A Letter from debbie roberts
It seems like just yesterday the world stopped and we were all forced to modify our daily lives. Over the past few years, I am fortunate to feel like I have done some of my best work amidst some of my greatest challenges. Just because the world around us is changing more than we ever thought, we must keep moving forward. Together, I hope we can make the most of every day and become more resilient, determined, and courageous. We all have been given a unique opportunity to experience the unexpected and grow in ways we didn’t think possible. We must learn from that. This issue of Showstopper Magazine is about getting back to doing the things we love. Some say "I want to get back to normal," but I feel normal is not good enough anymore. Let's be extraordinary! Let's do things we've only dreamed of! Let's dance as we have never danced. Let's create as we have never created. Push yourself to go to that next level and embrace any challenges that come your way. Remember there are good things to come out of the past few years. Now, anything is possible!
SPRING 2022 GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM/MAGAZINE
LIFESTYLE
12
A Break From Dance
22
Behind the Scenes: Showstopper Opening Number
40
From Your Living Room... To Performing on Stage
52 66
Journey to Crystal
72
A Dancer's Guide To: Broadway's Return
Behind the Cover Fashion
IN EVERY ISSUE
36 38 46 50 56 58 64
Erin Reese Layla Crawford Nina Nicole Cockrell Holden Maples Tajzon Priscilla Tom Mila Nibours
4 6 76
Editor's Letter
92 93 94
Embarrassing Moments
Road to Showstopper Interior Design: As Simple as Black & White
Crossword Horoscopes
A few of my favorite Instas from this season! Tag us @goshowstopper for a chance to be featured.
FOUNDERS
Debbie & Dave Roberts EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Holly Childs CREATIVE CONSULTANT: Debbie Roberts • FASHION DIRECTOR: Angel Roberts • ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLISTS: Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Addie Ware • LEAD DESIGNER: Holly Childs • GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Nikki Cole, Tyler Amaral • LEAD EDITORS: Nikki Cole, Veronica Good • DESIGN/COPY EDITORS: Debbie Roberts, Abbey Macho, Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Tyler Amaral, Earl Tyndall PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ana Ochoa, Holly Childs, Lee Gumbs, Eva Nys, Brayden Curtis, Rafaelle Leyva, Liz Linett, Nicole Mitchem, PRIME, Diana Ragland, Lindsey Ruth, Jessica Spohr, Monsée Wood, Sterling Reed, Taylor Tsvyetkov, Michael Scott • WRITERS: Holly Childs, Veronica Good, Hayley Mac Cooper • DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND LOCATIONS: Adam Roberts
SHOWSTOPPER, INC. Photography: (Left) Ana Ochoa, (Right) Instagram • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Holly Childs, Veronica Good
NATIONAL DIRECTOR: Debbie Roberts PRESIDENT: Dave Roberts CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND LEGAL AFFAIRS: Abbey Macho • DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Richard Knox • DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND MEDIA RELATIONS: Nikki Cole • CONTROLLER: Kim Kouba • ASSISTANT CONTROLLER: Craig Goeppinger • SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER AND MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Earl Tyndall • GRAPHICS AND MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Tyler Amaral • MANAGING EDITOR OF SHOWSTOPPER MAGAZINE ONLINE: Veronica Good EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Eleanor Cooper
EVENT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR OF EVENT OPERATIONS: Laura Button TRAVEL DIRECTOR AND EVENT COORDINATOR: Patience Wassell • SHOW DIRECTORS: Iliana Gravina, Bailey Rivara TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Jon Greene, Jeff Cole, Jamie Holliday, Brad Bowles • DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS: James Williams • SPECIAL PROJECTS: Jess Cranney, Greg Kajcienski
SPECIAL THANKS (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE): Olivia Rodrigo, Lily Kennedy, Auti Kamal, Kristin McQuaid, Matty Googs, Sam Sidney, Dani and Dannah Lane, Indi Star, Taylor Quinn, Enola Bedard, Kelly Sweeney, Curly Head Monty, Isabella Ward, Crystal Huang, Sydney Morgan, Tajzon, Aria Brooks, Christy Lyn Huebner, Erin Reese, Layla Crawford, The Couch Sisters, Nina Nicole Cockrell, Holden Maples, Priscilla Tom, Gracyn French, Tiger Friday, Mila Nibours, Pottery Barn, Octavia Ellison
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Design: Tyler Amaral
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Photography: Provided by dancers • Design: Nikki Cole • Writing: Veronica Good
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D
ani and Dannah have been
much that differs other than I’m
human being. We’ve learned
in the public eye since they
an actor and Aubrey isn’t. We’re
so much from the time we shot
were 5 and 6 years old.
both preteens who are becoming
the first pilot to now! We are
Thanks to a few videos that went
more assertive and independent,
so grateful for him!” Dannah’s
viral, the world was graced with
with a sense of style, and a little
sentiments didn’t differ much, and
their presence early on.
sister.” As for Dannah’s characters,
she told us that they’re honored to
they share a lot of similarities, too.
“get to work with a legend!"
One of their videos, “Say What,”
“Birdie is wild, free-spirited, and
was actually turned into a song
fun, and so am I,” Dannah shared.
that got millions of streams! Not
“However, Birdie starts to get in
long after their first viral videos,
trouble at home and school and
The sisters have turned their
the sisters were invited on the
that’s where the similarities stop,
sights on a new passion as well,
Steve Harvey Show, The Real,
because I’m doing pretty good, I’d
singing. "We come from a family
The Today Show, and even got
say, at school and home. (Just don’t
of musicians," Dani shared. So
a spotlight on The Ellen Show.
ask my teachers or my mom!)”
it's no surprise that it's their next endeavor. "Our family sees music
“Celebrities like Justin Bieber; Tyrese Gibson; Debra Messing
NEW PASSIONS
LEARNING FROM KENAN
as art and storytelling, and we’re artists in all lanes so it’s only
and Meagan Good started reaching out to us!” they shared
Getting to learn from a seasoned
with us. They realized they had
actor like Kenan Thompson for
a real chance at making it in the
their first role is an incredible
entertainment world, a dream of
opportunity, and one they
theirs, so they asked their mom if
don’t take for granted.
they could make the move to LA.
“It has been one
It didn’t take much convincing, as
word: AMAZING!”
their mom says [they’ve] always
Dani shared.
been characters, so acting just
“He’s such a
came natural.” So she closed her
light and
business, took out her savings, and
a selfless
natural!" Dannah said.
they moved out to LA! HIGH RISK, HIGH REWARD The risk paid off, and at their first audition, for the NBC show Photography: Liz Linett • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
Kenan, Dani and Dannah got the role! They now play Kenan Thompson’s daughters, Aubrey and Birdie. If you’ve seen the show, you’ll probably agree that they were perfectly casted, and that’s because the characters have a lot of similarities to Dani and Dannah themselves. “Our writers, EPs, and producers have all done such a great job capturing who I am and creating a character that’s so similar,” Dani told us. “There’s not @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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E
ach year, some of the biggest
appeared on TV in 1986, dancers
hours to put the four-minute dance
performances to take the
across the nation couldn’t wait
together and make it look flawless
stage at Showstopper’s
for the Opening Number to see
and camera-ready. (Did you know
Finals are the Opening Numbers
who was awarded this exclusive
that the America Loves to Dance
that kick off the Final Day. Each
honor and watch the incredible
Awards is part of a week-long LIVE
Opening Number is a celebration
dancers perform. Technology
webcast?) “Creating a dance that is
of the accomplishments of the
has definitely advanced over the
stage-ready in just two rehearsals
nation’s top competitive dancers
years, and so has the talent! Every
is incredibly challenging,” 2021
and our love of dance. Read on
year, new dancers bring their own
All-Star Aiden Powers shared,
to learn about the history of the
styles to the Opening Number and
“but one of the most rewarding
Opening Number and what it
Showstopper finds new ways to
experiences."
takes to be an All-Star!
give them the perfect stage to showcase those moves live!
THE ALL-STARS
For those working toward careers in dance, the Opening Number
Giving dancers opportunities to
experience is especially priceless
The top 4 scoring soloists at each
excel and improve has always
because it replicates what it’s like
Showstopper Regional competition
been part of the Showstopper
to be on set as a professional—
join Showstopper’s All-Stars. These
experience, and it was that goal
with a little more glitter, fun, and
dancers are invited to perform
that motivated our Founder
personalized gift bags. No one in
in the Opening Number at the
Debbie Roberts to include the
the Opening Number is excellent
America Loves to Dance Awards
Opening Number in the show each
by mistake. Determination, hours
on the last day of each Finals. It is
year. “We wanted to give them an
of training, and pure commitment
a coveted spot that only the elite
extra opportunity to do something
to being the best are what land
may earn—some dancers even
fabulous for winning top score.”
them a spot in the Opening
travel to numerous cities across
Number. It’s their moment to shine.
the United States to compete for a
The staging has also changed as
chance at All-Star status.
new groups of All-Stars come and
MORE THAN A ROUTINE
Design: Nikki Cole • Writing: Hayley Mac Cooper, Veronica Good
go. From the arches that made up One of those dedicated dancers,
Showstopper’s classic backdrop in
The All-Star dancers work
Sabrina Huang has been a
the ‘80s to the custom light shows,
with top choreographers from
Showstopper All-Star for many
LED backdrops, and props that
around the country to create a
years. “Ever since the age of 7, I
are iconic features of the Opening
spectacular performance. These
have been attending Showstopper,
Number now, it’s new each year.
choreographers are tasked
and it has always been a goal of
Even the Showstopper theme song
with creating an unforgettable
mine to be named an All-Star,”
has had multiple remixes!
performance and making the whole process one of the most
she said. “So to describe the overall experience of being an
HARD WORK AND EXCELLENCE
positive experiences of the dancers’ lives. Easy, right? The goal
All-Star and being a part of the opening number, it is and was
The Opening Number is also
of the choreographer is simple:
a memorable experience that I
hard work. The anticipation
Highlight the amazing talent of
will always cherish and hold onto
and excitement when the All-
these gifted dancers so the world
throughout my career.”
