Dance Student Spotlight: Jaydence Leroy-Lucas

My name is Jaydence Leroy-Lucas and I am 12 years old. I live in Houston, TX and I dance at TopFlight Dance Center Katy, TX.

@Radiant_Raikell

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

I started early like most dancers. I just loved music and to move. I started competing then switched my focus to only training. I wanted to be better at my technique, learn more vocabulary, and train at the basics. I was behind as a seven-year-old. Can you imagine? Once I felt I was ready to compete, dance became so much more than doing the movements on stage. I realized I wanted to be a performer. So I switched to dance conservatory to learn as much as I can about performance and train to be a technical dancer.

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 haven’t been easy. Some days I struggle with the amount of work I have to put into dance. I want to ride bikes, play with Barbies, jump on the trampoline, see family a lot. I’m not saying I can’t do all of those things, but it’s very limited. Just like anything thing you love, you have to work at it whether you are naturally gifted or not. Everyone’s route to success is different, and I’ve learned that comparing myself to others only gets in the way of my own success.

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

I struggle with picking up choreography quickly. Once I began training at a place that allowed me to learn and practice that style, I got better.

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

Not really. My teachers and mentors push me to be my best and will seek any opportunity for me to meet my goals.

How do you conquer negative talk?

Typically I just walk away or don’t engage. If it is something I am passionately against, I will say so and go on with my day.

What is your favorite quote?

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice." - Bob Marley

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I want to someday perform as a dancer in movies or with a company(non-ballet company).