Rising Star: Amanda, the Confident 9-Year-Old Ballerina

Amanda, Age 9

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

I don't know!

What is your favorite dance?

My ballet dance.

How do you feel when you're in ballet?

Graceful!

How often do you practice?

Monday and Wednesday.

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

My dance teacher moves a lot slower, but we won't have the teacher on a stage because we will memorize for the stage.

What does it look like to walk on stage?

I'm a famous ballerina.

How has your experience progressed? How does it feel to be more experienced now?

When I was three, I was looking in the mirror constantly, whenever I was trying to dance, but now I just try to pay attention to what the teacher’s doing and follow what she's doing. Then that helps me become a better dancer.

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

It's fine, you can do it, you can try it.

What other types of dance do you do?

I do JAZZ and ACRO.

What's your favorite dance?

It's from the Nutcracker and ballet.

When you are dancing, what is going through your mind?

Makes me feel excited about what we're going to do.

Tell me about your other activities.

My favorite subject is ELI because I like to write and read. I like to do band, and I play the bells.

Did you enjoy our time together, your makeup and hair?

It was really good!