Stars walk into the first Opening
can see how fabulous they are!
Number rehearsal feels a lot like AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE
Christmas morning (with even
The Opening Number is about
more glitter). Ranging from ages
showcasing every dancer but
Did you know the Opening
9 to 18, the dancers are ready
also unifying the group to create
Number has been happening for
to work—and they have to be
a one-of-a-kind, Broadway-like
35 years? When Showstopper first
because there are only about eight
routine each year. @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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To find those individual talents,
performance features signature
This is also where props are
the dancers spend part of the first
hot pink and black costumes and
planned and created. Every year,
rehearsal showing off. Each dancer
every costume is chosen carefully.
the Opening Number is new and
has about 30 seconds to improvise
Rhinestones and sparkles are
fresh. New choreography, new
and demonstrate their signature
sometimes added right up until the
intros, new dancers. In the last
moves. Opening Number rehearsals
last minute! You can never have
few years, we’ve even expanded
are open, and the first night always
too many sparkles.
beyond the stage with dancers
draws a crowd that want to see
performing around the judges and
these dancers in their element. You
Fun fact: Some of the most
in the aisles. Remember when we
can always hear cheers as each
incredible and memorable
said it’s like a Broadway show?
dancer makes the most of the brief
Opening Number costumes are
We weren’t kidding!
moment in the spotlight. And they
even preserved and on display
haven’t even performed yet!
in the Showstopper Museum in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
SHOWSTOPPING Every part of the Opening Number is thought out, planned, and perfected over the course of the competition season. The
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Former Showstopper All-Star and all-time top-scoring soloist, choreographer, teacher, and motivational icon, Taylor Quinn is someone you’ve probably seen on and around the Showstopper stage many times, and she’s seen almost every side of the Opening Number.
Taylor on being an All-Star for the first time at the 2013 Northern Finals: Hayley Mac Cooper was the choreographer and Patience Wassel (now Cole) was the assistant. We had a lot to learn in a short amount of time! I was ready to learn and work. One of the really cool people I met during this experience is actually still one of my best friends today. Her name is Myranda Gibson. We met at this national finals when we were 13 and 16. Now, we are 22 and 25, and the love and friendship remain the same…You truly never know when you could be meeting one of your lifelong best friends, so I always encourage everyone [at rehearsals] to introduce themselves to one another throughout all our time together.
On assisting Hayley Mac and later choreographing the Opening Number herself: I started assisting with the Opening Number in the summer of 2014. I was 17 and completely amazed at how [Hayley] could get everything done in such a timely and fierce manner. She quickly became one of my biggest role models because, on top of being an incredible choreographer/teacher/director, she was also one of the sweetest and most down-to-earth women. In the summer of 2017, I got the opportunity to choreograph my first Opening Number at North East Finals in Mashantucket, CT. I had 12 outstanding dancers—one of them being Aydin Eyikan who then went on to compete on World Of Dance a few years later! They performed it better than I had even imagined and I definitely cried happy tears. Since then, I have choreographed more of my own Opening Numbers with each one becoming even more fierce, magical, and wonderful than the last.
The best part of the Opening Number: Perhaps the best part about all of this is the relationships you make along the way. I have gotten to work with and assist so many powerful and creative women like Hayley Mac Cooper, Alexie Agdeppa, Sally Burr, Summer Pearson, Angel Roberts, Lacey Schwimmer, Arielle Elonys, Jessica Walker, and of course, the one and only Debbie Roberts. Each of them has helped shape me into the woman and leader I am today. Also, every dancer I have ever gotten to work with will always hold a special place in my heart.
On the Showstopper’s 2022 Virtual Opening Number: To put it quite simply, [the] whole experience was a dream come true. When I got the phone call from Debbie Roberts confirming the plans, she said something that has stuck with me even to this day. It was something along the lines of, "I just want to give these kids something they will remember forever," and that is truly why we do what we do. It is always for the kids. Immediately after we finished that phone call, I started planning and getting myself prepared. I was PUMPED.
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nola Bedard is someone you
While falling in love with dance
probably recognize if you're
came easily, the opportunity
on TikTok or Instagram. Her
LOS ANGELES BOUND
to continue training was a
For years Enola traveled back
viral dance videos have earned
challenge. “My family didn’t have
and forth from Canada to LA,
her over 14 million followers cross-
a lot of money growing up,” she
working to earn money from jobs
platform. But what you might not
explained. So, three to four nights
while building a name for herself.
know is how hard she's worked
a week, after school and dance
Being a Canadian citizen, however,
from a young age to get where she
class, Enola and her mom would
meant this wasn’t easy. It took
is today! We sat down with her for
go door-to-door selling chocolate.
Enola five years to get a visa to
an inside look at her path, what her
“We did it for seven years,” Enola
be approved to work long-term in
days look like now, and how she
shared, “even on the super cold
the United States, something she
stays strong despite the challenges.
winter nights.” While the strategy
doesn’t take for granted.
worked to keep her in dance STARTING DANCE
classes, it put Enola in a career-
CONTENT CREATION
focused mindset from a young While Enola always loved to dance,
age. “I definitely had very hard
Finally in LA and ready to start
sing, and act, it was her mom who
teenage years because I was
working even harder towards
told her she should take lessons at 13
already focused on [my career] at
her dreams, the pandemic hit
years old. "Right after my first class,
the age of 13,” she explained.
and Enola had to reconsider all
Photography: Ana Ochoa • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
I literally fell in love with it,” Enola
of her plans. Being used to long
told us.” I knew that dance would
She soon found a way to make
days, she decided to push herself
become such a huge part of my life.”
some more money to pay for her
to still create, despite not being
dance classes and trips to Los
able to take dance classes or get
While she loved to perform, dance
Angeles, and began working with
jobs. “I thought, ‘why not keep
also helped her find purpose.
her dad to mow lawns. “It was
training but make it into social
“Dance has always been a place
definitely one of the hardest things
media?’” she told us. “I just wanted
for me to express whatever I am
I did physically,” she shared, “but it
to become better each day and
feeling or thinking without saying
definitely helped to build a strong
push myself to create content. It
anything,” she told us. “It has been
mindset and learn to never stop.”
took me three months of posting
a way for me to find a purpose in
She would work from 6am to 5pm
three videos every day on TikTok
my life and it has literally guided
every summer night and then go
before I saw traction.” After a
me to achieve so many things that I
straight to dance class. It’s clear
few months, Enola had the idea
would’ve never thought I could do!”
she’s no stranger to hard work!
to dance in public, something no
one was really doing during the
week for her personal TikTok,
how hard I worked to be where I
pandemic. “My video blew up to
YouTube, and Instagram. On top of
am now. I always dreamed to do
30 million views and from that
that, she has around 10 brand deals
what I do!”
day my life changed,” she shared.
to do shoots for every week. That doesn’t even account for the time
WHAT'S NEXT
While Enola is no stranger to
it takes to plan the videos and the
having to adapt to overcome
creative ideas, buy the costumes,
On top of creating content,
challenges, she learned a lot
and for all of the correspondence.
Enola recently discovered a new passion: singing! She takes
throughout the pandemic about the importance of being flexible
The most difficult part, though,
lessons once a week and is
to your circumstances. “The
is that you can't stop. “Once
currently working on recording.
pandemic taught me that life can
you have a following, keeping
She hopes to perform on stage,
change so quickly,” she explained.
a good engagement on social
in music videos, movies, and
“You can’t stay comfortable too
media is so hard. You have to post
commercials. And from what
long because you never know
consistently.” If there’s anything
we’ve learned about Enola’s
what tomorrow brings. So to
we learned, though, it’s that Enola
work ethic, we don’t think we’ll
always adapt in the present
loves a challenge. “It can be a
be waiting too long! In the
situation is so important!”
little overwhelming sometimes,”
meantime, we’ll be enjoying
she shared, “but I always remind
the process, per Enola’s advice:
myself where I come from and
“Appreciate the process more
A TYPICAL WEEK
than the goal itself. The process Enola may have found social
can take months, even years. But
media fame, but it doesn’t mean
once you reach the goal, it goes
she isn’t working as hard as ever!
by so quick. Have fun in every
Now, she films 15-30 videos per
part of the journey!”
m
eet Kelly Sweeney—dancer
be heard,” she explained, “and as
and choreographer, whose
dancers we are bringing it to life,
unexpected path led her to
KELLY FROM THE BLOCK
visually and physically through
Unpredictability can be a great
the passions she has today. A big
movement and musicality, which I
thing, too. A recent unexpected
family move to the U.S., an injury,
think is very powerful. I find music
event actually allowed Kelly to
a pandemic, and a last-minute
to be so inspiring, and when I
dance on stage with Jennifer
performance with JLo being just a
listen to a song, I can visualize
Lopez! “One of the dancers had
few of the things that helped her
what I would want it to look and
pulled out of the performance,”
find her passion and purpose.
feel like physically. It’s also a
Kelly explained, “so I was brought
really cool thing to see an idea
in on the fourth rehearsal and
inside my head come to life.”
learned the three minute piece in
FROM GYMNAST TO DANCER
half an hour! I was a bit nervous, Born in Mexico, Kelly and her
GROWTH DURING QUARANTINE
family moved to California when
it turned out to be one of the
she was just 4 months old. Her
The pandemic brought many
parents raised her with Spanish
challenges for us all, and those
(she’s still fluent!) and started her
in the dance world had to get
in gymnastics class. She loved
creative on how to continue
every second of it. Unfortunately,
their training. Kelly, however,
Kelly is continuing to train and
when Kelly was 9, she started
decided to shift her goals a bit in
perform, but she’s really set her
developing pain in her ankles
a direction she’d been wanting to
sights on choreographing. She's
when she was training, and she
move towards: choreography.
been assisting since she was 15 years
greatest experiences ever.” C HOREOGRAPHY
old and started choreographing
had to quit gymnastics. “I was
Photography: Monsée Wood • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
but incredibly grateful, and
pretty heart broken,” she shared.
