Dance Student Spotlight: Andy Zozaya

My name is Andy Zozaya, 12, and I'm from Mexico. My studio's name is @ars_novaestudio.

@andy_little_dancer

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

I started my dance journey at 3 years old. I've always been passionate about dance. I started with ballet, which is my first love, then I fell for jazz, lyric, hip hop, contemporary, gymnastics, basically everything that involves music and rhythm. Now I'm part of an amazing studio @ars_novaestudio filled with amazing people, incredible teachers and lots of fun. I'm part of the elite competition team as a solo and group artist. My dream is to become a prima ballerina for ABT, a Rockette and eventually teach and share my passion for dance with my own studio.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

It definitely hasn't been easy. I've made mistakes, I've lost, I've won, I've found people who didn't believe in me. But now I think I've finally found my special place.

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

Rejection. I've lost important competitions, and I think, recently, the pandemic put a major bump in my preparation due to the limitations that everybody suffered because of it.

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

Of course. How do I fight it every day? As my mom says, just work hard and prove them wrong. Let your work do the talking.

How do you conquer negative talk?

Def ears, hard work, and don't lose sight of your goals.

What is your favorite quote?

"shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars" - Original Author Unknown

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

Now, we're on the road for TDR dance convention!!! So, I'm really pumped about that.