. Thus, I’ve been limited to training only once a week. I take class every Saturday morning for an hour and a half.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

Currently I am only taking ballet class. However, the years before this year I took ballet and pointe, and the years before last year I took ballet, pointe, and modern. This year I’ve definitely missed taking pointe and modern, for a couple of different reasons. For one, I feel like a lot of what we work on in ballet class can reach another level of difficulty and challenge when taken on pointe, so when I don’t follow ballet class with pointe, I often think to myself “wait, that’s it?”. Without pointe class, I sometimes feel as though I haven’t worked hard enough, or that I haven’t challenged myself enough. Additionally, I think a lot of what we work on in ballet is then extremely useful in modern class. You get to take the strength, flexibility, and endurance that you build in ballet class, and then use it in a more liberating and creative way during modern. Ballet, in some ways, seems like the foundation for pointe and modern, and so without taking pointe or modern, it can feel like I am not challenging myself enough or reaching my creative potential. And while ballet can certainly prove helpful in pointe and modern, I’d argue that the reverse is also true- which brings me to my second reason. I also miss pointe and modern because they’ve helped to improve my ballet. Certain muscles that are stretched in modern or engaged by going on pointe are muscles that wouldn’t normally be stretched or engaged in ballet class. But once you gain, for example, flexibility in your IT band from a very wide second position in modern, or strength in your core from leaning forward to maintain balance on pointe, that flexibility and strength can help in unexpected ways during ballet class. For me, there is a real intersectionality that exists between the classes I’ve taken, which is why next year I hope to be able to take ballet, pointe, and modern classes once again.

Will you dance this summer?

This summer, I hope to attend one of Erin’s intensives or contemporary classes in either June or August.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me a couple of lessons, among many others, that I’ve applied to other aspects of my life. The first of the two I’m highlighting here is how to take criticism. It is often easy to get personally offended by critiques and criticism, especially when they are about something as personal as the way you move your body. But dance in general, and Erin specifically, have taught me the importance of learning to take critiques and criticism in an objective manner, as it is then much easier to actually accept them and apply them. Receiving other people’s feedback, in any arena of life, is incredibly valuable, and should not be forsaken because of feeling personally attacked or hurt. The second lesson I’ll highlight here is that comparison, in a healthy manner, is both necessary and beneficial. I am by no means the most advanced dancer in my ballet class. Because of this, I used to avoid comparing myself to other dancers in my class, as a way of shielding my own ego. But once I was able to accept that people are different, and are better at certain things than others, I was able to compare my dancing to that of others in my class, without feeling down about by abilities as a dancer. I learned that comparison in a healthy way is not only possible, but also necessary and inevitable, in dance and other areas of life. In fact, I think comparison is incredibly beneficial. Healthy comparison enables me to objectively acknowledge when someone has a skill I don’t have, or is more advanced at something than I am, and then strive to match their level of skill or ability. These two lessons I’ve learned from years of dancing, which in my mind are incredibly related, have helped me in areas of my life ranging all the way from my school work to my personal relationships with friends and family.

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

I’ve been quite busy and therefore haven’t been able to see many professional dance performances within the past year, however I did work at the Celebrate Brooklyn Festival last summer, where I was able to catch performances by Garth Fagan Dance and Pilobolus, both of which were amazing. I was also recently invited to go see Spongebob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical for a friend’s birthday (I know). What I did like about it was how the performers were able to use dance, coupled with singing and acting, as a mechanism to create a political allegory, highlighting many aspects of what life feels like today, including our uncertainty of the future, and yet, the possibility for optimism. Prior to this year, my mom and I had season tickets at BAM, where I got to see many professional dance performances. One of my favorites was a show entitled Last Work, performed by the Batsheva Dance Company, which I really enjoyed.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

One of my favorite moments from a seat in the audience this past year was watching the rehearsal for Erin’s annual show last May. It was amazing to watch my classmates get ready to perform pieces they’d worked hard on all year long. It was especially gratifying to watch the rehearsals of those whose pieces I’d gotten to personally see evolve throughout the year, like for example, the solo and duet variations on pointe. Being in ballet and pointe class that year, I got to see those pieces evolve, from the beginning stages of setting the choreography on the whole class, to the final stages of getting notes from Erin just before the show. I was incredibly proud of all of my classmates during last year’s show, but especially of those who I’d gotten to see work on their pieces for many, many weeks leading up to the show.

One of my favorite moments as a dancer was in class on a recent Saturday, when we were rehearsing the pieces for a Peek Inside Ballet Class. We had finished rehearsing all of the pieces we’d been working on up until that point, and thought class was over. Then Erin said something along the lines of “alright so the last piece is a tombe pas de bourre sequence across the floor, everyone line up and come in every 8 counts”. From there, she turned on the music, and it was up to all of us to decide how we were going to get across the floor. Erin had removed herself as the choreographer, and put that responsibility on us. It was nice to feel trusted with deciding that choreography, despite how simple or short it may have been, because it showed that Erin really trusted our ability to think on our feet and use the technique we have under our belts to create a piece of choreography.

April 2018

Lucia

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

I have many other hobbies aside from dance that I would really love to explore more. I’m very much interested in animals, travel, journalism. I hope to volunteer overseas one summer soon. 

How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing with Erin since I was four years old!! (I am now 16, that’s saying something)

How often do you train?

Currently at my high school, LaGuardia, I dance everyday for about two and a half hours as well as modern with Erin on Saturday mornings for an hour and a half. Total I’d say I dance on average, 13-14 hours a week.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

As of now I take primarily ballet and modern classes however recently at school we have started learning theater dance, tap, and choreography! I participate in a conservatory style program that focuses mainly on classical dance techniques. It is nice to have that as well as Erin’s own personal style. 

Will you dance this summer?

Right now I am not exactly sure what my summer plans will be. I hope to do some traveling mostly and I hope dancing too!!! 

