Q: TELL US WHY YOU BECAME A DANCER?
A: I started dancing when I was 3 years old because I was a very hyperactive child. I always needed something to do to burn off my energy, so my mom put me in tap and ballet. I fell in love with ballet.
Q: IS THERE SOMEONE SPECIFIC THAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR CAREER?
A: As cliché as it sounds, my mom keeps me inspired. She’s been there through my ups and downs and coached me for upcoming performances. Even though my mom has no dance experience, she would look up videos that could help me with little technical things I was behind on. She was one of those moms who did not sugar coat things. She would tell me after performances if I could have done something better or stronger. At the time I always hated it because no one wants to hear how poorly they did or what they did was just ok. Now that I am older, I appreciate the constructive criticism because I know she was trying to make me a better and stronger dancer and not hurt me with words.
Q: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT KC?
A: I enjoy that KC has a huge art scene. The Kauffman Theatre is so beautiful and the fact that there’s a symphony hall and a theater in the same building shows how much Kansas City appreciates the arts. I’m excited to explore all the different restaurants, especially BBQ, and to attend as many KC royals games I can.
Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: Some people don’t know that I am an avid baseball fan. I’m from Chicago. Growing up on the south side, I was an automatic Chicago White Sox fan. Living within walking distance of the stadium, I would watch the fireworks light up the sky to start the game. I always tried to find ways to watch the games on TV but my mom thought (and still does) baseball was boring. I was lucky enough to watch them win the World Series in 2005 and have loved them ever since.
Top Photograph by Savanna Daniels.
