Callie

Interview Transcription, Callie Age 13

How long have you been dancing?

Since I was two.

How has your experience progressed?

I started by taking my little ballet tap combos, and now I”m taking ten classes a week, student assisting, and special routines.

How does it feel to be more experienced now?

It's great because I'm able to do so much more than I was able to do when I was two or three. It makes you feel like one of the older girls you've looked up to for so long.

How does it feel to walk on stage?

The best feeling ever. I can't even describe it. It's just so much fun. All your friends doing what you love. You look great.

What is your favorite type of dance?

I love all of it. I love pointe class. I have a new tap teacher this year. I love her! My jazz dance is so much fun. I love contemporary. Hip hop is a fun way to let loose. Musical theater, you have songs and shows. It gives me an excuse to watch a movie or any movie that my mom won’t let me watch.

What does it make you feel when you're dancing?

It's so much fun, just getting to do a bunch of cool things with a bunch of your friends. Be something, be anything.

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

This is next. Don't mess up. Point your feet.

So you don't get too emotional about it.

No. Unless I mess up then I'm very mad at myself.

How often do you practice?

I go to dance four five days a week. I recently hurt myself. I've been doing lots of foot exercises at home.

How has the injury affected dance?

I had to sit out for six weeks and I still am not back to where I was, which is sad. I miss it. Hopefully I’ll be back in time for competition.

How is practice different than when you are on stage?

At practice you run it like 3 million times. You have a long time to warm up. At competition you have to warm up on your own. You're on stage for like two, two and a half minutes, 3 minutes, and then you're done. You watch the rest of your team performing, watching others perform, cheering your team on.

Do you ever have a day where you're not on?

Some days it's less on others, but I don't really ever have a day where I'm not on, not ready, or I don't want to come to the dance.

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

Follow your dreams. Don't ever give up.

What would you say to that person about, like, the camaraderie that dance brings?

It will be all of your best friends for life. My dance friends are my best friends.

What’s your favorite part of this whole experience?

The costumes, poses, and pictures.