“The pandemic actually helped
on her own a couple years ago.
Fate intervened, though, and just
me grow artistically not only as a
She's made incredible strides since.
as she was leaving gymnastics, a
dancer, but as a choreographer,”
She taught her first International
dance studio near her announced
Kelly shared. “Before quarantine,
dance class in Paris when she was
they were starting a competition
I was in training mode, focused
17, and since then, has taught in
team. The rest is history!
on taking as many classes as I
Argentina and Costa Rica! While
could and working professionally
she loves international travel,
Starting as a gymnast, Kelly was
as a dancer. When studios were
she mainly choreographs
always drawn to the athletic and
closed, I decided I was going to
in LA now, where she’s
strength side of dance. “I was
keep training myself everyday to
thriving! She recently
always very athletic and fearless,”
come out of quarantine stronger. I
choreographed a
she shared. “When I started
would workout, stretch, and make
project for NBC
dancing, I loved the physical effort
up combos of my own to then
and dreams of
and challenge it brought. I thought
perfect and train them. Gaining
working on TV
the discipline of going to the studio
that practice of choreographing
or with Taylor
everyday and learning a new trick
almost every day helped me find
Swift and
or combo was fun.”
to really find my personal ‘style’
Rihanna!
and artistry.” Kelly shared with Now that Kelly is teaching and
us that the pandemic taught her
choreographing as often as she’s
“nothing in life is guaranteed or
training, she is finding herself
predictable,” she certainly proved
drawn to the creative side of
how flexible she can be when the
dance, in particular, physically
unexpected happens. And she
interpreting music as dance.
certainly made the most of her
“Music is something that can only
time while things were closed. @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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Photography: PRIME, Lindsey Ruth, Rafaelle Leyva, others provided by features • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
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lorida-based Erin Reese
DISCOVERING ACTING
DeJarnette has been living and working in LA for the past
thinking Erin’s career started with dance
about
four years, but recently moved
at just 5 years old, but since
it!” As for
back to the Sunshine State to slow
then, has progressed into acting,
another actor
down, be with family, pursue her
modeling and singing. She first
she’d love to
career, and attend college (she
found her love of acting when she
collaborate
graduated high school at just 15
booked a role some only dream
with? Well, none
years old!). We caught up with Erin
of, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many
other than Millie
recently to get an inside look at
Colors, a made-for-TV drama film
Bobby Brown, of course!
how dance opened the door into
based on the true story of Dolly
the entertainment world, what it’s
Parton. “I knew then that I loved
like playing Bess on Chicken Girls,
acting,” Erin shared. While singing might
and where she hopes her music Now, Erin plays the alleged
have been the last passion she
mean girl, Bess, on Brat TV’s
discovered, it’s certainly not last
Chicken Girls. Bess is on the rival
on her list. “Performing in musical
dance team and, like Erin, is very
theater, I was dancing and acting
Erin wasn’t always the “goofy girl
competitive. “[Bess] is like me in
already so singing followed,” she
with [an] infectious laugh” that
that she wants to dance,” Erin
shared. “We didn’t know I could
her best friend describes her as
told us, “but minus the drama.
sing until I was offered vocal
today. When she was younger,
I’m not a mean girl on my team.”
lessons. My mom thought it was
she was actually super shy. “My
Bess was one of the original cast
because I was bad at it, but funny
agent suggested I dance to help
members of Chicken Girls, and
enough they said, ‘no she is a
with my shyness,” Erin explained,
she even reprised her role in
natural and should vocal train!’”
“so my mom enrolled me in
Chicken Girls: The Movie. “It was
Now, singing has become a huge
ballet. After a few months, they
my favorite filming the opening
part of her life. This past year, she
said I was a natural!” Since then,
performance of the movie,
wrote, recorded, and released
dance has become something she
where everyone from the cast
music made in Nashville, a dream
absolutely loves. “It relieves stress
performed,” she revealed.
come true for someone whose
career will take her. STARTING WITH DANCE
and I love competing,” she told us.
idols consist of Elvis Presley, Dolly BIG DREAMS
While she’s performed dozens of Photography: Nicole Mitchem • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
SINGING
Parton, and Kasey Musgrave. This upcoming year, she hopes
times, a few performances will
Having a role on Chicken Girls is
to takes her talents from the
always hold a special place in
already a dream come true, as
recording studio to the stage. “My
her heart, including being in her
it’s a show many dream of being
team is working hard to get me on stage."
first Nutcracker performance
on (with teen icons like Jules
when she was 8. “My grandma,
LeBlanc, Hayden Summerall,
who has since passed, was able
Hayley LeBlanc, Indiana Massara,
to see me perform for the first
Piper Rockelle, and too many
and last time,” she shared. Since
more to mention). So now that
Erin’s many passions keep her
then, she’s had many meaningful
Erin’s accomplished that, she’s set
busy, but she still finds time for
performances, but the one that’s
her sights on some of her other
fun. When she’s not busy with all
meant the most to her recently is
favorite shows. “My dream is to
of her talents, you can usually find
her first dance competition last
be on Strangers Things and Outer
her doing homework, "picking"
year. “It was the first after a long
Banks,” she revealed. “I would
at flea markets, camping, at the
hiatus from competition,” she told
feel so blessed and accomplished
beach, or FaceTiming her long-
us, “and I placed first!”
being on either. I get goose bumps
distance boyfriend.
BUSY BUT THRIVING
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ayla Crawford is a 17-year-
ACTING
old actress and dancer who recently starred in
Layla has had many acting
King Richard as Lynn Price, the
roles throughout her career,
step sister to Venus and Serena
but her favorite one (if she
Williams. We caught up with Layla
had to choose) was playing
and asked her about where she
Young Tara on HBO’s True
got her start in the industry, what
Blood. “It was the most
it was like working with Will Smith
challenging role to date,” she
in King Richard, and what her
shared with us. I had to learn
goals are for the future.
at such a young age how to really dig deep within myself
BORN TO PERFORM
and not be afraid to show my raw emotion. It was a very
Layla wasted no time
intense storyline. I believe
demonstrating her love of
that’s why I enjoyed it so
performance. She’s been in the
much and I was very proud
business since she was 6 years
of my performance.”
old, and was performing for her parents when she was even
Most recently, she played
younger. “I started off as a dancer
Lynn Price in King Richard, a
when I was 3 and acted in my
biopgraphical drama about
school's plays,” she explained. “I
the Williams sisters' life with
used to run around the house when
their father (played by Will
I was little reciting lines from my
Smith). It was a role that Layla
favorite Disney Shows. I knew from
holds dear to her heart. “My
then on that performing was all I
favorite part about the role
wanted to do.” While Layla started
was being able to tell Venus
younger than most, she wouldn’t
and Serena’s stories and
change that for anything. “I have
experiences,” she shared
never looked back,” she shared.
with us. “These incredible
"I’ve enjoyed every moment since!”
women went through a lot of ups and downs in their
Photography: Diana Ragland • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
MULTI-PASSIONATE
lives and they did it together because their bond was so
Acting isn’t her only passion,
strong. It’s so important to me
though. Layla describes herself as
that the movie reflects that I
multifaceted and is interested in a
represented these strong black
wide variety of interests. “I am not
women in the most elegant
conformed to just doing one thing
and respectful way possible.”
in life,” she explained. “I am still young and growing and excited to
As for working with the iconic
learn new things along the way. I
Will Smith, well it certainly
do hope one day to be a powerful
didn’t disappoint. “He is one
and strong entrepreneur, so that I
of the most kind hearted,
can inspire young women around
generous, and funniest people
the world!” She even shared with us
I have ever met in my entire
that she’d like to get into real estate.
life,” Layla told us.
T
he dance world has never gone through a bigger seismic shift than during the pandemic. Dancers around the world went from studios to screens in matter of days. While the
shift certainly came with its challenges, there were also many silver linings. We sat down with Auti Kamal, founder of Ti & Me Studio, an online dance app, to discuss how the shift toward online learning can support in-person learning and on-stage competing now that dance is back.
