1. How did you first become involved in dance?
I first became involved with dance through the Polynesian side of my family. My mother was a hula dancer, along with her brothers and sisters growing up, and as they all began to have kids, they started the next generation of performers.
It was also part of our culture to pass on these traditional dances to your family. I did not start my formal dance training until I was basically 17. Hip hop was originally what I intended to train in, but after taking jazz, tap, and ballet, per the requirements of the studio I trained at, I fell in love with more classical forms of dance.
2. When/how did you realize you wanted to become a professional dancer?
I knew I wanted to be a professional dancer after seeing a Janet Jackson music video. “If” and “Together Again” were the ones that really sparked my interest to start taking dance classes. My goal was to be a backup dancer for her.
3. Was there ever a time when you thought of quitting dance or second-guessed your decision to pursue a professional career? If so, what helped you through that time?
Through my 20 year career, there have been many times where I questioned whether dance was a sustainable way to make a living. I never questioned whether dance was right for me, but I often question whether I am good enough for dance.
Dance has always been a way for me to express myself, my passion for movement, and my desire to inspire emotion in those who may be watching me dance.
Many times, still to this day, however, I wonder if I am enough. I question if what I have to offer, as a dancer, artist, and performer, is good enough, meaningful enough, thoughtful enough, or will be enough to please an audience. It is the bane of being a dancer, or artist for that matter.
Making a living through dance, that is fulfilling, and not just repetitious, will always elicit those questions as well.