TABLE OF
Contents

SPRING 2020 GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
LIFESTYLE
10
14
22 50 60 64 68 70
Dancers Across America Be Clear on Your 2020 Vision Journey to the Coveted Crystal Millennium Dance Complex Showstopper Backstage View from the Top The Ultimate Guide to Setting Goals Book Feature: Dancers & Dogs
IN EVERY ISSUE
SPOTLIGHT Gianina Paolantonio
Harlow Stone
54 58 62
Crystal Huang Kamryn Smith
4 Editor's Letter 6 Road to Showstopper 8 Showstopper Online Magazine 66 Your Dream Dance Career 76 4 Iconic Fashion Trends 80 Your Dream Decor Quizzes! Horoscopes 92 94 Embarrassing Moments 97 Crossword
Autumn Miller Gavin Morales Sammy Bulstrode
C
20 36 38 52
C
H
ey, dreamers! Welcome to the “2020 Vision” edition of Showstopper Magazine! We want 2020 to be your year—which means there's a lot to get done between now and December! With all of our big dreams, it can be hard to sift through all of the ideas and goals we have going on in our brains. While it’s important to aim high, trying to accomplish too much at once can mean we spin out entirely. We don't want to spin out; we want to gracefully pirouette into accomplishing those goals! So, in this issue, you’re going to find tips, tricks, and inspiration about visualizing and prioritizing those goals as well as how to put together a plan of action—your “2020 vision". You’ll hear from some of your role models on how they set and reached their own goals (and where they hope to go from here). You’ll learn how to create your own vision board to keep you inspired throughout the year. You’ll read inspirational advice from icons like Misty Copeland and Jennifer Lopez. But above all, when you turn the last page of this magazine, I hope you are more inspired than ever to put your plan into action! Here’s to 2020, a year where we accomplish dreams bigger than any grand jeté you can imagine!
D A few of my favorite Instas from this season! Tag us @goshowstopper for a chance to be featured.
D
D D
FOUNDERS
D
Photography: Lee Gumbs (right), Leslie Childs (left), and Shared from Instagram • Writing/Design: Holly Childs Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer
D
Debbie & Dave Roberts EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Holly Childs
D
MANAGING EDITOR: Debbie Roberts • HEAD DESIGNER: Holly Childs • SENIOR DESIGNERS: Aaron Williams, Tyler Amaral FASHION DIRECTOR: Angel Roberts • ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLISTS: Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Addie Ware • HAIR STYLIST: Rachel Ross • MAKEUP ARTIST: Laura Schaffer • LEAD EDITORS: Leslie Childs, Nikki Cole • DESIGN/ COPY EDITORS: Debbie Roberts, Nikki Cole, Abbey Macho, Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Danae Massey Casteel, Aaron Williams, Tyler Amaral, Veronica Good, Eleanor Cooper, Alysia Tucker, James Williams PHOTOGRAPHERS: Holly Childs, Lee Gumbs, Ana Ochoa, Aaron Williams, Eva Nys, Gail Bowman, Nyra Lang, Emily Sandifer, Meg Nobriga, Leslie Childs, Julianna D • PHOTO EDITORS: Holly Childs, Aaron Williams, Tyler Amaral WRITERS: Holly Childs, Hayley Mac Cooper, Veronica Good, Nikki Cole • INTERVIEWER: Georgia VanNewkirk • DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND LOCATIONS: Adam Roberts
D
D
Crystal Huang, Gavin Morales, Gianina Paolantonio, Harlow Stone, Kamryn Smith, Sammy Bulstrode, Sean Lew
D
SHOWSTOPPER MAGAZINE ONLINE
D
D
SENIOR EDITOR: Veronica Good • SENIOR DESIGNER: Aaron Williams • DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS: Nikki Cole VIDEOGRAPHERS: Earl Tyndall, Tyler Amaral WRITERS: Veronica Good, Christy Lyn Huebner
D
SHOWSTOPPER CORPORATE EVENT PRODUCTION PRESIDENT: Dave Roberts • NATIONAL DIRECTOR: Debbie Roberts DIRECTOR OF EVENT OPERATIONS: Laura Button • ASSOCIATE
D
SHOW DIRECTOR: Bailey Rivera • TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Jon Greene, Jeff Cole , Jason Hunsucker • ASSOCIATE TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Mike Wager, Kyle Intrabartolo • PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Andrew Harris • DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND LEGAL AFFAIRS: Abbey Macho DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Richard Knox DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND MEDIA RELATIONS: Nikki Cole HEAD OF FINANCE: Kim Kouba • STAFF ACCOUNTANT: Craig Goeppinger • SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Aaron Williams • SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER: Earl Tyndall • MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Tyler Amaral • CONTENT MARKETING SPECIALIST: Danae Massey Casteel • EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS: Eleanor Cooper, Alysia Tucker TRAVEL DIRECTOR: Patience Wassell • DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS: James Williams • SPECIAL PROJECTS: Greg Kajcienski, Ted Harris SPECIAL THANKS: Olivia Tarchick, Lilia Buckingham, Jennifer Lopez, Tia Wenkman, Millennium Dance Complex, Jade Chenowyth, Autumn Miller, Christy Lyn Huebner, Misty Copeland, Kelly and Ian Kreidech, CJ Jensen, Taylor Louderman, and Arielle Jacobs.
