Dance Student Spotlight: Jenna Couch

My name is Jenna Couch and I am 9 years old. I live in Katy, TX  and I dance at Topflight Dance Center.

@Jenna.marie_dancer

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

I was two years old when I started to dance. I loved to dance and do gymnastics, but I took a break for a year when I was five to try something new. I tried out almost everything. I played tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics. Then that summer when I was six, I was asked by a friend if I wanted to do a week-long summer dance camp. It was then that I remembered how much I loved to dance and could not live without it. Now I dance every week and do a little gymnastics when I can.

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 seemed to come naturally when I was younger. But now that I am a little bit older, it is definitely not easy. And I have to work hard every day to reach my goals. Don't get me wrong, it is hard, yes, but I love every minute of it. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. I am ready to put in the work and learn as much as I can.

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

My conditioning and technique. It is very challenging every day. I love to dance, and I have so much fun. But I do have to work on a lot of things. I have gotten a little better with my musicality, and a judge even had positive comments about it. But that is definitely another area that I know I need to work on. My feet and straightening my legs are also some big ones! That is what I am focusing on a lot of this year with my technique.

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

No, I would say the opposite. Teachers, friends, and my family have always been behind me. They are all very supportive and even push me past my limits every day.

How do you conquer negative talk?

I do my best to ignore it. Like my dad says, it should come and go like water off a duck's back. I say a prayer to God to help me conquer anything and everything that life has to throw at me.

What is your favorite quote?

I have two:
“Everything negative – pressure, challenges, etc. – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” - Kobe Bryant
"God believes in you, and it’s about time you believe in yourself." - Author Unknown

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

Yes, I have a few more competitions with my team, and I can’t wait to go to my first Nationals competition this year. I am also very excited because, for some of the competitions, my sister will get to join me and do her dances as well. I have been working really hard in ballet this year and trying to increase my strength. I am also looking forward to starting pre-pointe next week.