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me about discipline and artistry. Dance is hardly jumping around to some music, it becomes a way of life. It’s something that you have to love to pursue and I think that aspect of it has tested me and who I am as a student entering adulthood. For the most part dance has made everything else in my student career seem easy in comparison. Not because it necessarily is, but because it is one dimensional. To give in to dance you have to give everything you have and I think that is hard to do. I think it is really rewarding to have an outlet like dance to help you break away from life for a bit. 

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

I have seen many professional dance productions in previous years however this year so far I have only seen one. The Boston Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker. I found this to be one of the better Nutcrackers I’ve seen and trust me, I’ve seen a lot. It was really entertaining to watch and afterwards we got to tour the backstage area since our friends 11 year old daughter was in it. If anyone is in Boston over the holiday break I highly recommend their Nutcracker. 

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

It’s hard to pick just one because there are so many! I’d say probably making new friends and meeting new people who have influenced me as a person and a dancer this year. Also entering Erin’s classes this term, as one of the oldest students has been important to me and quite a learning experience. I hope to influence them as the girls above me influenced me

February 2018

ANGELA

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Aside from dancing, I have explored a few other hobbies. I’ve been playing the piano since the end of 5th grade and hope to continue for many years. I’m also hoping to delve into the performing facet of music. (I do have a piano Facebook series if you want to check it out - Angela Tanzer!!)  

I have also always loved writing, but have especially refocused myself on it this school year. Lately my favorite thing to read has been the fiction section of the NY times. Whenever I am meditating on a certain thought or idea for a while, writing it down is the first thing that comes to mind for me. What’s so unique about it is that allows one to capture different phases and moments of their life, through the thoughts that they had at particular times during them. It’s unpleasant for people to feel like there are holes in their life with no concrete evidence of what they were thinking or feeling at the time. Writing is like the puzzle pieces connecting a person together.

Poetry is one genre that I’ve started to explore more. I think it is such a powerful and boundless way to express oneself, that permits a lot more freedom than other forms of writing do. Still one of my favorites is Ernest Hemingway’s poem: Baby shoes: for sale, never worn. I’m in a writing program at my school, and they have classes in creative writing (which encompasses poetry, short stories, etc), and playwriting.

Lastly, I love yoga and have taken multiple classes in school, at my local gym, and even at a retreat in upstate New York over the summer. Along with dance, it has allowed me to build flexibility in my body. I have also found it is a way to release stress.

How long have you been dancing?

I’ve been dancing for 5 years with Erin, but I also danced a for a few years when I was younger. I started dancing when I was about 6 years old. However, I was also taking gymnastics at the same time, and after a few years I stopped dancing and focused entirely on gymnastics. After this break, I started ballet dancing in 6th grade at Spoke the Hub. From the class I was in, I was led to Erin in 7th grade, who I’ve been with ever since.

How often do you train?

I train once a week for three hours. I take one ballet class, and one modern class. Last year, I also took a modern class on Tuesday with Erin.

This year I take yoga at school and an hour and a half yoga class every Monday outside of school, which serves as a supplementary form of exercise for the training I do on Saturday.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

I take modern and ballet. When I was younger, I took ballet, tap, and jazz classes at another studio.

Will you dance this summer?

This summer I will be around and I hope to participate in Erin’s week long dance intensive! Years ago, I did a summer intensive at Alvin Ailey, so maybe I will look into a summer dance program there. I’m keeping my options open.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me many important things about myself, about life, and about developing a skill. It has taught me that in order to improve at something, I must work hard and be patient. At times when I used to get frustrated, because I wasn’t seeing myself improve at dance as fast as I wanted to. I felt stagnant, like my dancing would just remain in the same place it was. But it was only a matter of time before I did see improvement in my skills, especially over these last two years. I realized that when I work at something, I won’t see change overnight. Working at an art or craft, whether it be dance or any other, is a continuous process. Practice over an extended period of time, will eventually lead to improvement. Dance has taught me that I shouldn’t get bogged down by how I look on one specific day, instead I should just keep going and know that I will see the fruits of my hard work in no time. I will see my leg extending higher, I will see my leg muscles getting stronger, and feel my hamstrings getting more flexible. But not instantly.

It has also taught me to accept and apply critiques I receive, which is a critical skill in many facets of life.. Although my own sensitivity can sometimes impede the ability to accept suggestions, I’ve realized it’s important to take to heart what a teacher says when they are knowledgeable in their discipline and can really help you. I’ve learned to consider the critiques I receive in dance class, as well as in piano, and in that very moment consider How can I apply this right now? I will try, in that second, to physically make the adjustment in my body, and make a mental note to keep this change in the future. By applying these adjustments to myself, I have also begun to consider why it should be changed, which has led me to a more complex understanding of dance and it’s mechanics.

Dance has also taught me to be physically comfortable with other people. I think it’s important when the feeling of awkwardness and discomfort with physical contact (or eye contact), that pervades every day life, falls away. This happens in dance class when I am working with other people - I must make contact, do lifts and join bodies together in different ways. Once I’ve worked with someone multiple times, I feel myself becoming more comfortable and familiar with their bodies and how ours work together. This skill of collaboration has been useful in other situations such as in school.
 

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

I’ve seen Alvin Ailey, Swan Lake, and most recently, the Rockettes.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

My favorite moment in the seat would have to be seeing the Rockettes with my dad. It was my first time seeing them, and the performance was majestic. The ability that these dancers have to perform such synchronized movements was mind boggling to me, and undoubtedly the rest of the audience. Every single body part, on every single dancer, had to be aligned so particularly and without flaws. They made complex formations, like long rotating lines. To think of the training and effort that went into honing these intricate and varied routines is crazy. I remember noticing one girl’s arm go out of place from the rest of the group and thinking she’d made a mistake, but then all of the other dancers started doing the same movement! I was awed by this because it showed how clear and intentional each movement was.

The dancers also had incredible stamina, performing vigorous, aerobic routines with seemingly unyielding energy. There radiant stage presence never faltered, even though inside they might have felt exhausted. From being a dancer myself, I know how hard it can be to maintain composure throughout difficult routines, so I was certainly impressed.