D
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 5 D
D
D
The glitz and glam of Showstopper began 42 years ago, at a time when dance competitions didn’t even exist! In 1978, before YouTube and Dirty Dancing, Debbie Roberts knew that something was missing from the dance world. She realized that dancers needed an exciting stage where they could do what they love and also receive feedback to push them to be their best. That is how Showstopper, the world’s first dance competition, was born! Now, 42 years later, Showstopper has grown to be much more than a dance competition—it's become a place that dancers can come together to inspire each other, share their passion for dance, and be part of a community and lifestyle that's as fabulous as they are!
You can find Showstopper at the best venues throughout the country and 2 international cities. As a full-service production company, we host over 45 dance competitions every year. Our judges are industry experts and use their years of experience to critique dancers on their technique and score them to see which sparkling trophy they will take home!
After competing at a Showstopper Regionals competition, dancers qualify to compete at our National Finals. This is where the top dancers and studios from around the world compete, hoping to take home a National Title! On the final day, the top groups are invited to compete at the America Loves to Dance Awards LIVE championship event. Get ready to walk down the Pink Carpet!
goshowstopper.com/regionals
goshowstopper.com/finals
Ready for the best weekend ever?! At our Showstopper Dance Conventions, you will have the opportunity to learn new moves and techniques, enjoy bonding with your team, and make lifelong connections in the dance community. From Hollywood to Broadway, we bring you the industry's top dancers and choreographers to share their knowledge, skills, and experience with you. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of dance!
goshowstopper.com/conventions
Fill your feed with endless dance inspiration and follow us on social media!
@goshowstopper /goshowstopper /showstoppervideos @goshowstopper
Turn your device into a dance party with the official Showstopper app! From competition schedules to first looks at exclusive video content, the app has all you need, all in one place. Available on Apple and Android.
Love Showstopper Magazine? There's way more dance news and fabulous content just a few clicks away on our online magazine. Check it out: goshowstopper.com/magazine
Photography: Lee Gumbs, Holly Childs, and Shared from Instagram • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 13
14 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
Writing: Hayley Mac • Design: Holly Childs
16 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
PRODUCER ON CROWN LAKE E
T
he Showstopper
said. "It was at Disneyland, and it
it! So no matter how hard it
stage sure isn’t
always made the energy around
gets, always persevere."
the only spotlight
the competition so joyful!"
Lilia Buckingham has been in. We’ve had the pleasure
BEHIND THE CAMERA LIFE AS AN ACTRESS
of seeing her on shows like
While we were enjoying
Chicken Girls, Dirt, Total
Like many dancers, Lilia found a
seeing Lilia shine in front of
Eclipse, and Zoe Valentine.
pull to other areas of the creative
the camera, she had even
Recently we headed to
arts, and, because of her musical
bigger dreams. She wanted
Melrose Trading Post in
theater background, was drawn
to step behind the camera
Los Angeles, CA with Lilia
to acting.
to produce, direct, or write.
and talked shop about all
It wasn’t easy getting there,
things dance, acting, Crown
though, especially because of
Lake, and her passion for
her young age. Her advice for
empowering girls.
dealing with the push back?
