Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Steffi Acain

May 14, 2012 by 4dancers

Today we have another “student spotlight” to share with you. Meet Steffi Acain from Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance….

1. Can you tell readers how you became involved with dance?

When I was four years old my parents thought I was very shy and awkward around people my own age because I was an only child. So to remedy my lack of social skills, they enrolled me into my first dance class at The Dance Spot. My parents thought it would just be something fun for me to do after school. But after those first initial years, I think they started to take notice that I actually held promise and passion for dance. I then started competing at dance competitions, performing at recitals, attending various intensives, and taking classes at other studios in order to expand my dance vocabulary.

Currently, I am eighteen years old and a member of the Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance. I train about four to five hours a day, five days a week, in styles ranging from ballet and jazz to contemporary and hip hop. After having dance in my life for so long, my love and appreciation for the art form has grown every single day. And if it were up to me to judge, I would say that I’m not as socially awkward as I used to be.

2. What do you find you like best about dance class?

For me, I think just having that opportunity to take class so that I can learn and grow more as a dancer is my favorite aspect. One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned from dance is that you get what you put into it. Taking class can be nothing but help to a dancer because it is one of those rare times when mistakes are forgivable and expected. This is the time when you can experiment with what works on your body and truly explore who you are & can be as a dancer. Class can only be what you make of it. So although it is important to be physically present, you will only truly benefit if you are mentally and emotionally invested as well.

Nuevo 1 — 'Palladio' with choreography by Francisco Gella, Steffi Acain - back row center

Taking class is such an amazing experience because that is when I not only get to enjoy dancing myself, but also watching my friends dance and learning from them. Seeing different people interpret the same music and choreography in their own way is very eye opening since it shows the universal language of dance. The classroom experience is so real because you can’t hide behind make-up, costumes, or stage lights. It’s simply just dance at its most authentic state.

3. What is the hardest part about dance for you?

Personally, the hardest part is staying motivated and focused. Being in high school, especially as a senior, there have been so many times when I have let my mind wander off because I was worried about where I was going to be next year and what I was going to be doing. I would especially get even more anxious when trying to figure out how dance was going to fall into the equation. However, when I stopped thinking about problems that I could not fix at the moment and started focusing on what I was doing right then and there, that is when I got the most out of the class. Fortunately, I have an outlet like dance that allows me to temporarily forget about my problems and express how I am feeling through movement.

4. What advice would you give to other dancers?

My advice to dancers would be to always have faith in yourself. As dancers, we are constantly being compared and ranked against one another. It’s then that we begin to feel self-conscious of our looks and even question our own abilities. But despite what a judge at a local competition or a random bystander may think, it’s always important to have confidence in yourself and what you do. Their opinion is just one out of many people watching. It’s only natural that we are drawn to specific dancers more than others. By letting a couple of negative comments affect how you perceive yourself, you are not only doing an injustice to yourself but also to the many hours you have worked and trained to get to where you are.

Basically, just remember to believe in yourself. Even if you may not have the best technique or you’re not as skinny as the dancer standing next to you, I think everyone is drawn to a performer who possesses confidence. Before you expect people to believe that you are good, you have to believe that you are good enough and worth their attention. Although it is easier said than done, I think believing in yourself -both onstage and off- is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself.

5. How has dance changed your life?

Dance has been such a positive influence on my life. I definitely would not be the same person without it nor can I imagine my life without dance. Aside from growing as a dancer in the studio, dance has helped me grow as a person in the real world. From dance, I’ve learned what hard work, dedication, and perseverance can bring. The work ethic that has been instilled in me at the studio has also helped me succeed in school and other activities. Most importantly, the friends and relationships that I have made through dance are ones that I will carry even after the stage lights go down. My entire dance experience thus far will forever have a lasting impression on me.

Student Spotlight: Madison Lohman

April 9, 2012 by 4dancers

We’re delighted to be able to bring you a new student spotlight today–meet Madison Lohman…

1. Can you tell readers how you became involved with dance?

My journey as a dancer began at the age of three when my parents enrolled me in a ballet class. They wanted me to be involved in something that was not only fun, but also a place where I could make friends, since I had just moved to Nebraska. At my very first dance recital I preformed “I’m a Little Tea Pot”.