My favorite dance moment as a dancer, was when I was performing a modern routine, that I’d practiced many times before, with the rest of my classmates. It was a slow piece, with fragile movements. I don’t remember whether it was the while the group I was performing or the other one, but I glanced over at Erin, and she looked so moved. There were tears in her eyes. I can vividly remember thinking in that moment “This is the power of art” And dance specifically. It is a form of expression that, when experienced or viewed, can evoke deep emotions. I also felt that her reaction to seeing me and the other dancers perform it was a testament to the power and strength of our dancing, which made me feel proud.

Another favorite moment was when I was performing a modern routine in Erin’s annual show. It was a strange piece, but in the end I got into it and performed it with the sort of conviction that Erin had been talking about all along. I felt so absorbed by what I was doing, it was almost like none of my surroundings existed. I also had a lift in that piece, and I remember feeling proud of myself for finally mastering timing, which I’d had trouble with before.

January 2018

MIMI

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more- favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

A huge part of my life outside of dance is visual art. Since I am fortunate enough to attend a school which values a holistic education, I have art class every day. The art class at my school is not very formal, my art teacher doesn’t give us any particular assignments, we do whatever we want. I have yet to really center into one style so I change it up a bit for every piece I make. I was really into the expressionist style for a bit and drew a lot of piece with oil pastel, then I got into surrealism and painted a lot with acrylic. Currently, I’ve been working on my figure drawing.  I am mostly self-taught, the art room at my school is full of books and I have learned most of what I know about art from them. I am currently using a book called Anatomy For The Artist by Jeno Barcsay to learn about figure drawings. In addition to drawing, I have a strong interest in film. My parents distribute films so I grew up watching a lot of artsy films and cool documentaries. I enjoy aesthetically pleasing movies with confusing plots and surrealism. One of my favorite movies is Memento, which was directed by Christopher Nolan. It follows a man with no short-term memory who is trying to kill the man who raped and murdered his wife. The movie works backward so there is no context for anything, which really puts you in the shoes of someone with no short-term memory, which is genius. I hope to further my education on films and maybe someday make a few.

How long have you been dancing?

I started dancing at around the age of eight with Erin. I only did modern until she finally convinced me to do ballet at the age of ten. So I guess that means I’ve been dancing for nine years total!

How often do you train?

I train at the French Academie of Ballet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and with Erin on Saturdays. All of this adds up to nine hours every week.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

I currently only take Ballet.

Did you study dance last summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?

Over the Summer I attended two Summer intensives. The first one being at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) and the second being at French Academie of Ballet. I chose CPYB because I had attended it two years prior and the program improved my technique immensely. Even though the classes tend to beg rather slow and everyone is very strict, I really enjoy seeing how my dancing becomes more refined and clean. I strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve their technique. The second one was at my year-round dance school. I attended it because it offers classes that I am unable to take during the year such as partnering, character, and contemporary. This intensive is fun because you get to learn a bunch of variations and it gives you opportunities to challenge your artistry.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me many things but the most important and applicable trait I learned was persistence. On days where I seem to fall out of every turn or mess up in every combination, I use to worry that I would truly never improve. However, I discovered that the harder I try on bad days, the better the and more frequent the good days become. As corny as it may sound, the trick is to try your best no matter what and eventually you will see results. I apply this to my artwork a lot. When I first begin a new style, I hate all of my pieces. I then go back and try again, practicing new approaches and consulting my teacher and books. Eventually, I begin to improve and my artwork becomes more and more of what I want it to be. My persistence proves to be extremely useful in school as well. If I get an essay back with a lot of corrections, I try not to feel discouraged. Instead, I feel motivated to improve. I take the teacher's corrections and apply them to my next assignment. The persistence that I have learned from dance has helped me to improve my grades and work ethic, which I am very thankful for.

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

I’ve been quite busy this past year so I haven’t been able to see many shows but I was able to catch  ABT’s Romeo and Juliet which was amazing. Principal dancer Hee Seo danced Juliet and she was absolutely amazing. She had such great energy and truly embodied Juliet’s youth and liveliness during the ballet.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

I really enjoyed watching my fellow students perform in Erin’s end of the year showing earlier this year. Their progress is inspirational and beautiful. I feel like Erin does a good job of teaching people not only how to dance but how to love it as well. I felt everyone’s passion for dance when they performed. As for me, I enjoyed performing the Lilac Fairy variation from Sleeping Beauty. The music is so regal and elegant, I feel like royalty when I dance to it.

November 2016

AGGIE

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more- favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

My family does a lot of traveling, because we’re a conglomeration of cultures and races and my parents want us all to be connected to where we come from. I started going to visit my family in Ecuador when I was three years old, and as of now I’ve been down there seven or eight times. In 2015, my family also traveled to Ethiopia. It was the first time my youngest brother Yobi had been back there since we adopted him in 2007. My parents also like to plan elaborate vacations, and I have traveled to five out of seven continents and even been within the Arctic Circle when we went to Alaska five years ago!

How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing since I was eight years old, and before that I took martial arts for three years, which I think really influences my movement style since that was my formative training, rather than a traditional ballet or formal dance environment.

How often do you train?

I have three dance classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays respectively, which adds up to about five hours of dance a week. The Tuesday and Thursday classes are both taught by Erin, and the Friday class is actually a rehearsal at Creative Arts Studio for the student dance company that I belong to. I perform several times a year with that company at venues around NYC.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

I only take modern classes currently, although when I was younger I took hip-hop instead. Modern is, so far, my favorite kind of dance that I have tried.

Did you study dance last summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?

I took two dance intensives over the summer this year. The first was over two days for six hours each day and was hosted by Lauren Beirne at the Actor’s Fund Arts Center in Brooklyn. I chose to attend this program because I was approached about it by Lauren after a dance rehearsal at Creative Arts, since she also teaches there and I was just above the minimum age bracket. I also attended a week-long modern intensive hosted by Erin, which I enjoyed a lot!

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dancing has definitely given me a heightened awareness of my body and movements even in a pedestrian, non-dance setting. It has made me feel more confident in my abilities to move, learn, and grow in all ways. I also think it has improved my abilities to pick up instructions and memorize tasks quickly, which comes in very useful in school. It’s also taught me to take more risks and trust both myself and other people more, because in dance you always have to be confident in yourself and your fellow dancers, even when someone makes a mistake.