Photography: Meg Nobriga • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Model: Lilia Buckingham. • Hair Stylist: Natasha Reid. Makeup Artist: Amy Richardson • Wardrobe Stylist: Amy Davis • Production Assistant: Lyndsay Camins
"Don’t let people tell you IT ALL STARTED WITH DANCE
that you can’t do something because of your age!" Lilia
Now that she’s a multi-
said. "People used to look at
talented dancer, actress,
me funny when I said I was
model, and writer, it’s hard
an executive producer or an
to tell where Lilia first got
author or a director because
her start, but Lilia discovered
it was so uncommon for a
her love of dance at an
tiny teenage girl to do those
early age. "I always knew I
While you may have seen
things. But it’s completely
loved dance," Lilia explained.
a young Lilia on shows like
possible! So don’t let anyone
"I grew up doing musical
Modern Family or Good
tell you differently."
theater and moved into
Morning America, it was
competitive dance when I
recently that she started
Lilia sure didn’t let any of the
was nine years old. I just fell
popping up on our screens like
skepticism about her young
more in love with it!"
crazy with her roles on Chicken
age stop her. Alongside all
Girls, Dirt, Total Eclipse, and Zoe
of her other incredible feats,
Like many dancers, Lilia was
Valentine. Her secret to scoring,
Lilia recently co-produced
inspired by a family member
keeping, and doing well at
Jillian Shea Spaeder’s music
who danced—her aunt. "She
those roles? Perseverance.
video for her song "Something
was an incredible ballerina,"
"It’s one of the most important
Better." "I think the best part
Lilia recalled. "I was always
qualities to have when
of co-directing and producing
so inspired by her!"
pursuing acting or dancing,"
this video was getting to see
Lilia explained. "It’s not your
the final result," Lilia explained.
One of her favorite
traditional career path, and
memories from her
we are constantly being told
competitive dance days?
no or being put down. It’s so
Showstopper! "I always
important to remember why
loved Showstopper," she
we do what we do. We love
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 17
"We worked tirelessly for weeks,
Little Liars, Crown Lake is set in a
taught me so many things that I’ll
so getting to see it come to life was
boarding school in the ‘90s and full
use for the rest of my life."
the most incredible feeling!" As
of mystery. Sound right up your
for working with BFF Jillian Shea,
alley? Well, you can thank Lilia
it was a breeze. "She’s one of the
Buckingham and Emily Skinner
most talented people I know," Lilia
for that one! "We kept asking why
Lilia must have made quite
gushed. "We do a really good job
Brat TV hadn’t done a boarding
the impression on Sara, too, as
of balancing each other out, and,
school show or a ‘90s show, so we
they’re going to be releasing a
artistically, we have a lot of the
pitched a loose idea to Sara," Lilia
book they co-wrote together soon
same visions."
told us. "We pitched it to Brat and I
called Influence, a twisty mystery
got to watch the show being built
that takes place in the fiercely
from the ground up. Now I get to
competitive world of Internet
ADJUSTING HER CROWN
MAKING AN INFLUENCE
work on casting, storylines, and
stars. The book is expected out
Lilia is also an executive producer
aesthetics!" A little initiative goes
this summer, so add it to your
on Brat TV’s Crown Lake. Written
a long way!
summer reading list!
As for working with Sara Shepard,
While we can barely wait for the
Lilia feels so lucky. "She was one
arrival of this soon-to-be bestseller,
of my idols as a kid, so getting to
we’ll be so busy watching all of the
learn from her and write with her
other amazing things Lilia’s doing,
is a dream come true," Lilia told us.
the time will fly right by!
by Sara Shepard, writer of Pretty
"She’s a wonderful mentor and has
One of Lilia's big dreams is to use her platform to inspire and empower girls to go into career paths that aren't typically encouraged for girls and women, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). "I think sometimes women are put into a box of what we can and can’t do," Lilia said, "and it’s important to show young girls that this box was constructed by the people who are afraid of all the things that women can do." If Lilia wasn't in the entertainment industry, she might even be in a STEM field herself. "I actually wanted to be a forensic scientist," she revealed. "I always loved true crime, and I was always really interested in science as a kid!"