Now I am fifteen, dancing to classical pieces by composers such as Bach, and traveling across the country perusing my passion. I didn’t start competing my first few years, taking classes here and there, but when I turned nine I realized dance was something I loved to do. So, with dedication and determination I improved tremendously and became apart of a competition team a year later. I now train at Nuevo School of Contemporary Dance about fifteen hours a week taking ballet, jazz, contemporary, and technique classes.

2. What do you find you like best about dance class?

Although there is no doubt that I love dancing, I walk into my classes everyday with two choices. The first choice, taking the class, listening to directions, and only going through the motions. Or the second choice, by making a conscious effort to improve my skills, applying everything my instructors are telling me, and giving my heart and soul into the class. Now, it would be unrealistic to say that I never chose the first option, but more times than not, I am reminded of why I love the art of dance so much when I chose the second. Dance is my escape. It is my place to go in good times and in bad, and a place to let your heart and body do your talking for you. I love the fact that when I take class I can see the results of hard work and dedication, and there is no better feeling than that.

3. What is the hardest part about dance for you?

For me, definitely the hardest part about dancing is managing my time. I am involved in ASB, clubs, I am taking rigorous classes at my high school, and on top of that, I am a dancer, which alone states that I have no extra time in my schedule. But, I do have to find time for friends and family because they are the ones who support me. It’s funny because even though it is very difficult to find a balance between dance and all of the other components of my life, dance has taught me the importance of managing my time effectively and has ultimately shaped the person I am today.

4. What advice would you give to other dancers?

My advice to other dancers would be to dance because you love it. Do not dance for anyone else but yourself. Dance has become something that is a part of me, not something I do. I really began thriving as a dancer when I understood that I wasn’t complete without it. You will work harder and only really reach your fullest potential when you are doing something you absolutely love. As with anything in life, all of the time and effort you put into something important will not show instantly. In dance, there is no better satisfaction then knowing you have succeeded, or accomplished your goal in the end. Dance because you love it.

5. How has dance changed your life?

Dance has helped make me the person I am today. Besides the fact that I have a fun time dressing up in my costumes and sharing my passion with others when I dance, it has taught me so may life lessons that I don’t believe I could learn anywhere else. Dance has given me the self-confidence and belief that I can achieve anything I work towards. Being a part of this art I have learned respect, humbleness, compassion, understanding, and commitment. I am so lucky to have parents and instructors who only want the best for me and will push me to limits, not only to better me as a dancer, but as a person. I have met my life long, best friends at dance who I know will always be there for me no matter what. I am fit, happy, and a well-rounded person because I have dance in my life.

BIO: My name is Madison Lohman and I am fifteen years old. I live in Corona, California and am a sophomore at Corona High School. I am a conservatory and pre-professional company student at NUEVO School of Contemporary Dance.

Student Spotlight: Abby Roque

March 12, 2012 by 4dancers

For our Student Spotlight today we have Abby Roque–a 14 year old conservatory and pre-professional company student at NUEVO School of Contemporary Dance.

1. Can you tell readers how you became involved with dance?

I started dancing at the age of 3 in my parents’ hopes of helping me overcome my shyness. I started with one creative movement class an hour a week. I performed at my very first dance recital a few months later, and then joined the competition team the following season. After eleven years of performances, competitions and training, I am still very much in love with dance. I am currently training a maximum of five hours a day, five days a week after school, and also take dance p.e. at my high school.

2. What do you find you like best about dance class?

I’ve always looked forward to improving my dance skills, and I know the only way to do it is to train long and hard in dance classes. When I’m in class, I try to focus on the lesson, striving hard to perfect a skill or overcome a weakness. I hang on to my teachers’ every word, advice, or critique. The classes motivate me to keep working, to keep improving, and to look forward to witnessing the results of my hard work.

3. What is the hardest part about dance for you?

Time management is probably the hardest part of dance for me. Having to juggle my school work, family life, dance, and still have fun with friends outside of dance is something I constantly work on. Something or someone always has to give. I stay up late every school night to make sure my grades don’t suffer, and I know my friends are probably sick of hearing me say, “I can’t, I have dance.” But that’s just the way it is and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

WK5X7809 — Student Spotlight: Abby Roque

4. What advice would you give to other dancers?

Never give up no matter how difficult it may seem. There is always a way for you to achieve your goals if you put your mind to it, but realize that it doesn’t come overnight. You have to train and put in the hours in dance classes day in and day out. You are your strongest competitor so don’t bother comparing yourself to others. Work hard with unwavering determination and passion, and the results can only be exceptional.