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

In the past year I’ve been to a few Broadway shows, including Hamilton and Kinky Boots. Both of those shows have strong modern and hip-hop dance elements, which was very cool for me personally because I’m not accustomed to seeing dance from an audience perspective. I also saw clips from the closed Broadway production Tuck Everlasting, which had a more ballet-esque dance style that flowed with the music. It made me really excited to see how even on Broadway, there’s a huge variety in the kinds of dance being used.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

I think it’s impossible for me to narrow down one specific moment as my “favorite” from this year. Dance as a medium and as an art form is too complex and too meaningful, at least for me, to boil down into a single instant that captures the best of the whole. If I were to try, though, it would probably be this moment a couple of weeks ago where I visited a college that I’m considering applying to and sat in on their Advanced Modern class. I wasn’t dancing, just observing, but the thing that made this experience special for me was how excited everyone seemed to be there, and in turn how excited it made me. It made it seem really possible that I could continue to dance well into college, or even for the rest of my life.

October 2016

Pazit

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more- favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

Aside from dancing I love cooking and baking as well as food styling, especially when it comes to breakfast and dessert.  Apart from that involving food, I enjoy rock climbing, skiing (in the winter), and swimming (in the summer). I also love reading, especially fantasy and mystery books.  I like most school subjects, but my favorites are Physics and Calculus.  I really enjoying traveling as well and have gone to different parts of Europe and Canada in recent years.  This winter I’m going to Hawaii with my family.  I’m excited to try new activities, such as snorkeling or waterfall hikes, as well as relax for a week.  

How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing for ten years.  However, four of those were when I was was very young.  I began ballet in 7th grade and was on pointe after two years.   

How often do you train?

I currently train ballet four times a week, twice with Erin and twice with the French Academie of Ballet.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

I currently only take ballet (en pointe) classes because I have found this to be my favorite dance discipline. However, in past years and through summer intensives I have taken modern, jazz, and character dance.

Did you study dance last summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?

I did a three week intensive at the French Academie of Ballet, where I train year round (along with Erin’s training).   

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Because I began ballet later than most, I had to catch up on six years of terminology and grace in a single semester.  In doing this, I learned a work ethic that I applied not only to dance, but to the academic portions of my life.  Dance also taught me that if you fall down (in any aspect of life), the most important thing is to get up and keep going.  When I started a few weeks before my twelfth birthday, I knew I would have to try new steps and ways of moving in order to succeed.  I was open to taking risks, even it also meant I fell down a lot.  Thus I learned that when trying something new it’s important to take risks, even if it means falling down sometimes.     

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?
This past year I have gotten to see few dance performances.  However, one that stuck out was seeing An American in Paris on Broadway last year with my Grandmother.  The combination of traditional Broadway musical and ballet was beautiful and inspired me to get involved in musical theater choreography at my own school.  Since seeing the show, I have been the dance director and choreographer of both school musicals which allowed me to us my classical training for creativity and to teach others.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

In the Spring of 2016, I performed in SING, a multi-faceted performance at my high school that includes a lot of dance.  In the show, I both choreographed a section on pointe that opened the whole show (I performed with another student) as well as danced in the Modern dance ‘crew.’  There aren’t a lot of shows that include chances to perform both ballet (en pointe) and modern dance, so it was exciting to have the opportunity to do both, as well a choreograph for the first time.  

May 2016

Zoe & Katie

Zoe and Katie are two of my senior students who are headed off to college in the fall. They are insightful, inquisitive and inspiring young women who have discovered a profound sense of self through their movement. Their friendship, filled with trust, has yielded truly captivating collaborations. I have borne witness to their process in the studio and treasure their ability to challenge one another and communicate their ideas yet somehow never compromise their vision for a piece. I am honored to present their self-choreographed senior duet "to" which was performed at the Actors Fund Arts Center on May 1, 2016 as part of e.g.dance's 2nd Annual Student Performance. If you are interested in their process, I strongly suggest you read below this video to hear about it in their own words.

Who are you? How did you end up in the studio with Erin?

Zoe: I'm Zoë Snyder. I'm a senior at Brooklyn Tech. I started dancing with Erin when I was 11 years old. I started with her at Spoke the Hub in her ballet classes. I refused to go to another teacher, so when Erin left Spoke the Hub, I loyally followed. 

Katie: My name is Katie Foley. Im 18 and I was born and raised in Brooklyn. From the age of say 5 or so I began dancing and became very fond of it. I only started dancing with erin 5 years ago when I realized I was unhappy at a prior studio where my freedom of expression was tethered.

Why dance? What does it do for you?

Zoe: My life is very much concentrated around the hard sciences, which can be very overwhelming considering I am a fairly creative and free person. Dance gives me a chance to escape my reality and connect my mind and body. I spend so much time using my brain for academia, it's nice having a chance to use a different realm of my brain. Dance also gives me a chance to care for my body and check in on how it's doing. Sometimes I don't notice how tight my muscles are until I'm at dance.

Katie: Not only is dance an athletic outlet for me, it’s also an emotional one. Along with dancing, acting is a hobby I enjoy because it lets me leave my mind/body in the form of being a character. This as one may imagine is quite emotional and for me dancing is another,more loose, form of acting. It’s another way to leave my everyday self and express some other feeling or idea that the monotony of day to day life doesn’t allow. 

You're making a duet - tell us more about it.

Zoe: Our duet is very intimate. I feel very lucky to have someone I am so comfortable with that I can make such a duet. Our duet was made to make the viewer uncomfortable. Watching our piece is meant to be an experience. It was made hoping the viewer would question our intention behind the piece. It's a strangely beautiful piece. I feel that someone could either love it or hate it. I don't know if I should give away what it's about, because I want the dance to speak for itself. But I guess the basis is that it's the representation of the relationship between a person and a dark force, if you will.