H ow do you think the pandemic changed the dance industry for the better? "The sense of community in the dance industry grew so strong during the pandemic. It has been so beautiful seeing dancers come together to share in their love of the art and support one another through such a challenging time. I think this experience has really highlighted just how important leaning on another is and that we are all in this together." W hat are some of the pros of online learning? "Online learning has so many benefits! The pro that stands out to me is the push outside of a dancer’s comfort zone. We have all grown so fond of dancing in a studio space, so having to change environments can be intimidating. However, that exact change is such an incredible opportunity to challenge your creativity and break boundaries you thought existed."
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W hat are some things that make online learning unique from in-person learning? "The beauty of online learning comes from being able to customize your class experience from start to finish. It is so cool to be able to choose your style, set the pace at which you are learning with rewind and fast-forward, and to let go of comparison that would normally exist when you are dancing right next to someone. I think it is really special to create a space in your own home, where you can focus on yourself and the joy of movement." H ow do you think online training in general prepares dancers for inperson competitions? What advice can you give to dancers who are looking to supplement their dance training with online learning? "Online training gives dancers access to teachers and programs that they may not be able to experience in-person. That ability can really shape a dancer into a dynamic, well-rounded artist who can bring all of that knowledge and experience to in-person competitions. My best advice for dancers looking to supplement their own dancing training with online courses is to allow your virtual training to be a breath of fresh air. Dance is so rigorous and tough on the mind and body, so giving yourself a space to return to the basics, replenish your passion, and grow at your own pace is really important." You have a dance app, can you tell us a little bit about it? "Ti & Me Studio is the ultimate beginner dance app filled with on-demand and live classes. It’s a step-by-step, guided dance training program that supports dancers wanting to learn how to be strong in both technique and confidence. Dancers can learn all kinds of things on the app, from ballet technique to pirouettes to flexibility and more. A few perks on the app are the fun challenges, boot camps, celebrity guest instructors, and the curated Photography: (Left) Brayden Curtis, (Right) Sterling Reed • Desig n: Holly Childs
monthly training calendar that organizes each day for you. Ti & Me Studio is like a personal dance studio with me as your go-to dance buddy." H ow do you think the dance app will help dancers prepare for in-person competitions? "The app helps dancers in so many ways and can be an incredible tool for preparing to compete in-person. Every dancer who competes has strengths and weaknesses, but sometimes it is tough to find the time or focus to improve the weaknesses in class because the emphasis is on choreography and performance. Ti & Me Studio will help you slow down and polish existing technique so you can be a fierce competitor." H ow do you foresee the dance industry shifting moving forward now that online learning has become more popular? "I think everyone’s eyes have been opened to the limitless possibilities of bringing dancers from around the world together. I foresee big events that are offered both in-person and virtually, with remarkable instructors and classes, allowing accessibility for those even in the most remote parts of the world. Dance is for everyone, it always has been, but this shift has given even more opportunity for inclusion and that is so beautiful."
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eet the Couch sisters!
the entertainment industry even
Twins Katie and Kameron
further. So they moved to LA to
and older sister Kenzie
pursue their dreams. It wouldn’t be
are dancers, gymnasts, social
long before they found success, but
media stars, and friends! We sat
it wasn’t all palm trees and blue
down with all three sisters for an
skies right away.
exclusive look at their experience in the industry, the challenges
“Moving was very challenging
of moving to LA to pursue their
for us,” Kenzie said. “At first, we
passions, and so much more!
were so excited and that’s all we knew. But once that wore off and
DIFFERENT PATHS TO DANCE
reality set in, it was really hard.” While they were no strangers to
The three sisters found their
the dance world, they faced a lot
way to dance through different
of changes all at once. “We did
avenues. Kenzie, who is the older
not know anyone at all,” Kenzie
sister, started dancing when she
explained, “and we had no family
was 8 years old. At the time, Katie
here. Our Dad was only able to
and Kameron were setting the bar
be with us on the weekends.”
high in gymnastics class, literally.
But, despite the challenges, they knew that they made the right
“We started tumbling on the
choice. “Michigan doesn’t have
higher beams,” Katie told us,
any performing arts schools like
“and we both had a big fear of
California does, so we knew this
getting hurt because we were
was the right place for us!”
still so small. Then we would go with our mom to pick Mackenzie
FINDING SUCCESS
Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
up from dance class, and she always looked like she was having
Not long after making the big
so much fun. She never looked
move, all of the sisters started
scared, which made us want to
finding their own paths to success.
switch to dance.” All three sisters
Since then, Kenzie has shone
wasted no time wowing the crowd
on stage and even appeared
at dance competitions. When
on Modern Family; Katie has
Kenzie was eight, her first year
modeled, learned to sing, and
dancing, she placed in the Top
appeared, alongside her twin
three at Nationals! Twins Katie
sister Kameron in music videos
and Kameron followed gracefully
with stars like Kesha and DJ Snake,
in their sister’s footsteps, and at 8
and Kameron has danced on
years old they had an undefeated
both Dancing with the Stars and
season with their twin duet routine.
Dancing with the Stars: Juniors! On top of all that, the sisters also
MOVING TO CALI
created a YouTube channel called “The Couch Sisters,” that gets
While the Michigan-born sisters
upwards of 60 million viewers
recognized their love of dance
every. single. month! Seems like
almost instantly, they wanted
they definitely made the right
to expand their experience in
choice in pursuing their dreams!
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m
have had the opportunity to
ballerina, multidisciplinary
have studied both, as it helped
artist, and entrepreneur.
her develop into the dancer she
Now, Nina has had the chance
We sat down with Nina to get
is today. “I definitely feel that
to train and perform all over,
an exclusive look at how she
cross-training in both helped me
taking international intensives and
discovered her passion for ballet,
in certain aspects,” she explained.
learning from world-renowned
the inspiration behind starting
“They had similar methods and
teachers. “I love that [international
her podcast, and how she hopes
elements required like flexibility,
intensives] give me a chance to
to make an impact on the dance
endurance, strength and artistry.”
work with new teachers and
world in her future. FINDING HER PASSIONS
learn from people with different Like many young girls aspiring to
backgrounds and training,” she
be a ballerina, Nina was originally
shared. “That, and the opportunity
taken in by the beauty of the
to travel and make new friends!”
Nina found her love of dance at an
genre. “When I was younger,
early age (just 3 years old!) thanks
my perspective of ballet was
While she’s trained and performed
to a passion for entertaining her
the beautiful costumes and the
on many stages, all of that
parents and a DVD she watched
ethereal fairy-like quality the
experience hasn’t fully shaken
over and over. “I would always
dancers had,” she told us. “I loved
her pre-performance nerves
dance around the house, and put
watching my little ballet dress
(does it ever?). Luckily, she’s
on performances for my parents,”
float whenever I did a twirl, and I
established some great pre-
Nine shared. “I also had a DVD
was enthralled by pointe shoes.”
performance routines to help ease
of The Nutcracker with Mikhail
the nerves. “My routine mostly
Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland.
Now, however, her perspective
I would watch it regularly in awe,
has shifted. "As
and that really sparked my love
I got older, I
and interest for dance.”
began to see how [ballet]
Photography: Eva Nys • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
TRAINING AND PERFORMING
eet Nina Nicole Cockrell—
While Nina was instantly
is so much
passionate about dance, it wasn’t
more than
her only passion growing up.
that,” she
She actually did synchronized
shared.
swimming for six years, alongside
“Now, I see
her dance training. She even
how much it
won a National Title in the Junior
can impact
Olympics! “It was a very different
and inspire
environment from ballet,” Nina
people. And
explained, “but they were also
how complex
similar in many ways.” She chose
the world of
to pursue ballet, but is glad to
dance is.”
focuses on helping me feel calm
and prepared before a show,” she explained. “I like to eat something light, listen to some calming music, and make sure everything (pointe shoes, costume, makeup, etc.) is prepared properly so I can feel confident getting ready to perform. Warming up and rolling out my muscles is essential as well!”
PRIMA PODCAST
ACCESSIBILITY IN DANCE
For now, Nina has turned her sights to making an impact in
Her travels have also opened
other ways—her podcast, titled
up her eyes to some of the
The Prima Podcast, which focuses
socio-economic challenges
on ballet but also discusses topics
that exist in the industry. “I
around health and wellness,
think the biggest challenge in
mental-health, and more.
the industry would have to be accessibility,” Nina explained.
“I really got into listening to podcasts
“Things like access to quality
at the beginning of the pandemic,”
training, affording classes,
she explained. "I absolutely loved
pointe-shoes, costumes,
them. I went to see if there were
competition and performance
any dance-related ones I could
fees, audition fees, and so
listen to, but there weren’t very
much more. So many kids
many available, and the ones that
fall through the cracks, and
were weren't really what I was
not because they are any
looking for.” So, she made her
less dedicated than other
own! “I wanted to create a more
dancers.” Nina aspires to
personal, informative, and relatable
someday make an impact
way to create a community to have
by helping to bridge this gap
open conversations,” she shared.
of accessibility. “Someday, a
Now, her podcast is available for
dream of mine is to create a
every ballerina to stream. And
foundation for kids to be able
while she is just getting started,
to have access to a quality
she has big plans for the podcast’s
dance education, free of
future, including featuring guest
charge,” she shared. “I want
interviews. Her dream guest?
them to have the freedom to
“Probably Claudia Dean! Her career
pursue whatever their dreams
path and entrepreneurship is really
may be in the future.”
inspiring to me!”