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 19
E BROADWAY STAR & DANCE MOMS ICON
EXCLUSIVE D VIDEO! E
GO BEHIND THE 'GRAM WITH GIANINA! DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"
D
Photos: Lee Gumbs and Shared from Instagram • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Gianina Paolantonio Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer
A
t just fourteen years old,
“They taught me everything that I
made it on the show! “I was with
Gianina Paolantonio
know now! It was so different from
one of my best friends from home
has accomplished many
competitive dance.” Being out of
when we saw the post, and we
of the goals young dancers set
her element in singing and dancing
were freaking out!” Gianina told us.
for themselves. She showed
wasn’t the only challenge, though.
off her kicks with the NY
Being in a big production meant
While filming Dance Moms has
Knicks, brought her A-game
Gianina was treated similarly to the
been an incredible experience for
to Broadway, danced with the
adults in the production with long
Gianina, there have certainly been
iconic Mariah Carey, and scored
hours in rehearsals—many times
challenges. “It’s so hard to focus
herself a role on Dance Moms.
with her mom having to wait in
when there are people arguing
The best part? We sat down with
the hallway. “I was really nervous
or yelling,” she explained. “I’m
Gianina at our Showstopper
in the beginning,” Gianina told us.
also very protective of my mom.
Magazine photo shoot and got
“We only had six weeks to learn the
If someone is hurting my mom’s
the inside scoop on it all!
whole show, and rehearsals were
feelings, you’re hurting mine too.”
from 9 AM to 9 PM every day. The
At this moment in our interview,
hardest part was leaving my mom
Gianina’s mom chimed in and
While Gianina didn’t take dance
and dad for that long at nine years
said, “That’s why these kids are
too seriously when she was young,
old!” While it was challenging, it’s
amazing, though. They’re able to
that quickly changed after her
a role she’ll always remember,
handle all of that and still perform
first solo at just five years old. She
and it ended up being a bonding
like professionals.” Luckily for
made the decision then and there
experience for her and her mom.
Gianina, she finds that stress and
that she loved dance and wanted
“I performed 550 times over 18
anxiety are actually driving factors
to keep doing it. Four years later,
months, and my mom saw the show
for her success. “The pressure
her mom took her to NYC to
about 250 times,” Gianina said. “My
actually makes me stronger,” she
audition for Broadway and the
mom knew ALL the songs, and we
told us. “I like to have a bunch of
NY Knicks City Kids dance team.
used to sing them together!”
competition and a lot on the line!”
SHINING BRIGHT ON BROADWAY
“Both of them picked me, and I was lucky enough to be able to do both!” Gianina told us.
TAKING OVER ON TV
HER VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Gianina’s audition for Dance Moms
In the future, Gianina hopes to
wasn’t the typical process as she
keep doing what she loves—
Any stage is scary, but Broadway is
was actually recommended for
dancing. “I just love that with
another story, especially for a nine-
the show, and they called her!
dance, you can tell a story without
year-old! “When I first got the role
She still had to go through Skype
even speaking,” she said. She also
in Matilda, I wasn’t the best singer
interviews, though, and like most of
hopes to pursue more acting with
in the world,” Gianina revealed.
the dancers on this latest season of
dreams of being on a Disney show.
Dance Moms, she didn’t
It doesn’t sound too far-fetched for
know until she saw the
someone who has accomplished
Instagram post that she
as much as Gianina has!
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 21
22 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 23
Photos/Content: Provided by Dancers • Design: Holly Childs
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 25
W
e had the incredible
dance and was able to channel
contemporary dance, which
opportunity to get an
her hyperactivity into something
meant I began focusing less on all
exclusive interview from
that would become her passion.
of the other styles of dance."
dancer Tia Wenkman about how
"When I found dance, I felt
she found her love of ballet, her
completely in my element," Tia
Once she realized her true
experience moving to London to
told us. "I was the most focused
passion was ballet, where did
train at the Royal Ballet School,
kid in class."
she start? After a ballet-focused
and how she overcame a nearly devastating injury.
summer intensive, she begged her Now, she uses her love of
parents for more training. "That
movement for something bigger
eventually led to my move to
than just getting out her energy.
Arizona at age 12," Tia explained.
"I love being able to express
This is where she started
Dancers love to move—for Tia,
myself through movement," Tia
her training at Master Ballet
her love of being active originally
said. "I love to connect with the
Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona.
caused her a lot of issues in
audience." Now that Tia has found
And so began Tia’s journey into
school. "At school, I had a
her focus, she has also found
pursuing ballet!
FINDING HER FOCUS
hard time," Tia explained. "I
her passion. "My favorite style
struggled with my
of dance is classical ballet,"
studies, and I couldn’t
she told us. "At about the age
focus because I
of 10, after performing in a
While most times hard work pays
professional production of The
off, it can also lead to some less
was an extremely hyperactive child." Luckily, Tia found
Nutcracker, I fell completely in love with classical ballet and theatrical performance. That’s when I decided to focus more on ballet and
OVERCOMING AN INJURY
pleasant results. For Tia, this was a life-altering injury in 2018.