5. How has dance changed your life?

Dance has been nothing but a positive influence in my life. It has helped me express my emotions more openly through movement and has boosted my self confidence. I have met a number of life long friends in dance whom I can rely on at all times. Dance has kept me physically fit and helped me maintain balance in my life. It has taught me commitment, team work, and passion for the art.

Student Spotlight: Kimberley Harvey

February 17, 2012 by Ashley David

We have another student spotlight to share with you today…Kimberly Harvey…

1. Can you tell readers how you became involved with dance?

I first became involved in contemporary dance 11 years ago; when I joined Candoco Dance Company’s youth dancecompany, Cando2, back in 2001. I was one of the founder members of their youth company.Over the years, Cando2 has had the opportunity to create a variety of pieces with different choreographers; and have been lucky enough to perform in an array of environments and venues, including at The Royal Festival Hall, London Contemporary Dance School, and The Lilian Baylis Theatre in London; at various youth dance festivals and as part of The JamFree Tour.

From there, I then successfully auditioned to study on Candoco Dance Company’s Foundation Course in Dance for Disabled Students. I have gone on to be an Associate Artist with CandoCo. In addition to my work with Candoco Dance Company, I am also a dancer and co-choreographer in Subtle Kraft Co.

2. What do you find you like best about dance class?

Exploring… The opportunity to move with genuine curiosity and intention, whilst always striving to reach my potential both artistically and technically.

3. What is the hardest part about dance for you?

Trying to avoid the sometimes seemingly inevitable process of self-judgment.

4. What advice would you give to other dancers?

Make sure you love what you do.
Find the ‘sparkles of joy’ in each movement.
Rather than trying make your body do what you want it to do, work WITH your body in that moment on that particular day.

5. How has dance changed your life?

Dance is my life. Dance is where my life has most meaning. It has had a tremendous effect on shaping who I am as a person and as an individual. Through dance I have met people who have influenced and inspired me beyond belief, and I have had experiences that I had only daydreamed about before that time.

Do you know a student who should appear in “Student Spotlight”? E-mail the editor at: editor@4dancers.org to submit their name and information.

Student Spotlight: Chris Scott

February 13, 2012 by 4dancers

4dancers would like to introduce a new feature–Student Spotlight. In this column, we’ll be sharing some information about students from all over–a little glimpse inside their world as they work to move into a career in dance. Today is our first….

1. Can you tell readers how you became involved with dance?

I was first exposed to dance through the Physical Education curriculum at my local state school. All of the students at my school had to take dance on rota like all the other sports, such as rugby and football. At that time I was playing rugby at a very high level. After breaking my wrist twice in the same year I was forced to spend more time off the pitch, and coincidentally ended up heading to the dance studio for refuge.

The ball just started rolling from there. I was intrigued by what I saw and the dancing I experienced. Even though I was a sportsman as a child, I was always interested in theatre, dance appeared to be the natural and obvious way that both my interests found harmony; it was physically and theatrically exciting.

From there I started joining local youth dance companies and then regional youth companies, eventually I was dancing every day after school with a different group in a different place. Then I decided to pursue it as a career and continued my training at London Contemporary Dance School.

2. What do you find you like best about dance class?

There are countless positive experiences that dance brings me every day, and that truly is the joy of following an art form you are passionate about. But if I were to just consider class, which is a different environment to rehearsal let’s say, it would have to be the simple physical satisfaction the movement brings.

Class is evidently a repetitious process that any dancer endures through their career; the satisfaction of movement keeps me curious. I value being able to step into class, and no matter what challenges and dramas you face in the outside world, the class becomes a time for you to leave it all at the door and bask in the enjoyment of movement. Even though a lot of the time classes present their own challenges, it can become almost a meditation allowing the body and mind to physically and artistically release.

3. What is the hardest part about dance for you? [Read more…]

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