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fter seeing a TV show
truly enjoys. “I love getting
where a girl had on tap
to make my thoughts a
shoes, young Holden could
reality and do what feels
almost always be found dancing.
natural." He hasn’t stopped
His mom recognized his passion
training, though, of course,
for it and signed him up for classes
and he’s still as passionate
at just 2 years old. “I’ve been
as ever about learning from
dancing ever since,” he revealed.
others. “I still love getting to learn choreography from
Since then, Holden has trained
choreographers who have
with big names and performed on
more knowledge than me,”
some incredible stages. He even
Holden explained.
had the chance to perform on The Ellen Show a few years ago.
INSPIRATION
“It’s my favorite dance memory,” he shared. “It was my first
Holden gets a lot of his
professional setting and it had all
inspiration from the teachers
older dancers that I admired so
he learns from, including his
so much. It made me feel certain
first dance teacher Kirsten
that I wanted to pursue dance
Cooper—who still remains
long term.”
a role model to him. “She taught me the values of
CHOREOGRAPHY
hard work and dancing for
Photography: Taylor Tsvyetkov • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
myself,” he shared. “So she Now, Holden pulls upon his 16
has always been someone
years of dance experience to
I’ve looked up to ever since
choreograph routines, something
I was little.” Along with his
he’s ways dreamed of doing.
teachers, Holden also pulls a
“When I was younger, I would
lot of inspiration from famous
make my mom film my ‘concept
dance icons. “My biggest
videos’ at the park and make
inspiration will always be Bob
my own imaginary solos,” he
Fosse,” he revealed. “There
told us. “So when I got my first
will never be anyone quite
opportunity to teach I took it
like him. Some other big
and ran.” The first solo he ever
inspirations of mine are Wade
choreographed, “Flashing Lights,”
Robson and Tony Testa.
is arguably his favorite routine that he’s ever created, “for the
Now that Holden’s discovered
sole reason that [he] finally got to
and cultivated his love for
put something [he] made [himself]
choreography, he hopes
on the stage.” That first solo, he
to use those skills in his
said, “opened a door for even
career moving forward.
more possibilities.”
“Choreographing and creating is something I’ve
Holden has come a long way
always dreamt of,” he told us,
from that first solo and has many
“and I would love to one day
opportunities to choreograph
create something more large
now, which is something he
scale for film and television."
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Photography: (Left) Ana Ochoa, (Right) provided by dancers • Design: Holly Childs
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Photography: Shutterstock • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
W
e were going to introduce
communicated through media.
Tajzon as a triple threat
"I have been dedicating my time
but honestly, we lost count.
to expanding and mastering my
So we’ll just say this dancer, model,
own gestural vocabulary,” Tajzon
actor, choreographer, singer, and
shared. “I love to dance for film
movement coach is… immensely
and not every viewer is a dancer,
talented! You may have seen
so I am always interested in how to
Tajzon on your TV screens when
improve the way my movement is
he danced with Olivia Rodrigo at
deciphered. I also take a lot of time
the VMAs or perhaps on Gap or
to observe how non-dancers move.
an iPhone commercial or in Milan
I am inspired by people who don’t
Fashion Week… The list goes on.
dance since that is the majority of our audiences.” An incredibly
GETTING STARTED
interesting perspective that Tajzon claims he was able to see only
Tajzon has been dancing for
after “releasing the boundaries
14 years and has the Olympics
[he] had attached to dance.”
to thank for it. “I remember watching the Olympics when
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
I was very young and I was very attracted towards the
Tajzon spends a lot of time
artistry of rhythmic gymnastics
studying movement, of both
and figure skating,” Tajzon
dancers and non-dancers. But
explained. “I didn’t have access
observing isn’t how he’s able to
to either of those sports, so I
look so natural while performing
decided to dance.” Since then,
and modeling. That, he chalks
he’s performed with dozens of
up to a very well-known notion:
brands and worked with many
“Perfect practice makes perfect.”
popular artists, including Katy
Tajzon often practices movements
Perry and Bebe Rexha. But as the
in the mirror. “I am always figuring
stages have changed, so has his
out what cool poses I can do,” he
perspective on dance.
explained. “I think it’s best to take the time to really understand your
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES
body. It will only look natural if
Photography: Ana Ochoa • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
you find a way for a pose to feel "I took dance so seriously when
comfortable.” Great advice for
I was younger,” Tajzon told us.
dancing, modeling, and everything
“I thought you had to do the
in between. Tajzon also suggests
coolest tricks and turn as many
that his other passion, acting,
times as humanly possible. Now
helps him when performing in
I see that everything we do is
other areas. “If you are smiling
considered dancing. In realizing
for a photo, for example,” Tajzon
that, it has given me a whole
told us, “it would seem more
new world to explore.” Now,
genuine and realistic if you
on top of continuing to train,
visualized yourself smiling at
Tajzon is focused on strength
someone that you deeply care
and conditioning as well as the
for. It gives the photo a story
art behind dance and how it’s
and gives you a character.”
Priscilla Tom has been dancing for over a decade— from recreational classes to dance competitions, and from a pre-professional company to the NBC World of Dance stage. Now, Cali-raised Priscilla has gone cross-country and is majoring in dance at New York University! DISCOVERING HER PATH Priscilla started dancing when she was young, when her mom put her in recreational classes “to help with social skills and physical activity.” But once Priscilla started, she never really stopped. “I started taking it more seriously,” she shared, “and decided it was something I wanted to continue exploring. It changed from being a recreational activity to something that nourished both virtuosity—it allowed me to explore my artistic side, but also exercise my athletic and physical side. And the intensity in my training only increased as I became more involved with competitive dance.” Throughout high school, Nina trained at Nor Cal Dance Arts under Tawnya Kuzia. “Most of my time with the studio, I was a part of The Collective,” Nina explained, "which was our competition team and
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pre-professional company.” While at Nor Cal, Priscilla had the opportunity to compete on two seasons of NBC’s World of Dance, which she described as "an intense, but insightful and unique, experience.” Growing up training in a company filled with talented dancers, Nina felt constant motivation to better myself. “I was surrounded by an enormous pool of talent, she told us. “I was definitely most inspired by my own teammates and grew an endless appreciation for individuality and uniqueness in movement quality. It made me realize everyone has something truly different to offer, which influenced me to discover my own path.” COLLEGE-BOUND While Priscilla is sure she wants dance in part of her future, she isn’t completely sure on the specifics yet. Right now, she’s getting her degree in dance at NYU and soaking it all in. “I decided to go this route because I am still unsure Photography: Ana Ochoa • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
of what I want to do,” she explained, “and by being immersed in the program, it will hopefully help me discover what pathways I potentially am interested in.” Sounds like a great plan! Like any college student, Priscilla is a little nervous about adjusting to the new environment, and “being thrown into such a drastic change, not having my family and close friends about me,” she’s excited to learn about herself while exploring her independence on the other side of the country. Most importantly, she’s excited to “[find] comfort in self-sustainability while also being challenged and stepping outside [her] comfort zone.
Gracyn French, like many dancers, tried other sports before deciding on dance. Unlike other dancers, though, she tried a ton of them! "I tried everything," she admitted, "I did soccer, swimming, tennis, lacrosse, and dance, and dance was what I loved the most." While she knew she loved dance from a young age, she wasn’t sold on taking it seriously right away. "When I first started, it was for fun," she revealed, "but now, as I get older, I’m getting more and more serious because I want to do this for my whole life." And while she spends most of her time dancing now, she still loves to swim. "When I was injured I swam to keep up my stamina and strength," she explained. DANCE 'TIL YOU (ALMOST) DROP After school, Gracyn typically trains from 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm on weekdays and goes to conventions or rehearsals on weekends. While she’s busy with dance almost constantly, it’s something she’s willingly given up in order to seriously pursue her career. "First, you have to love what you are doing," she explained. "Then you have to be okay with missing out on certain things outside of dance. You need to have a good work ethic and a lot of dedication."
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Gracyn’s busy schedule consists mostly of classes at her studio, Project 21, where she learns from one of her biggest inspirations, her teacher, Molly Long. Gracyn says that the day she started dancing at Project 21 is her favorite dance memory and that Molly Long choreographed her favorite dance, "Grease is the Word." "It was so fun," Gracyn shared. Her teacher isn’t her only idol, though. Gracyn also looks up to fellow dancers, Savannah Kristich and Crystal Huang (also featured in this issue!). ADAPTING DURING THE PANDEMIC Like many, Gracyn had to adapt her usual training schedule. While she admitted that it was hard not to be in the studio, she actually built a make-shift dance room in her house and took many classes on Zoom. "Eventually it just started to feel normal," she explained. If there’s anything that time taught her, though, is to not take things (or people) for granted. "It was hard not to be able to see my grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. So any free time I have now, I like to spend it with them." On top of spending time with family, Gracyn’s major goals right now are just to stay healthy so she can keep training and striving for her goals. "My goal is to keep building my strength up through Pilates in order to prevent any future injuries during the season." BROADWAY-BOUND Gracyn has a few ideas for what she'd like to do in the future, but
Photography: Michael Scott (Provided by Tiger Friday) • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
they all have one thing in common… dance! "I’d love to be in a movie where I get to dance," she shared. But the big screen isn't the only place she'd like to be. "I would love to be on Dancing with the Stars again but as a pro!" she told us. Her biggest goal, though? "Living in NYC and working on Broadway; the energy is just amazing!" As for how she plans to shake the nerves off before a big Broadway performance, well, she’s already got a pre-performance routine down that includes manifestations and mantras. "I always write down my intentions before I perform," she revealed, "and before I walk out onto the stage I always repeat to myself, 'You’ve got this; believe in yourself!'"