Photography: Eva Nys • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Tia Wenkman
"I haven’t talked much about it
was able to pop it back into
School. "It was all really exciting,"
publicly," Tia shared, "but I feel
place before heading to the ER.
she explained. "But it takes a lot
it’s part of my healing process
However, after an MRI, I found
of time and effort to prepare for
to be open about it and to bring
out I had a significant tear to a
a big move like this, especially
awareness to others that might be
ligament in my knee." Although it
because I’m a minor. I needed to
going through something similar."
felt like a huge setback, Tia was
find a guardian in the UK, apply
Tia had just finished competing in
determined to recover. "After
for visas, arrange for travel,
China, the 5th major competition
a few days and with tons of
and mentally prepare myself to
for her that year, and she was
support, I had a plan of action
leave my friends and family for
completely exhausted. “I needed
to deal with the injury head-on,"
long periods of time. It was a bit
a break," Tia said. “But I really
Tia explained. Throwing herself
overwhelming, but I was ready for
wanted to jump into my role as
into physical therapy, after tons
a big change and to take on a new
Sugar Plum Fairy for the Phoenix
of hard work and dedication
challenge! I’m so happy I did it,
Ballet Nutcracker, so I didn’t allow
from what she calls her "dream
and I’m absolutely loving London!"
my body to rest after competition
team," she was able to perform
season."
two shows in The Nutcracker.
Like all of Tia’s accomplishments,
"Setbacks can make you even
though, studying at The Royal
Her desire to keep pushing
stronger," Tia said. "You can
School hasn't come without hard
eventually cost her, though.
achieve what your mind believes
work! "The biggest challenge
"During class, I was attempting to
if you don’t ever give up!"
for me [at The Royal Ballet
land a leap, and I felt something wrong happen to my knee,"
School] has been the LIFE IN LONDON
Tia explained. "I sat in disbelief
academics," Tia explained. "I’m
and in pain. I had dislocated my
Recently, Tia moved to London
doing really
kneecap. Luckily, my teacher
to study with the Royal Ballet
well, though,
28 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
BEHIND THE SCENES and I just received a merit for
Recently, Tia performed in a
outstanding work! I think the
Bob Sinclair music video for
artistic teaching is amazing at
his song "I Believe." "It was
Royal, and I feel like I’m being
actually a ton of fun and
challenged and growing into a
a challenge," Tia said. "[I]t
better dancer every day. I feel
definitely left me exhausted
extremely lucky to be part of
both mentally and physically.
such an amazing school with outstanding teachers, academics, and opportunities."
It was worth every second though!" So what did the process look like? Well, it sure wasn’t
THE KEY TO SUCCESS
a short filming day! "I think I danced and
With so much success at such a young age, we asked Tia to share with us a piece of advice she’d like
did improvisation for about eight hours," Tia recalled. "Bob and the director
to give to other teens. "Believe in
of the video really just
yourself, and focus on your goals,
wanted to capture how
not what everyone else is doing,"
I interpreted the song
Tia said. "Stay in your moment,
with movement, so they
and be proud of your progress.
gave me full artistic
Don’t compare someone else’s
freedom, and there was
progress to yours. We all have our
no choreographer for the
own paths and goals; some just
video. It was a challenge,
get there faster than others. In the
but I feel I was able to tell a
end, we’ll all end up where we’re
story. I’m really happy with
supposed to be." Tia's very aware that success isn't the same for everyone, though, and a lot has to fall into place
how it turned out!" If you’ve ever wondered how some music videos are cast, in some cases—like in
for it to happen. "There are so
this video with Tia, there’s no
many things that have to align
audition required! "The artist,
to support your dream—your
Bob Sinclair, was actually
location, training, opportunities,
on Instagram, and a video
mentors, and support (financial
came across the Instagram
and emotional)," Tia explained.
explore page that I did with
"It's certainly not an easy road,
Bluewater Dancewear and
and I recognize that everyone
Eva Nys Photography," Tia
has different experiences on their journey. As for me, I really hope to continue with the momentum that I have had in the last few
revealed. "He really liked my movement quality and had his agent reach out to me to see if I was interested. He
years. I am so very grateful
thought I’d be the perfect
to my mentors and family for
dancer for his new song, ‘I
supporting me through it all and
Believe.’ I’m just so glad he
helping me do what I love."
believed in me!"