Katie: Well the one important thing I think people ought to know about the duet is the bond between Zoe and me. Prior to classes with Erin, Zoe and I went to school together. Over the 5 years of dancing together and under the instruction of Erin, we became very close. We’re very alike in many aspects and different in others but one special thing Zoe and myself share is the comfort in our own skin and the trust we have in one another.

What has surprised you the most about taking dance classes? Either about yourself or about the world around you.

Zoe: I'm surprised at how dance has connected me to my body and how it moves. Learning to control my body has made me aware of how I hold myself and how I perceive how other people carry themselves. I can tell who's in touch with their body and who's still figuring it out. I also play the saxophone, so I'm surprised at how it has helped me appreciate my music and my rhythm. 

Katie: I'd have to say the amount that I rely on dance to get me through my weeks has surprised me the most. I find myself less stressed at school and work when I’ve danced that weekend rather than a week i don’t dance. Theres a significant feeling of grogginess and fatigue during weeks that I have to miss dance or holiday weekends when there isn’t dance class to help me release.

What's next for you - after high school graduation? Will you incorporate dance into your life? How?

Zoe: After high school, I'm going to go to college. I don't know where yet. Come back in a month and I can tell you (hopefully) :) . I'm going to study either biology or physics. Too soon to tell which. I really hope I will be able to continue dancing. I will try to join a club at my college or a dance group. Maybe search for a studio near by. And of course I will visit Erin when I come back for holidays.   

Katie:  After realizing how much I need dance and how I’m accustomed to always having it, I know that I’ll have to find some sort of dance in my life after high school. Even if I can just spend some time alone in a studio I’d be happy.

April 2016

RUBY

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more- favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc. 

Apart from dance, reading and writing are the other artistic outlets that occupy my free time. I love reading every type of genre, and I think it's impossible to restrict myself to a few named favorites. With my love of reading comes my love of writing. Nonetheless writing has become a work in progress for me. Although it shows difficult at times, I love how palpable words are in a world filled with chaos. English is by far my favorite academic school subject, a close runner up to dance of course. I also love history, and although I haven't traveled much out of the US, someday I hope to travel the world.

How long have you been dancing?

I officially started dancing when I was 2 going on 3. I took my first year of ballet at the Russian Ballet in Brighton Beach.  I then started taking dance with Erin when I was four and have stuck with her, or should I say she stuck with me, for 11 years!! And counting of course.

How often do you train?

Currently, I take two period long dance classes every day at school. We alternate between modern and ballet. Also, a three and a half hour dance class with Erin on Saturday mornings, which consists of one ballet class, one variations class, and one modern class. Overall I take around 11 hours of dance every week and I love it!

What kind of dance classes do you take?

Primarily I take modern and ballet classes, however I will occasionally learn snippets of jazz, contemporary, or tap at school as we have a few guest teachers who all bring unique and new aspects of dance to the plate. I love how nowadays dancers are expected to be well rounded because it means as students we get to experience and acquire a number of styles.

Are you studying dance this summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?

This summer I will be attending a two week long intensive at the Joffrey Ballet school in Manhattan. I chose this specific program mainly due to my high school's partnership with the Joffrey. My teacher highly encourages us to audition for the intensives whenever a spot is up for grabs. I’ll also be going to e.g.dance's first sleepaway dance camp on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH!

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me about dedication, let me tell you, dance is a lifestyle and it’s not near as easy as dancers make it look. Believe me when I tell you that dance literally takes blood sweat and tears. Getting up early on saturday mornings to physically exhaust yourself sounds like torture, but may actually be the thing that I look forward to the most in my week. It teaches me to be motivated and disciplined in all aspects of life.

Dance has also taught me that if I want something, I have to want it for me. Sure I dance for my parents and family, but such a mindset can prove to be dangerous at times because it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to be perfect. Everybody wants to make their audience in awe of them but if you're constantly trying to impress, dance becomes merely a showcase. You have to want to dance because you love it, because it frees you and it empowers you, not because it makes you look good to other people. Another example is good grades. Obviously I yearn to make my parents proud but in the long run, if I tell myself I really want to get a 100 on that test, the only one who can make it happen is me.

Dance has taught me a lot about rejection. In many ways it tests your passion for dance. I know it has for me. Over the years I’ve gone to multiple straining and stressful auditions. Some I was given opportunities but others have denied me. It's definitely hard but I know that getting over something like this only makes me stronger, and time after time I find that I go into auditions less anxious knowing I’ll try my best but if I don’t get it, there may be a better opportunity waiting around the bend.  

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

Up until now I have seen Sonya Tayeh, Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance, An American In Paris, Fiddler On the Roof, and Get on Your Feet. The later three are broadway shows all of which were jam packed with wonderful dance numbers.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

My favorite performance I went to this year was Sonya Tayeh and her company at the New York Live Arts theatre. We even got to talk to her after the show. Sonya Tayeh is no doubt, my favorite choreographer of all time. Me and my mom have been huge fans of her work from the moment we saw her on our favorite show, So You Think You Can Dance. Every dance she creates is a powerful work of art. She never fails to take your breath away. The showing that we saw was about Sonya's relationship with her mother, it was extremely powerful, enough to make several people in the audience shed a tear.

My favorite moment as a dancer was the last time it snowed over 2 feet, and despite the extreme weather conditions, and the fact that it was optional, the majority of students including me, all walked in the snow to take class. I loved this moment because it shows everyone’s dedication and passion.

March 2016

LILA

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more- favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc. 

Other than dancing, I also act, sing, and play piano. This past fall, I auditioned for acting and singing, as well as dancing for High School. On the traveling front, I just recently visited New Mexico to go skiing which I love and had a great time.

How long have you been dancing?

I started dancing with Erin when I had just turned four. I am now thirteen years-old and have been dancing for nine and a half completed years and I’m on my tenth.

How often do you train?

I train almost seven hours a week. I have three classes on Thursdays, one on Fridays, and one on Sundays.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

I take modern on Thursdays, modern company on Fridays, ballet and pointe on Thursdays, and Jazz on Sundays.

Are you studying dance this summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?

