Dance Student Spotlight: Austin Steel

My name is Austin Steel and I am 11 years old. I live in Katy, TX and I dance at Top Flight Dance Conservatory.

@awesomeaustinsteel

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 three years old, with just ballet and tap classes. I’ve been at my current studio for three years learning and practicing more and more dance styles.

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?

Things have not been easy for me.

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

I have had to work really hard to fight through some anxiety. My anxiety often tells me that I’m not good enough, but I can’t listen to it, and I just have to keep going.

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

I’ve struggled in ballet because I don’t look like a typical ballerina. I fight this by working even harder in my technique classes!

How do you conquer negative talk?

I ignore negative talk and focus on the positive.

What is your favorite quote?

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I just want to continue dancing and working hard!!