Dance Student Spotlight: Dara Rossiter

My name is Dara Rossiter and I am 13 years old. I live in Utah.

@dara.lovesdance

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 in California and joined competitive dance at age 9. I have been trained in all styles of dance, from ballet and jazz to acro, tap, ballroom, and more. I moved to Utah last year and have been enjoying growing in dance at my new studio! My favorite dance styles are jazz, contemporary, and ballroom. This year I am working hard to grow even more in my ballet technique.

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?

I love to dance, and a lot of it came naturally to me in the beginning, but it is hard work and requires a lot of self-discipline.

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

I’m more flexible in certain parts of my body than others, so that is something I have always needed to work on.

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

No, I have always felt supported!

How do you conquer negative talk?

I think of the good and why I’m doing what I do. I also think about how far I’ve come and how far I will continue to go.

What is your favorite quote?

“When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.” - Carol Burnett

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I'm hoping to be at my first YAGP next year!