Photography: Provided by Dai Time • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
D
ai Time has nothing
extracurricular activities. She
the interview is always [the]
short of a dream
didn’t just stop there, though. She
priority." She has quite a few
career. She’s
made it a goal to tour different
more celebrities she dreams
a singer, motivational
elementary schools and read
of interviewing, including
speaker, magazine editor,
the book to a thousand students
Beyoncé and Summer Walker.
and red carpet host. She’s
every year. This led to her doing
interviewed dozens of
press tours and even walking a
Being such an exceptional
celebrities from Kris Jenner
few red carpets. This is where she
teenager herself, it’s no
to Oprah Winfrey to Tina
discovered her love of red carpet
surprise to us that Dai is very
Knowles (Beyoncé’s mom!).
interviews. "I realized I love[d]
aware of the immense amount
Known for her energy and
getting close and personal with
of talent that young people
dedicated drive, it’s no
celebrities," she shared.
have today. She recently
surprise that a lot of Dai’s career is in the public eye.
started her own magazine, Dai Dai has gone on to interview
Time Magazine, to share stories
many celebrities on the red
of her peers and to "highlight
If you’re anything like us,
carpet. Her favorite interview
phenomenal youth." That’s
you’re wondering how she
to ask: "How do you stay
not the only way she supports
got started in such a unique
motivated?" For Dai, the
her peers, though. She also
career path. Well, Dai
answer to that question is to
regularly uses her own savings
wasted no time in pursuing
"enjoy every moment." And
to buy meals and gifts for
her dreams. She started her
even though Dai enjoys it, it
those in need. Some of her
career as a motivational
doesn’t mean she doesn’t still
personal favorite organizations
speaker and even wrote a
get nervous. She even gets
to support are the Ronald
children’s book when she
star-struck like the rest of
McDonald House, Hosean
was just 11 years old. The
us, especially when she met
Williams’ Feeds to Homeless,
book is called My Tutu and it
Rihanna (!!!). But while her nerves
Free Wishes Foundation,
teaches kids the days of the
may cause a few butterflies, she
and her own foundation, the
week, colors, and positive
pushes through because "getting
Reading is Lit program.
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M
ila Nibours started where many dancers start, in gymnastics. “I competed [in gymnastics]
most of my childhood,” she shared with us. “It was a huge part of my life growing up, and I was very passionate.” Unfortunately, Mila suffered from injuries and had to make the choice to quit gymnastics. Lucky for her, though, dance was waiting to take its place. “Because I had invested so much time and energy into gymnastics, this was a big change,” she admitted, “but one I’m very happy that I made. I had a great journey, I felt like my time had come and I needed to move on. Growing up, I had always loved to dance so I was extremely passionate about becoming a dancer!” TOTAL SHOWSTOPPER Mila wasted no time making dance her passion, and she began training and competing. Her favorite dance competition? Showstopper! “It was one of my favorite dance experiences ever,” she explained, “even beyond just competition memories. It was also one of my first ever competitions and one of the first times I performed on stage. It was such a fulfilling experience and so rewarding for all the training I had gone through.” On top of her group numbers, Mila also performed her favorite solo there, called “Body Memory.” “It was a creative contemporary piece and one I worked really hard on,” she told us. Becoming a dancer actually helped her to discover one of her other interests: acting. “When I became a competitive dancer, a lot of my teammates were in the industry and were actors,” Mila revealed. “This made me curious about the art of acting. I decided to start taking acting classes and fell in love with it! Now, dance is just a piece of the puzzle of who Mila is, but she finds it helps her in all of her passions. “Having my dance foundation has been such a bonus,” she explained, “and I’ve been fortunate to have been a dancer in so many different jobs and projects. I have danced in web series, films, and music videos!” It doesn’t all come without its challenges, though, and Mila sometimes struggles with having her life so public. “One of the biggest challenges in the industry
is the built-up pressure I feel sometimes from being on camera and in the public eye at all times,” she shared. “With that said though, I truly love what I do!” GETTING INTO CHARACTER Mila has had a wide array of acting opportunities since, but her all-time favorite role was her lead role in the short film Feet of Fire, where she played Amelia, an obedient ballerina set on finding her independence. “It was a role that required a strong sense of backstory,” Mila told us. “I really had to immerse myself into the role.” While it was a bit of a challenge for Mila, she recognized the importance of the story, as it’s one that is relatable in the dance world. “My character was a big part in expressing a very meaningful and empowering message,” she shared. Now, Mila hopes to take her talents to TV, with dreams of being on shows like Stranger Things, Atypical, and Outer Banks. MAKING MUSIC On top of dancing and acting Mila also loves music, and has recently started taking her singing more seriously. “Since around my early teenage years, I had loved to sing,” she explained, “but never took it as something I would pursue seriously.” As she started getting older, her voice developed and she began considering an actual music career. “I was fortunate enough to be connected with Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
an incredible music producer, Andrew Lane, who has been helping me since the beginning,” she told us. Her parents, too, are both classical musicians, so her musical talent is no surprise! While it seems that quite a few factors helped Mila decide to pursue a serious career in the music industry, she also gives credit to her time in quarantine for allowing her the opportunity. Like many, she was able to see the small but bright silver linings of these past couple of years. “The pandemic was actually the reason for the start of my music career,” she shared, “because I finally had the extra time to get it going. As unfortunate as this pandemic has been, I’m so grateful for what it has led to.” @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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S
ince September 2021,
interact with their fans (AKA
Broadway shows new and
you), stay on top of it. You never
old have been working to
know when a tour or ticket
It’s not all stalking. We promise!
reclaim the Great White Way
lottery might be announced.
A big part of getting to see
and reopen theater doors. The
Plus, if you’re hoping to see a
these shows is just getting
reopening hasn’t been perfect
musical that currently has limited
excited. What will you wear?
for every production, and for
dates or is about to celebrate
(We love a themed outfit, but
fans trying to get tickets, find the
a major milestone (shoutout to
don’t forget to be stylish and
perfect date to see a show, or
Chicago for achieving 25 years
comfortable, especially in the
track down a tour, there’s a lot of
in 2021!), they’ll be posting about
shoe department. NYC is all
information to keep up with! Don’t
how they plan to celebrate.
about walking.) Who will you
worry, though, we’ve cracked the
go with? Figure out what song
code for making sure you can give
The productions themselves
you are going to have to put the
yourself the best shot at seeing
aren’t the only things you might
most effort into not singing along
your dream shows.
want to keep track of, though.
to (because we have our theater
If you can’t make it all the
manners IN CHECK).
KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE
way to Broadway, finding out what theaters near you have
Photography: Shutterstock • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
DRESS REHEARSALS
BE FLEXIBLE
We all love musicals, but with so
Broadway engagements or host
many to see, it’s good to start
tour stops can be a good way to
Things are hectic right now.
out with an idea of what you’re
find out what shows are headed
You’re not the only one trying
looking for. Start a musical bucket
your way (or try out the tour of
to snag a seat at Wicked. The
list for the year (or in general) or
a show you might want to see in
competition is kind of fierce (in
look for musicals in your favorite
the city). For all theater updates,
a theater nerd way). So, while
genres. If you love comedies, a
we also love Playbill. They have
you’re paying attention to
Gothic horror like The Phantom
a whole page dedicated to
performance schedules, limited
of the Opera might not be for
reopening dates and news.
runs, and tour dates, be willing
you but Mrs. Doubtfire could be
Game changer!
to have a backup plan! Many of
perfect. If you don’t mind spoilers,
these shows have been around
checking out the cast recordings
for years, so you’re probably not
from musicals or clips from the
in danger of missing out forever.
shows can also be a good way to
Keep your excitement alive! You
test the waters on a show you’re
will get there!
interested in. BRING BROADWAY HOME On the other hand...if you’re feeling adventurous, you could put
An awesome part of going to
the names of ALL of your musical
a show, even one you’ve seen
options into a jar and draw one
before, is that every experience
at random. The risk! We’re in
is unique. Take a photo, write
suspense already.
yourself a note about the things you loved, or get a small piece
GET THOSE NOTIFICATIONS
of merch (the enamel pins that most Broadway shows have
Sign up for email newsletters,
are perfect!) to remember each
Instagram and Twitter
show by. Don’t lose your playbill!
notifications, all of it. Whatever
You won’t want to forget these
ways that your favorite musicals
incredible experiences! @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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D
ancer, teacher,
for the NBA D-League team the
choreographer, judge—well,
Phoenix Suns.
we don’t have time to list
all of Octavia Ellison’s titles. She’s
She’s off the court now, but
been collecting them for years!
Octavia still sees dance as the
From dancing her way onto the
beginning of it all and an essential
Los Angeles Lakers’ court at the
part of her life. “That’s how I
Staples Center to planning Kobe
started this journey. It was all
Bryant’s jersey retirement, Octavia
dance, dance, dance.” Even though
is a go-getter always looking for
her sister gets all of the credit for
a challenge.