I hope to dance this summer, but I have not yet selected a program. I looked into the Bates Dance program, however I was too young to participate. I am still looking and keeping my eyes open for more options this summer.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. My whole life, I have been the youngest in my dance classes. Therefore, I have not been the best. I’ve had to work twice as hard as other people to do the same dance, but I’ve done it. That’s taught me how important it is to never give up, which I am able to apply to school, other hobbies, and difficult social situations.

What dance professional dance performances have you seen this year?

This year has been really busy and sadly I haven’t had the chance to go to many professional dance performances. I did, however, get to see the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and a few Broadway shows. The Nutcracker was my favorite professional dance performance I saw this year, especially the second half of the show.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

My favorite dance moment was in Modern Class this fall. One particular class was really intense, We were working so hard to meet the challenge  and because of that, we were able to basically put together an entire dance in one class. It felt so rewarding to be able to see the result so quickly of what we were working so hard for.

February 2016

EMMA

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more- favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc. 

I love to draw, sketching is a big passion of mine, but photography is one of my biggest passions. Soon I’m going to Nepal, with school. There will be fifteen students, juniors and seniors, and two teachers. The thing is though, that my school is especially great because everyone knows everyone, and everyone loves everyone. So this trip, where we’re going to Nepal to teach students photography, and rebuild the school, is with not just my friends, but my family.

How long have you been dancing?

I’ve been dancing since I could remember… I believe I started with ballet at the age of 5. I remember because my teacher was named Ms. Storme, and I always thought it was the best name. Then like a year or two later, I started modern dance, as well. 

How often do you train?

I train once a week, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., whenever I tell people that, they look at my like I’m crazy, but it’s the only time I can do what I love, so why wouldn’t I, ya know?

What kind of dance classes do you take?

Start my Saturday mornings with ballet, then we move into pointe variations. After that, modern dance, and finally, I end mySaturday afternoons with student choreography, which I just finished my solo (more or less), so I’m very excited.

Are you studying dance this summer? Where? Why did you choose this program?

I probably won’t get to dance this summer, sadly. Might be able to squeeze it in, but my mom thinks that summer should be a break… little does she know I don’t need to be in dance class to dance.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has definitely taught me to listen to feedback, to take something from another person, and apply it to better myself. It’s also taught me patience, to the extent that I know nothing will happen at the snap of my fingers, I just need to wait a bit, for it to sink in. 

What professional dance performances have you seen this year?

Oh my, I’ve gone to see more Martha Graham performances than I can even count. My mother is friends with just about everyone, so of course she knows the director of the company, and of course she can get a ticket at the snap of her fingers, so what dancer would refuse free tickets, right? One of my favorite things I’ve done this year was a private session with photography, and the dance company. We were at the studio, where they practice, and we were allowed to take as many photos as we wanted, of the flow of the skirts, or the rigidness of the movement.

I also went to ABT’s opening night, on October 21- my birthday. My parents and I went for a night out on the town, together, and saw three incredible pieces- the whole time i would just evaluate whether or not I could do this move, or that solo, and so on and so forth.

What have been your favorite dance moments this year? (One from a seat in the audience, as a dancer/student/performer?)

Well, I already told you about my favorite experience in the seat.

But my favorite moment I’ve had as a student was to feel my improvement. To visually see that my quads were stronger than they’ve ever been- or to keep my leg above 90 degrees, for more than two seconds. To be able to kick my leg to my face on pointe, just like in the videos. 

Yet, speaking just as a dance appreciator, the best moment, was by far the first day of the choreography class. The blank canvas, of my mind, empty, as I listen to songs on repeat. The utter respect I gained from that day, the appreciation I have for Erin, to come up with not only choreography, but the coolest choreography I’ve ever learned, and I’ve learned a lot, is just priceless. So thank you Erin!

May 2015

ROSE

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

I haven't explored many other activities besides dance but there are many things that I would like to explore as I get older and start High School such as art, theater, possibly some type of writing class, photography, and possibly some kind of sports. I'm also very fortunate because my High School (Edward R. Murrow High School) offers many extra-curricular avtivities so I'm definetely going to explore those options. My family loves to travel so I have been very lucky to be able to see many different countries and cultures growing up.

How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing consistently for six years with Erin Gottwald, first at Spoke the Hub, now at e.g.dance! I also dance at my Middle School (M.S. 51) with Julie Gibson, in my regular talent classes as well as the dance company there. On Wednesdays I take a modern repertory class with Kate Digby.

How often do you train?

I train at least four times a week in all, eight and a half hours.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

With Erin, I take ballet twice a week. At school I take all kinds of dance but recently we've been focusing on modern/jazz style and Fosse style. I take one modern class a week.

Are you studying dance this summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?

This summer, I'm not doing dance specifically but I am doing a musical, The Music Man, with Piper Theater Camp in Brooklyn. I chose this to expand my horizons of theater and although I'm not a very good singer- I wouldn't even consider myself a decent singer- I love this musical and I really want to try some acting. I would have tried out for the regular play but I've never done this camp and I was told the play was for very serious actors and I'm not there yet.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has definitely taught me and helped me to work as a team and trust/rely on people in a way that I haven't really done before dance.

What dance professional dance performances have you seen this year?

This year I went to a Doug Varone and Dancers at the Joyce theater in December, which I really enjoyed. I also saw Doug Elkins at the Joyce Theater in January. In January, I also saw the musicals Kinky Boots and Chicago on Broadway.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)

This year, my favorite dance moment as an audience member I think has been Kinky Boots because it was so exciting and entertaining and the singing and dancing was amazing. Although I haven't performed much this year so far (I have two dance performances coming up), I think my favorite dance moment as a performer has been performing at P.S 29 because, although any performance is exciting, dancing in front of elementary school kids hopefully makes them appreciate dance and inspires them to try/pursue it or anything else they might feel passionate about. I remember in elementary school, I had reading buddies. And even though they were just reading to us, they inspired me and made me want to be like them. Now, as I get older and start to develop my own style, interests, likes and dislikes, or anything else, I look up to people, dancers, singers, actors, business women, someone I see on the street, anyone who catches my eye and gives me a motivation to do what I'm passionate about or to be who I aspire to be, I find an "idol" or role model in them. And if I can be like that to someone, young, old, girl, boy, and inspire them through dance, that means a lot to me.

