Dance Student Spotlight: Arami Casas

My name is Arami Casas, 8, from Mexico. I go to Volare academia de danza.

@arami_ballerina

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

I started dancing when I was 3 years old. I was really shy, but somehow dance helped me to encourage myself to be brave. I started with ballet and fell in love with it. When I turned 4, I did my very first solo. That was the time when I realized I really wanted to be a professional ballerina. After that, I started to train harder and more conscious. My teacher was very patient with me and taught me with love and passion. I think that’s why it is always so charming to be in the studio. I train every day of the week for 3-4 hours. I take some private coaching and other complementary classes like acrobatics, stretching, lyrical, and jazz.
Last year I started to audition. It is such a challenging experience! Due to covid, all the courses were canceled, so it was really hard for me.
This year I auditioned again and got into Joffrey Ballet School summer intensive... I’m so excited!

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 has been hard sometimes for sure, all the sacrifices, long rehearsals, nights training before competition. I think the most challenging thing is to encourage yourself when you fail, to encourage you to keep on and continue no matter what.

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

My limitation was my shyness. It makes me feel so weak sometimes that I couldn’t give the best of myself.

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

For sure! I think envy and bad energy are very common sometimes. I try to focus on myself and always give positive thoughts and energy to all! I think everyone has their own charm. 💕

How do you conquer negative talk?

I just try to avoid it! I hate hate 🙊! I think there is no reason to surround yourself with negativity. I just try to eliminate it from my circle.

What is your favorite quote?

"Give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she’ll conquer the world" - Marilyn Monroe
( for sure they are pointe shoes! 😂)

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

Right now, my plan is to focus on the JBS summer intensive and start special training for the YAGP... I have the proper age now to go! And it’s just a dream to be on that stage surrounded by some magical and lovely dancers. I also plan to apply to the Bolshoi Academy Summer Intensive next year. I know it is a big deal, but it would be a dream for me! So ... fingers crossed!