30 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
L
os Angeles is home to some
of Lilia Buckingham too, and
of the best food, fashion,
we even tagged along on her
dance classes, and fun a
shopping trip recently to get
teen dancer could ever dream
her exclusive Showstopper Shop
of! If you’re heading to the West
Talk interview in this edition!
Coast anytime soon (or just want to daydream about the places
Not feeling like thrifting or
you could go if you did), this
vintage shopping? No worries!
Dancer's Guide to LA is for you!
There are plenty of malls all
We asked the LA-loving, leo-
around the Los Angeles area.
designing, all-around-fabulous
One of our favorites is The
Christy Lyn Huebner to give us
Grove—a mall with tons of stores,
the inside scoop (and yes, we’re
pop-up shops, and even a fun
talking ice cream!) on all the hot
farmers' market.
PICTURE PERFECT
If you’re down for DIYs and
If you went to LA and
cheap finds, the LA Fashion
didn’t take a picture
spots to hit in the City of Angels.
Photos/Quotes: Christy Lyn Huebner • Writing/Design: Holly Childs
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
District might be more up your
on a mural wall, were
First and arguably most
alley (literally). Santee Alley has
you even really there?
important, the fashion finds in LA
amazing finds for accessories,
Um, of course, but those
are nearly limitless. Depending
fabric, rhinestones, and styles for
cute pics are worth the
on your style, there are a few
those who want to look bougie
excursion! One of Christy
places you might want to check
on a budget.
Lyn’s favorite places to
out while you’re on the West Coast. One of Christy’s favorites?
get Instagrammable wall GET YOUR GAME ON
A thrift store called Wasteland
pictures is on Melrose Ave. From the Paul
on Melrose Ave. "They have the
If you are competitive (like so
Smith pink wall (where
hottest LA finds and an even
many dancers are!), you might
we photographed
better price," Christy Lyn shared.
want to get your game on while
Dylan Conrique for
you’re on the West Coast. Head
Showstopper Magazine)
Love a good vintage find?
on over to the Santa Monica Pier
to the Collette Miller
We’ve got you covered. Be sure
where you can compete against
wings wall, from the
to check out Melrose Trading
your friends in arcade-style
“Girls Tour” wall to the
Post on Sundays when they
games, ride the roller coaster,
crochet rainbows wall,
have an open-air market with a
and, of course, take cute pics on
there are so many
huge variety of vendors selling
the pier. Then, knock your day
windows of opportunity
antiques, vintage clothing,
out of the park by heading over
to get a cute wall pic! Be
collectibles, records, and even
to Dodger Stadium to see an
sure to tag us in yours
new (and extremely trendy)
iconic baseball game and cheer
so we can give it a like
looks. It’s a fashion favorite
on the LA Dodgers.
(@goshowstopper)!
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 31
THE LAND OF DISNEY
Angels. Hike your way up to the Hollywood sign and see it from
One place you definitely can’t
a whole new view. Be sure to
miss if you’re in Los Angeles
bring a bottle of water and,
is Disneyland! We host three
of course, something to take
regional events there every
pictures with when you get to
year as well as our West Coast
the top!
Finals, so we know a thing or two about the magic that
BEHIND THE SCREENS
lives all around Disneyland in Anaheim, CA (just an hour or
LA and Hollywood are also
so outside of LA). Grab your
home to some of your favorite
Mickey ears (or get a sparkly
TV shows. You can take a
pair there), and spend the day
studio tour or even score tickets
surrounded by friends, fun,
to see a live taping of shows
and incredible food!
like Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and
SHAKE THINGS UP
America’s Got Talent. Be sure to plan ahead to make sure you
Speaking of food and Disney, if
have the best chance of getting
you’re heading to Disney for the
into the live taping!
day, don’t miss Black Tap Crazy Shakes in Downtown Disney, a
SWEET DREAMS
favorite of frequent Disney-goer Christy Lyn and the best place to
What’s a trip to LA without
get a picture-perfect milkshake.
sampling some incredible pastries? While you’ll find
Not heading to Disney but still
dozens of French-inspired
want to shake things up with
pastry shops throughout the
a milkshake? Head on over to
city, Christy Lyn recommends
Shake Shack on Hollywood Blvd.