April 2015

AVA

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc.

I love to act and sing. I am really into musical theater. I am in the theater program at my school and have been in a few plays and musicals. I also love to sing. I have never had any training but I play my ukulele and learn songs all the time. Sometimes I feel like I have too many interests because there is not enough time to do them all. I also love writing and reading. I have a collection of fiction short stories piled up that I've never done anything with. Like I said I love music and instruments. I am in the a cappella club at my school which is very fun. I like astronomy and that is my second choice if the whole performer thing doesn't work out.

How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing for around ten years. I have varied on the amount of classes I take for certain periods of time but I have always been consistently going to at least one dance class but usually more.

How often do you train?

Right now I am taking four classes a week because I have a lot of missed classes to make up but earlier this year I was taking 2-3 classes a week. I also have mandatory dance in school because I am in the theater program and next year I am going to start taking dance before school and going into the first period every day so that will be almost 9 more hours a week which will be great.

What kind of dance classes do you take?

The four classes I am currently taking are modern, ballet, and jazz (two modern classes). I have been studying modern from the beginning, ballet since I was five, and I started jazz a couple of years ago. I think I love jazz the most because it fits in with my musical theater passion and it comes more naturally to me than any of the other styles. That being said I also love modern and I have put the majority of my dancing work into modern so I love that too. Ballet I like but I am not motivated to continue in it. I think It is good to build strength for my other classes and is a basic skill in any dancer's toolbox but I don't love performing it or even practicing it the way that I love jazz and modern.

Are you studying dance this summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?

I don't think that I will be taking any classes over the summer, however I am going to circus camp which is so much fun. Circus is a lot like dance in it's presentation and strength. I went to this camp last year and absolutely fell in love with it. It offers so many wonderful activities and everyone there is hilarious and interesting and super fun. You take classes of each “genre” and then towards the end we put together a show. The “genres” are aerials, juggling, acrobatics, and clowning. Within those I learned the silks, lyra, trapeze, juggling, diablo, spanish web, trampolining, human pyramids, improvisation, the devil sticks, chinese pole, globe walking, tumbling, and tons of other stuff. It was crazy that I had all those utilities at my disposal and had professionals to teach me. I am also really glad that I went because we had a mandatory morning run, morning warm-ups, afternoon conditioning, afternoon activities(mostly running games), and all the classes were exhausting. It sounds like boot camp but it is better than sleeping until 12 and then spending the rest of the day in bed which is what I would do if I didn't go. The whole experience was very similar to dancing in the way it is taught and performed. My teacher in ballet always talks about presentation and how even if your muscles are screaming on the inside your have to smile on the outside. After having learned the basics of all the different acts I realize how hard it is. The morning after the first day was the sorest I have ever been in my life. Those performances require an unbelievable amount of strength and physical exertion. During the camp we went to see the actual circus and I was even more amazed because I knew how hard it was and I have so much respect for the people that put in that work to create something spectacular and beautiful. So although I am not dancing this summer I am still working on my strength, stamina, presentation, gracefulness and all the aspects of dance through my circus camp.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Reflecting on how dance has impacted my life I realized that I learned almost everything form dance. I learned of course how to sit straight and align my bones and do a pirouette but it's so much more than that. Growing up and going to dance class gave me the opportunity to work with others for the first time and understand the teacher student relationship before I even went to school. I learned how to collaborate with others and to mimic. I learned how to take specific direction and it has disciplined me. I learned how to commit to yourself and to others and to keep that. Most of all I learned how to be dedicated and work hard and it showed me that putting in the effort really does have results. Looking back most of the things I learned from dancing weren't even physical which is my opinion is wonderful.

What dance professional dance performances have you seen this year?

I can't remember everything but the first few that come into my head was the ballet of Cinderella at BAM, American Dance Machine, and a circus performance that had many elements of dance in it. In the circus performance there was lyra and silks but there was one act where it was just three men and one women in plain workout clothes and a mat doing the most unbelievable things. They would throw each other across the stage and jump over each other while they were standing and all sort of insane stuff. But they were so in sync with each other and when they made contact they were so certain and strong and it was honestly magical to watch.

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?
This is sort of a random time but recently my teacher, Erin, gave us an exercise in the beginning of class where one person would piggyback on another but they had to get up and down in a strange, nonconventional way. Also while they were up there they were to move around and use the lifter as a base and the lifter would just respond and support. For some reason I loved this exercise. I did it two times and the second time I was with my friend Mimi who I have been in dance class with for almost as long as I have taken dance. And while we were doing this it was a strange sensation that we were the same person. I can't describe it very well but we moving very slowly and laughing at our awkwardness and it felt really natural and beautiful and that's what I love about dance. The feeling you get when you are moving and you feel comfortable and happy.

April 2015

Tori

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc

While dancing is definitely a huge part of my life, there are many other activities I enjoy, and often wish I had more time for. I have a very strong passion for all art forms. I love visual art and am in advanced art class at my high school, Beacon. Visual art provides another fantastic creative outlet, and can express the same emotions and ideas that dance can. I love my sketchbook and try to carry it everywhere. It is messy and free and exciting and represents who I am as a person and an artist. I also love poetry for the same reasons I am drawn to both dance and art. They all challenge me to convey passions, beliefs and stories in their own unique ways.

I am very passionate about social justice. There is so much pain in the world, and so much disparity that angers me. For a long time I have struggled with knowing how I can use my art for justice, and there is not a simple, one word answer— and that’s where art comes in. Although I still don’t know exactly how my own choreography, drawings, or poetry will inspire social change, recently I have seen example in and been inspired by a few dance companies. Gallim is a huge inspiration in my life, not just as a dance career goal (as they are all incredible and beautiful), but Andrea Miller’s work has so much passion and meaning. Nothing is arbitrary. Nothing is meant to just be pretty. Each of her works provokes thought and questions society. I have recently been given the incredible opportunity to work with them and learn their piece Wonderland. It is about mob mentality with imagery drawn from WWII. It is beautiful and terrifying and so successfully conveys meaning. Right now I have the opportunity to work with Kyle Abraham. His work also has clear and direct meaning that makes the audience think. We are working on his work Pavement that is about violence in black communities. He creates this work so powerfully and beautifully. Both Gallim and Abraham have shown me how dance can be used for justice.