(accidentally) leading Octavia to dance, she also gives a lot of credit
"Not one day is like the next, so
to her former Laker Girls director
it’s hard to be like 'This is what I
Lisa Estrada for her success. It all
do,'" Octavia told us. On paper,
comes back to dance!
she’s executive assistant to the Lakers' CEO and Governor Jeanie
WHAT'S NEXT
Buss and Executive Director Linda Rambis—"I am their right and left
The more we talked to Octavia,
hand with helping make sure
the more we realized that “What’s
they execute everything that they
next?” is her catchphrase and her
envision."—but that could mean
go-to for pushing herself to do
anything from managing guest
more. Octavia is at her best when
experiences to planning events.
she’s in motion, she shared that
We think Octavia defines her role
this can be a lot. “I feel like I do
best, "I’m kind of a figure-it-all-
operate a little bit on chaos which
out-and-get-it-done person."
is probably a toxic trait, but I do,” she told us. “I thrive in kind of ‘we
THE ESSENTIALS
gotta get this done, we gotta get this done.’ If I don’t sleep for a
Figuring it out doesn’t mean that
couple of days, that’s fine. We’ll
Octavia necessarily has a plan,
catch up later.”
Photography/Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
though. In fact, one of the main things that has guided her since
Fun fact: With her go-go-go
she was only 9 years old is dance.
schedule, time is anything but a luxury. Octavia remembers
Octavia started dance because
staying up until 3 am to
she was inspired by her older
choreograph routines to teach at
sister—except her sister was a
Showstopper’s dance conventions
cheerleader. "I got into dance
right before a 7 am flight.
thinking it was cheer, and I was like 'Oh! This is dance,’ and then I fell
Lesson? If you love it, go after it.
in love. I just never stopped.” She would be a competitive dancer (competing at Showstopper!) and eventually dancing as part of a team in high school and then becoming a dancer/choreographer @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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From D-League dance and
happening around her (and she’s
choreography to on-screen
the mastermind behind a lot of
hosting to her current role as
them!). And love? Well, that’s
executive assistant, Octavia
just Octavia. She leads with love.
is always looking for ways to
“Execute with love because, for
expand, to make everything she
me, I can’t just execute. I have to
does new. Why? The more she
execute with my heart.”
does, the more fulfilled she feels. If it sparks that excitement for
SUPERPOWERS
Octavia, she’s on it. “I do feel like experience and time is a privilege,
If it wasn’t already clear,
so if I have it, I’m going to use it.”
Octavia get a lot done. We’re not entirely sure how, but we think
AVERAGE ROUTINE
superpowers might be involved, and we know two of those
A day in the office is usually 9 to 5,
powers for sure.
but when things are coming up like events or, of course, a game, it’s
First, Octavia is a force in heels.
nine... until they’re done.
She told us, “I don’t feel dressed and ready to go in flats.” When
Octavia does have some
we talked to her, she didn’t think it
constants, though. The first thing
was a big deal, but she’s coming
she does after she wakes up and
around to the idea. “You know
before she goes to bed is always
what, that is my superpower! I can
pray. “If I start my day in prayer
run around Staples for hours on
and just thankfulness, everything
end in my heels, and I’m fine!”
can fall in like appropriately,” she shared. She notices the difference
Dancing and rehearsing for hours
when she doesn’t, too. If she
and hours in heels has prepared
doesn’t start the day aware of
Octavia for anything. “If I can
everything awesome and good
dance and do floor work…if you
around her, she finds herself
can perform and rehearse in
getting caught up in the nitpicky
heels, you can walk.” She’s always
things, the little annoying moments
on her toes!
that get under her skin. When she starts the day thankful, she knows
Superpower number two is
she’s setting herself up to let
considering every single person
those things roll off her shoulders.
without a thought. Octavia is
What’s next?
THE people person of the Lakers team as far as we’re concerned.
How does Octavia describe her
She’s using those superpowers to
day? Positive mindset, grind, and
make sure everything is perfect
execute with love. These three
and everyone is having a great
phrases capture how Octavia
time—and helping track down any
keeps moving through the day.
lost guests. (Our Editor-in-Chief
She knows that “no matter what
and Founder were definitely on
day it is, it’s a grind,” but there
Octavia’s list of rescues when they
will always be awesome things
visited the Staples Center.)
“I just know that, being a dancer
since I got to the Lakers, it’s like
talking about the ups and
and an entertainer, I’m just a
there’s something unfinished…It’s
downs of the NBA seasons
people person. I love connecting
never boring. There’s never a dull
she’s been a part of, the good
whether that’s through
moment, and I think because I’m
ones and the slumps. “Being
performance or conversation,”
always very ‘What next? What
able to see the high and live
Octavia told us. When she says it,
else?’ I get bored fast, but that
the high, I’m able to endure
it sounds like a skill, but talking to
doesn’t stick.”
the lows. Not everyone has
her, you can tell it’s just who she
that luxury.”
is no matter what she’s doing or
Part of being somewhere for so
who she’s with.
long is endurance. Octavia told
One thing we’ve definitely
us she’s “never complacent,” and
learned from Octavia is
“I guess I have always just had
that keeps her moving, but she
that there’s always more,
this feeling of ‘everyone matters.’”
also knows when to stick with
and a lot of the time, you
She credits part of this attitude to
something. Two big things she’s
create what comes next.
dance where you might be center-
stuck with are dance and the
But focusing on what’s next
stage or you might be last in line
Lakers. Love for both of these
doesn’t necessarily mean
or the backup dancer for a major
things keeps her going, of course,
leaving everything in the
artist. Octavia thinks it’s important
and new things to try help, too, but
"now" behind.
to remember that none of that,
she also knows that all of this time
individual status, really matters.
dancing and taking on new roles
“If you’re the most famous person,
at the Staples Center has given her
yeah, that’s exciting. It’s great. But
a lot of perspective.
SLOWING DOWN Moving this fast, it’s hard
at the end of the day, what you do
to imagine Octavia ever
shouldn’t matter.”
taking a break, but she does.
These are hard things to do. For a lot of people taking on skills like these takes a lot of concentration, but feats (feets!?) of strength and compassion are just part of Octavia’s everyday life. We can’t imagine her any other way. TIME IS AN ADVANTAGE Octavia has been with the Lakers in various roles for 12 years! She’s seen and done a lot on the court and behind the scenes. She loves to keep her life in motion, but the Lakers is definitely a grounding point for her. “I’m always like, ‘Okay, what’s
"
I’m not just what you see, and Lakers isn’t the end of my story.
"
Slowing down is so important, especially for someone as busy as Octavia! Even little breaks in the day are a priority for her. She purposely pauses often in order to be present and reflect. “Did I stop and talk to this person when I did whatever? Did I stop, even if I’m enjoying the moment, stop and really enjoy this moment or experience?” For Octavia, stopping, even for the bad things, to reflect and embrace her life is important for learning and growing. “I have to stop because genuinely time will pass you by,” she told us.
next?’ ‘How can I expand?’
“Being able to endure the changes
Those pauses are where she
‘How can I grow?’ ‘What else?
is an advantage because I can
learns and grows. “What
What else is there in this world
see the evolution of a lot of things
can I do next? What did I
for me?’” she shared, “But ever
over a decade,” Octavia said,
learn today? Did I impact
someone in a good way or a bad way? How can I be better tomorrow?” Slowing down can also mean me-time. When it’s time to decompress, Octavia is ready with a face mask and a full lineup of self-care activities. “I love a face mask!” Octavia told us. A face mask, a glass of wine, a bath. “This is fullforce me-time. I cannot be bothered…I don’t bring my phone. If I miss something, I miss something. It got missed, sorry!” The only other place you might find Octavia when she’s taking time for herself? The beach. Something Octavia has learned over the last couple years is that she can go fullforce as much as she wants, but she has to know when to disconnect. One marker of that for her is anxiety. “Now, it’s like I’m blessed with anxiety,” she joked. When she feels anxious and every little thing bothers her, she knows it’s time let go and just be Octavia for bit. NEW CHALLENGES Octavia will always be chasing a new challenge. What’s next? What is next, Octavia? She seems like she's found her place in her current passions right now, but she knows there’s more to come. “What I want people to know about me is I’m not just what you see, and Lakers isn’t the end of my story.”
F
or many people, finding Olivia Rodrigo came alongside her debut single
“drivers license,” but Olivia has been working on her music, using it as an outlet and an ongoing
D KEEPING IT SIMPLE
project, since she was 5 years old. But, as Olivia told Vogue
In an interview with Alanis
Singapore, “Writing songs is a
Morissette for Rolling Stone’s 2021
small fraction of what I want
Musicians on Musicians issue,
of a former love moving
to do.” She’s a singer, an actor,
Olivia said, “I think what keeps
on, we all know what it’s
a former dancer(!!!), and in
me going is that love of writing a
like to feel like there are too
everything she does, always
song in your bedroom and being
many expectations, too many
inspired, carrying the songs, the
like, ‘That perfectly captures how
milestones rushing at us. Olivia’s
voices, and the actions of her
I feel better than anything I could
music is fantastic because it’s
influences with her.
have said in a conversation.’”
complicated, but she’s trying to
D KNOWING WHERE SHE
Olivia skyrocketed to
achieved incredible fame, but
CAME FROM
superstardom over the last
she’s not an expert, and she’s
year—even though she’d already
still looking up to the people that
Olivia’s debut album Sour revived
been pretty secure as a young
came before her and trusting
our love of angsty breakup
actor with an impressive list of
her instincts as she figures out
songs, crying on the floor of our
credits including the Disney+
what’s next.
bathrooms, and rocking a lot of
hit High School Musical: The
plaid. Her Petra Collins directed
Musical: The Series (which she’s
“good 4 u” music video took us
returning to for Season 3 this
back to Jennifer’s Body days of
year). Somehow, though, Olivia
using over-the-top satire to get
is still holding onto those early
to the heart of real feelings and
artist vibes, writing songs in her
problems. Olivia’s Y2K aesthetic
bedroom, gearing up for a small
is grungy and emotional, but it’s
first tour, and mostly
raw and real.
keeping her
Photography: Getty Images, Shutterstock • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
keep things simple. She’s already
head down. Lots of people love Olivia because she knows how to make
Following Olivia
a throwback new. When Sour
or listening to
came out in a cloud of butterflies,
her music is like
people couldn’t help but be
slipping into a
reminded of Hayley Williams,
familiar space.
Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne, and
Even if you
Britney Spears, pop stars that
don’t have
have helped to define the last two
your driver’s
decades with explorations of love,
license or
loss, and fun in their music. While
you haven’t
her originality is evident, Olivia
faced the deja vu
also isn’t afraid to reveal her inspirations or how they shaped her and her music. @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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D IT'S BRUTAL OUT HERE
“Obviously, I write all of my lyrics from my heart and
Things with the debut of Sour
my life first. I came up with
haven’t all been sweet. As people
the lyrics and the melody
listened to her songs, some of the
for ‘good 4 u’ one morning in
nods and obvious inspirations
the shower.”
to Olivia’s favorites resulted in changes to the credits on two of
D "CREATIVITY AS
her songs and scrutiny of Olivia’s
A DISCIPLINE"
talents. Is she an icon or is she derivative? (We think the former.)
Olivia isn’t all early 2000s mood boards and
She talked about this criticism
butterflies. She puts work
with Teen Vogue. “I think it’s
behind the excitement that
disappointing to see people take
comes from seeing the art
things out of context and discredit
of the people she looks up
any young woman’s work, but at
to. Olivia shared with Teen
the end of the day I’m just really
Vogue last fall that she
proud and happy to say that my
doubled down on her music
job is being a songwriter.”
to make Sour happen, writing a song every day at
And she’s proud to be
the start of quarantine. OG
putting her ideas in
Livies probably remember
conversation with the artists that have come before her. “All music is inspired by each
when she posted snippets of these to Instagram. “I’m a big believer in creativity as a discipline,” she said.
other,” Olivia told Teen Vogue.
She shared a little bit more on that during her cover interview for Vogue Singapore, “Songwriting is a craft and discipline and requires a lot of work. Sometimes, you think have a lightning bolt idea and you can write one song
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
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in 30 minutes. But it’s not about
songs, but she also knows
those 30 minutes; it’s about the
that her biggest inspirations
hundreds of songs you write
are her own feelings and
before that to practice for a
experiences, and she’s not
30-minute song. It’s just like
afraid to share them. She
anything. It takes a lot of practice
said to Vogue Singapore, “If
but usually the best songs are the
I wasn’t so comfortable in
ones that come naturally.”
my emotions, I wouldn’t have made Sour, and it wouldn’t
D OPENING UP
have had that same result.”
In her conversation with Alanis,
We’re looking up to Olivia,
Olivia revealed that she feels
but she’s not done being
like her rise has been really
inspired, and she’s certainly
fast. “I feel obviously so lucky,
not done exploring. Nearly
but sometimes it just feels like it
19 and only just moved into
doesn’t have to do with me.” From
her own place, Olivia is sure
the release of “drivers license,”
to have stadium tours and
Olivia was topping the music
major awards ahead of
charts, eventually becoming the
her (even if she’s already
first artist to have their first two
snagged some major
songs debut in the top ten on the
accolades). Rumors about
Billboard charts when her second
a sweet sophomore album
single “deja vu” had its own
have been floating around
explosive debut.
as well, but it doesn’t seem like she’s rushing things, and
Olivia owes a lot of this to her
we’re excited to see what
role models and the artists that
songs she pulls off the floor
inspired her to create her own
of her new bedroom.
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
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Photography: Shutterstock • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
2
Kristin McQuaid tries new things on every episode of her YouTube show, ______ It with Kristin
1
Sisters Kenzie, Katie, and Kameron (AKA "The Couch Sisters") are from this U.S. State
7
Tajzon performed with this artist on the VMA stage
3
Gracyn French dreams of working on ________
10
Priscilla Tom is currently attending this school to study dance
4
Crystal Huang played this role in the 2021 Radio Christmas Spectacular
11
Sam Sidney creates art using this fabric
5
12
Indi Star’s favorite of her new songs
Olivia Rodrigo was the youngest winner of the MTV VMAs Song of the Year Award for this song
13
Layla Crawford got to work with this iconic actor when he played her father in King Richard
6
Dai Time got star struck after meeting this celebrity
8
15
When she was younger, Enola Bedard sold this door-todoor to pay for dance classes
If you’re invited to participate in Showstopper’s Opening Number you’ll be known as an ___-____
9
16
Holden Maples’ biggest idol
Isabella Ward got her role in West Side Story when she auditioned in this U.S. Territory
19
Kelly Sweeney was invited to perform for this artist
14
Dani and Dannah play sisters Aubrey and Birdie on this show
Mila Nibours’ favorite dance competition
17
The name of Erin Reese’s character on Chicken Girls
20
18
Nina Nicole Cockrell recently started The _____ Podcast
21
Tajzon started dancing when he was younger after watching this international sporting event HINT: Use articles in this magazine to find the answers!
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
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Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
PISCES (2/19-3/20)
ARIES (3/21-4/19)
Curiosity may not be great
The world shutting down
You’ve made major
for felines, but for Aquariuses,
has not been easy for you,
changes this year, Aries, and
it’s pretty much a required
Pisces. While you’re normally
you should be so proud of
quality. The pandemic has
very flexible, this has been a
yourself! Your enthusiasm
given you time to explore
little too much, even for you.
for life hasn’t slowed down.
your passions, but it’s time
While your selflessness has
Sometimes, though, you
to go even further outside
made you a rock for others,
tend to focus on the next
your comfort zone. Make a
don’t forget to take some
step and don’t take time
list of things you've always
time to assess your own
to appreciate all you've
wanted to do, find a few that
emotions and lean on others
accomplished. Take a little
bring you excitement, and
for support. It might feel
while to just be present
come up with a strategy to
vulnerable at first, but it’s
where you are and to
check them off your list!
important for your growth!
celebrate all you've done!
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
(7/22-8/22)
(8/23-9/22)
(9/23-10/22)
You’ve kept a positive outlook
You’ve reached peak Virgo
If there’s anyone who's
throughout these past couple
efficiency these past few years.
been able to see the silver
of years, Leo, and that is
You’ve cleaned, planned, and
linings from these past
something to celebrate!
organized... everything. But if
couple of years, it’s you,
While your tolerance has
your life still feels a little messy,
Libra. Your adaptability
kept you level-headed, it’s
it may be time to look inwards
has allowed you to thrive,
okay to retreat sometimes to
and organize your thoughts
despite all of the difficulties.
evaluate your thoughts and
and emotions (your closet
So take note: there are
feelings. It may feel scary at
doesn’t need to be reorganized
people around you who
first for a Leo like you, but
again, we promise). You can
could use a little bit of your
even Simba needed time to
be overly critical of yourself, so
positive persuasion to see
reflect before he became the
take the time to give yourself
the bright side, too. Let that
leader he was meant to be.
grace and understanding.
Libra light shine!
*for entertainment purposes only
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
(4/20-5/20)
(5/21-6/20)
(6/21-7/22)
The pandemic was
You’re a social butterfly,
These past couple of years
challenging for you, Taurus.
Gemini. You thrive on
didn’t affect your routine
While you have a natural
interacting with others, so
a whole lot (you’ve always
calm reserve to you that
having to fully adapt your
been sort of a homebody).
kept you pretty level-headed
social routine these past few
But, being naturally
while the world shut down,
years has been hard. If you
sentimental, you've missed
you’re also used to stability.
haven’t yet, it’s time to find
the "normal" holidays and
You may have found yourself
ways to adjust to how things
events. This year, use your
being a little stubborn about
are right now to enable your
adaptability to find ways to
the changes. That’s a natural
charm and friendliness to still
bring some of that nostalgia
reaction, but don’t be afraid to
shine through. Get creative
back to those moments,
lean on your dancer flexibility
and find ways to be the chatty
even if you have to get a
to expand your horizons a bit.
Gemini you were born to be!
little bit creative!
CELEB BIRTHDAYS
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
Olivia Rodrigo
(10/23-11/21)
(11/22-12/21)
(12/22-1/19)
February 20
Tom Holland
If there’s anything these
While the world may have
As natural-born planners,
June 1
past couple of years have
slowed down, it didn’t slow
not being able to strategize
Dua Lipa August 22
Pete Davidson November 16
Timothee Chalamet December 27
given you, Scorpio, it’s time
your Sagittarius sense of
more than a few weeks
to make some serious plans
adventure. You’ve had to get
ahead of time has had you
for the future. Your ambition
a little creative, but you’ve
feeling a little bit anxious.
is unparalleled and there’s
been able to have some
While you could try to go
not much that can stop you
incredible experiences. While
with the flow, that’s just not
from achieving your dreams.
the fun never has to stop, this
Capricorn energy. Instead,
While your intensity is what
next season may be one of
when faced with an
helps you accomplish so
self-reflection for you and a
opportunity, just come up
much, don’t be afraid to turn
time to use that Sag creativity
with an equally fun backup
it down sometimes to just be
to check some responsibilities
plan. Win/win for a wise
present with the moment.
off your to-do list.
Cap like you.