Ava

Interview Transcription, Ava 17

Ava, how long have you been dancing?

15 years.

How has your experience progressed through the years?

Classes have gotten harder. I've become more serious about dance and I think it gets more fun when it's a little bit more natural.

How does it feel to be more experienced?

There's a little bit more pressure, like seeing the younger student and feeling like you have to be good all the time so that they can look up to you.

What does it feel like to walk on stage?

Like the first couple of steps are a little nerve wracking.

What is your favorite dance?

For a while it was contemporary and I think I started appreciating jazz more, especially this year.

Why do you think you started to appreciate Jazz more?

It's just upbeat. It's fun.

How do you feel when you're dancing?

I think it's nice because you can feel everything. Like on good days. I feel I'm in control and I can do whatever my body feels like doing. And on bad days, I can just let it out and do whatever I need to do.

When you're in the middle of a dance, what is going through your mind?

Nothing. I blackout completely.

Do you remember it afterwards?

No.

How often do you practice?

A couple hours a week. I have classes multiple hours a day. But I practice routines a couple hours a week.

How is practice different than when you're on stage?

On stage I'm much less focused on if I'm doing everything perfectly and I can focus on performance.

Do you ever have an off day performance wise? And if so, how do you shift back?

I absolutely have off days and for me, I just listen to a lot of music and I try to just let it go.

What advice would you give to a dancer who is just starting out or afraid to start?

I tell them that it's not going to be easy and it's never going to be perfect, but it's rewarding.

What was your favorite part of this entire experience?

Seeing the finished product.