Dance Student Spotlight: Kate

My name is Kate, and I am 9 years old. I dance at Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts in Newbury Park, California.

@katelovesdancing

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

I began dancing at 2 years old. By 4 I was dancing competitively, and I haven’t stopped! That first dance season, I competed in one tap dance. I now compete in multiple group dances, a solo, and a trio! I train in all styles of dance including: jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, acro, and even ballroom! My favorite is jazz because I get to be expressive and powerful, and I love turns!

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?

When I was younger, dance came very easily to me. I was able to quickly catch on to choreography. And I always had a lot of energy and power in my moves. As I have gotten older, dance has become a bit more difficult. I have realized that dance is a lot of ups and downs. This dance season, I started off by winning First Overall for my solo. I was so excited and felt so confident. However, in the next few dance competitions, I struggled. I had to put lots of extra time at home working on my skills and my balance. Thankfully my hard work has paid off, and I was able to hit my routines in the last few competitions!

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

I am not naturally flexible, and I have to work extra hard to keep my flexibility. Most nights, you can find me stretching while doing my homework or watching tv! I even put weights on my legs to really push my stretching!

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

I am lucky to be surrounded by so many supportive people, whether they are current or former dance teachers, my friends in and outside of dance, and of course, my family. My dance teachers have always pushed me and challenged me to tap into my potential. My friends and I cheer each other on at competitions and in our dance classes! And my parents are always there to put in the extra time helping me at home with stretching, my solo, or tumbling! All that support has gotten me to where I am today and will push me to reach my ultimate dance goals!

How do you conquer negative talk?

I try to avoid the negative talk. I usually walk away when someone is talking badly about someone else. But sometimes I will try to stick up for my friends! I know how important it is for someone to feel supported, and I don’t ever want my friends to think that I do not care about them!

What is your favorite quote?

"In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” - Abraham Lincoln

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

In the next few years, I would love to win First Overall for my solo again! I also really want to become a dancewear model! But, my ultimate goal is to become a USC Song Girl and finally go on to become a Laker Girl!