How long have you been dancing?

I have been dancing since I was ten years old. It’s a funny story actually. Many people start ballet when they’re three, just because it’s cute and fun I guess. But I was terrified and shy and cried through the few classes I took when I was five. So that halted dance in my life for a good five years. Then when I was in fifth grade my mom won a silent auction at my elementary school because no one was bidding on a Spoke the Hub ballet class. She put down the asking price, just because— and won. The age for the class was younger than me, so it was for my sister, Ali. But Ali was into sports and didn’t want to go AT ALL. My mom almost gave it away. But my dad convinced Ali to go by telling her that football players take ballet. I guess she liked it, and I liked what I saw, because after that I joined Erin’s modern class and the rest is history!

How often do you train? What classes do you take?

I take class Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and all day Saturday. I take classes in gaga technique, ballet technique, modern technique and have rehearsals with resident companies. I have ballet three times a week, with a little bit of pointe. And about 7 hours of rehearsal a week. My friends thinks its crazy— they always ask why? And how do you get your work done? And how do you do it? I think the only answer is how could I not do it.

Are you studying dance this summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?

I am studying at Peridance for three weeks in July. I chose this program because it offers rigorous training in ballet technique and strengthening, as well as modern and other elective classes. I have college auditions in the fall and wanted a program that would prepare me. I also plan to do Gallim’s summer intensive which is one week at the end of July. I chose this one because I am absolutely in love with them and hope to dance with them some day. Then in August I will be participating in Dancewave’s advanced intensives with Shen Wei and Stephanie Batten Bland, as well as taking ballet and modern in their SDI program. And for the final week of the summer I am taking modern and ballet class with Erin. So I have finally reached my goal! Dancing for every single week of the summer!

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?

Dance has taught me discipline, confidence, creativity, freedom, and collaboration. It has taught me to be strong, unique, open, honest, positive, ambitious, responsible, and the list goes on! Dancers are incredibly well rounded people because dance teaches so much. Every single thing I have learned from dance I can use in “the real world”.

What professional dance performances have you seen this year? 

I have seen Camille Brown, Gallim, Ballet Next, Netherlands Dans Theatre, Pilobolus, and Hofesh Shechter. Each was so unique and inspiring in its own way. My favorite was Gallim. (See a pattern?)

What has been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?

My favorite moment this year was when we performed Wonderland for the first time. The version we did is 15 minutes long—the longest dance I’ve done. At the halfway point, you think you’ll throw up, at the three quarter mark, you think you might die. And then you get your second wind. The first time I experienced this second wind was during this premier performance. It was a burst of adrenalin and everything suddenly became easy again. I felt the energy in the entire room increase. When we finished the piece I knew that it was by far the best we’d ever run it. Some Gallim dancers were even in the audience to see it! And when they stood to clap, it felt amazing.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I had the opportunity to dance backup for St. Vincent on Jimmy Fallon recently. It was an incredible experience. We rehearsed for a few hours over a weekend and then performed on TV that Monday night. It all happened so quickly, and we had to be precise and perfect. It was an experience like no other. I got a feel for commercial dance, something so different from concert dance, but still super fun. St. Vincent was nice and encouraging and has an inspiring love for her art. The choreographer, Annie B. Parson, was also incredible and amazing to work with. It was an exhilarating learning experience and I would definitely do it again    

April 2015

Ella

Aside from dancing, what else are your passions or hobbies? Tell us more - favorite books, subjects, pets, places you've traveled, etc
Aside from dancing, my hobbies are reading, traveling and history. I have many favorite books, including The Great Gatsby, Thirteen Moons, Jane Eyre, and (recently) The Sea, The Sea. I love to write essays, especially literary essays and argumentative pieces. Fiction is not my preferred writing style, but I really enjoy reading short stories and novels. One of my favorite places to travel is Italy. I have been to Venice, Rome, Orvieto, the country in Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast. I have also been to Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Iceland, Switzerland and most recently, Scotland. I am fascinated with history, especially that of the classical age, like Greek and Roman culture, Egyptian history and the Byzantine Empire. I am extremely interested in mythology and iconography, especially Greek mythology.

How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing since first grade, about nine years.  

How often do you train?
I take class every day of the week except for Tuesdays and Sundays. Over all I dance almost 10 hours a week. 

What kind of dance classes do you take?
I take ballet technique, pointe and repertoire classes on Mondays, I am in rehearsals for Kate Digby's Here/Waiting on Wednesdays, modern technique classes on Thursdays and a company class on Fridays, and I take another ballet class on Saturday mornings.

Are you studying dance this summer? Where? Why did you choose that program?
This summer I am dancing at the Bates College Young Artists Workshop program. I chose this program because it seemed like it had an amazing community and provided me with an incredible way to grow professionally. I will be able to chose the teachers I want to work with and I look forward to the three weeks I will spend there. I am very excited to be able to dance all day, (I love dancing in the morning) and I think that living on the campus itself will be a great chance for me to immerse myself completely in the experience.

What has dance taught you that you have applied to other aspects of your life?
Dance has taught me patience and dedication, both of which I regularly apply to life outside of class. These values, primarily patience, are very useful - especially with stress. The patience I've learned has helped me with my high school transition, back injury, and any other stressful thing i've encountered over the past couple of years. 

What dance professional dance performances have you seen this year? 
This year I have been to several performances. I went to see the Netherland Dans Theater 2 at the Joyce Theater, and I saw the NYCB Romeo and Juliet. I also saw the Trisha Brown company at the Bard College Fisher Center. 

What have been your favorite dance moment this year? (One from a seat in the audience, one as a dancer/student/performer?)
My favorite dance moment this year from the audience was at the NDT 2 performance. They were all extremely talented and very full of energy, and it was an incredible performance.