Dance Student Spotlight: Kaelin Tomashek

My name is Kaelin Tomashek, 14, and I live in Onalaska, WI. I dance at Misty's Dance Unlimited.

@Kaelin_toms10

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

I first started dance when I was about three and took jazz, tap, and ballet for a few years. The first time I loved going to dance classes was when I was about eight. After that, I enrolled in almost every type of dance. I am currently doing pre-professional ballet classes, performance company which includes competitions, conventions, and community performances, a hip hop competitions group, and technique classes such as jazz, tap, lyrical, and contemporary.

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?

Comparing myself to my fellow classmates is very challenging for me. I try to watch over dancers and apply the things they do well to me so I can continue to improve rather than feel negative about my dancing.

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

I have limited turnout, so that has been challenging for me. I am always trying to engage my turnout muscles, which will help, but over the years I have found what works for me.

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

No one has ever tried to limit what I can do. My teachers are amazing at knowing what I can handle, and they always try to push me.

How do you conquer negative talk?

If it is about me, I just try to forget about it and remind myself that I love to dance. If it is about someone else, I encourage them to stop because it can really bring down someone's self-esteem.

What is your favorite quote?

"If you can't be kind, be quiet." -Unknown Author

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

My dream is to live in New York City and be a Radio City Rockette!