Timothy TV Cao began dancing at age 3. His mother encouraged him and his sister to dance and they took jazz and tap. When Timothy got a little older he began auditioning for TV roles in California and later tried in New York for Broadway roles. He landed a role in the show “Matilda” and danced in the cast until he grew too tall. Around that time, at age 13, he started taking private ballet lessons at the Broadway Dance Center from an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) certified instructor. But once he stopped dancing in “Matilda” it was time to move back to the Midwest.
On the Path to Dance
He learned that David Justin was a teacher at Kansas City Ballet School and also ABT certified. “My mom and I started driving here one to two times a week from Wichita for private lessons from him,” Timothy said. “Eventually it just made sense for us to move here. And now I’m part of the Daytime Program.”
Timothy admits that training is hard but he really enjoys it and has fun with it. “You accept that you’re human, that you make mistakes,” he says. “You have to appreciate that you get to train with such talent. It pushes me even more.” Ballet is demanding and perfection, while the goal, can seem impossible at times. So, Timothy says he likes to pick a couple of things to keep focused on. Right now it’s his hands and his back—standing tall. “You just have to take it one thing at a time,” he says.
Mental preparation
When he performs, whether for a Kansas City Youth Ballet show or for a Youth America Grand Prix competitions, he spends time mentally preparing and trying to calm his nerves with music before he goes on stage. Once he’s out there, he says, “I try to enjoy the moment and do the best I can. I like putting my heart into my work and knowing I’m in character makes me happy. The audience wants me to succeed. It helps me to know that and I give everything I’ve got. I try not to disappoint.”
Timothy enjoys KCBS because the facilities are amazing, the professional company is in the building and they are so inspiring to watch, and the teachers want you to succeed and are so friendly—like family. He’s felt like his instructors David, Dmitry Trubchanov, and Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye have pulled him under their wings and really supported his learning.
His advice for younger students? “Just enjoy it! It takes time and time isn’t always on your side but if you can work hard, doors will open.” He hopes to join a professional company someday.
Photography for dance photos by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