Magnolia Bakery on Third Street
It’s Christy Lyn’s second favorite
for any dancer with a sweet
shake spot and much closer to
tooth. Open late and located
downtown Los Angeles.
in Bloomingdales, it’s a great place to cure that cupcake
TAKE A HIKE, HOLLYWOOD STYLE
craving after a day of shopping!
While we don’t recommend this
Wherever you go in Los Angeles,
hike post-milkshake, it is a can’t-
you're guaranteed to have an
miss attraction in the City of
amazing time! Happy traveling!
Don't miss out on taking a dance class while you're in Los Angeles. You'll dance alongside some of your favorite dancers and learn from incredibly talented instructors in the process. Christy Lyn recommends Millennium Dance Complex and Playground LA for any dancer who wants to take a drop-in class!
34 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
Misty Copeland has carved her
"I MAY NOT BE THERE YET,
"ALL YOU CAN DO IS BE
own path in the ballet world
BUT I AM CLOSER THAN I
YOUR BEST SELF."
with absolute grace, and she
WAS YESTERDAY."
Photography: Nyra Lang • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Misty Copeland • Hair Stylist: Jeff Francis • Makeup Artist: Victor Henao • Wardrobe Stylist: Maleeka Moss
has become a role model for
In the world we live in today,
many dancers. Here are a few
Like a grand jeté, you don't start
where dance videos and social
quotes from Misty to inspire and
with the big, impressive leap.
media are easily accessible, it
empower you this year.
There are many steps leading up
can be incredibly difficult not
to that moment that allow you to
to compare yourself to other
"DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT.
leap farther and higher than you
dancers. It's an easy thing to
DECLARE IT TO THE WORLD.
could in one jump. It's important
do, but it's also a potentially
SEE YOURSELF WINNING."
to recognize that although you
dangerous one.
might not be where you want to It's easy to get caught up in all
be yet, you are one step closer
While looking up to other
that we want to accomplish as
to getting there with every move
dancers and using them to guide
dancers and creative artists. One
you make—as long as those
your path can be a great thing
of the most important things you
moves are aligned with your
to do, comparison can cause us
can do, though, is to be decisive.
major goals.
to feel bad about our own paths.
Deciding what you want to
We're all on our own journeys.
achieve makes it that much
So always remember to
Yours may be different than
more likely that you will actually
appreciate where you are in this
that of others. So while you may
achieve it!
moment. Recognize the small
hope to be the best, it's most
accomplishments, and always
important to be your best—the
keep your eyes on the prize.
best version of you possible.
"SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF
"BELONGING SHOULDN'T
AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN."
MEAN YOU ARE LIKE
"WITHOUT MY MENTORS, THERE IS NO MISTY." While Misty carved her own path in the ballet world, she
EVERYONE ELSE."
attributes a lot of her success to
Misty has positioned herself as a
those who taught, inspired, and
role model in the industry and has
From our group of friends to our
supported her in her journey. It's
led the way for many dancers of
dance team, we all want to feel
important to find your mentors
color who aspire to be where she
like we belong. It's easy, though,
early on and learn from them.
is today. Her success didn't come
to begin adjusting ourselves
Look to your parents, your
easy, though, and although she
to feel accepted. We begin
dance teachers, or even dancers
became the first African American
adapting to who we're around
just slightly older than you for
ballerina to be promoted to
to blend in more. But, as the
mentorship!
principal dancer in the America
saying goes, why blend in when
Ballet Theatre, she faced a lot of
we were born to stand out?
"START UNKNOWN,
adversity along the way.
FINISH UNFORGETTABLE."
The best way to feel a true Despite the obstacles she faced,
sense of belonging is to just be
We all start somewhere. Misty
Misty didn't quit. She stuck with
unapologetically you. Express
Copeland herself was at one
what she believed in and let her
your true passions, stick to your
point unknown. She was new
values guide her towards the
values, and never be afraid of
to dance and new to ballet.
career she has today. So what do
not being accepted. When you
With hard work, passion, and
you value and hope to achieve?
find a group of people that
determination, however, Misty
Let your values and goals guide
accepts you when you're being
went from being unknown to
you along your journey, no matter
completely yourself, it's there
being unforgettable.
the obstacles.
that you truly belong. @GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 35
H
arlow Stone has been dancing since she was just three years old when her top bun was
bigger than her head (but not bigger than her enthusiasm). We came across Harlow at one of our conventions, thanks to her stand-out top bun and great dance moves. Since then, we’ve gotten to watch her amazing growth as a dancer and model. We recently sat down to reminisce about her journey and her goals for the future. DANCING QUEEN Dancing for just over six years, Harlow has already discovered her favorite
genres of dance—ballet and
Harlow though. She maintained
contemporary, because they
a positive perspective, even
make her work hard and allow
when she didn’t book a part she
her to showcase her flexibility.
wanted. "It’s not life-changing
With her incredibly confident
if you don’t get the gig," Harlow
presence, it’s no surprise that
explained. "You have to just go
Harlow’s favorite part about
on with your day and realize
competing in dance is performing
there is always another gig. . . in
on stage. Her second favorite
fact, there are a bunch more!"
part? Awards—so she can go get the award and give her studio a
Her favorite part about
shout out, of course! Born for the
modeling so far? "I love
spotlight, it was only a matter
meeting new friends," Harlow
of time before Harlow made her
said. "I also love trying out new
way to the world of modeling.
companies and designers! I especially love European lines."
MODEL BEHAVIOR
Harlow has been shooting with Euro Club for the last year, a
Unlike most models, Harlow
European Couture company out
didn’t originally live in a major
of NYC. All the European chic
city like NYC or LA, so traveling
without all the long European
for auditions and gigs was extra
travel. #WinWin!
challenging. This didn’t stop FUTURE SO BRIGHT After a little taste of Europe, Harlow is yearning for more. In the near future, she hopes to travel to Paris for Fashion Week and get a Tommy Hilfiger casting! Big dreams, maybe even bigger than that top bun! All we know is we can’t wait to see what she does next!
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO!
SEE WHAT'S INSIDE HARLOW'S DANCE BAG! DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"
E SHOWSTOPPER TOP SCORE WINNER
C
rystal Huang has
So what
attended our West Coast
got her to
Showstopper Finals for
decide she
many years, a few times taking
loved dance
home that coveted first overall
more than
trophy. So we knew we had
everything
to sit down and get the inside
else? Ballet.
scoop on how she discovered
“When I switched
her passion for ballet.
homeschools, they had a ballet program
ONE BUSY GIRL
every day from 1:303:30 PM, and that’s
Crystal didn’t always love
when I realized I loved it!”
dance wholeheartedly—mainly
Crystal told us.
because she was always so incredibly busy. “When I
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
was younger, I wasn’t that into dance because I had
With talent like Crystal's, it is
gymnastics, ice skating, and
hard to imagine that she’d be
swimming,” Crystal explained.
nervous before going on stage,
“But once I realized I loved it, I
but, believe it or not, she used
dropped everything for dance.”
to be really afraid of it. “When I
38 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
was little, I was so scared to go on
TRAVELING QUEEN
my favorite thing about competing
Crystal has done her fair share
is that experience of going on
of traveling, and while we
stage! The more I compete, the
asked her to narrow it down to
If you could
more confident I get.”
her favorite place, she couldn’t
collaborate with any
choose between her top four. Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Crystal Huang • Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer
Where do you most want to travel next?
stage,” Crystal explained. “Now,
Royal Ballet in Paris.
other dancer, who would it be?
While the stage fright has mainly dissipated, Crystal does still get a
1. TAIWAN — “I fell asleep on the
little performance anxiety from
plane when I was four or five
time to time. “Whenever we get
years old, and I woke up and
be Kayla Mac since
to the dressing room with like
had ramen and ice cream in
she is a contemporary
30 minutes to spare, I’m really
front of me. I was so happy; I still
ballerina, she does
nervous,” Crystal told us. “I need
remember it!”
contemporary on
I have a couple people. My first would
pointe, and I really
time to stretch! If I stretch for one to two hours, I’m completely fine
2. SAN DIEGO — “I tried octopus,
and won’t be nervous.”
and it wasn’t fried or anything, and it was so good.”
ADVICE FOR DANCERS
want to do that when I’m older. My second is Lucy Vallely, because I love how
3. BOSTON — “I went there for a Despite the nerves that come
competition and the view was
with competing, Crystal thinks it’s
so pretty. I could see everything
something every dancer should
from my window—the ocean, the
experience. “Every dancer should
boats, and the buildings.”
she moves, and she’s so good! What is one of your short-term goals? I want to be giving
experience competitions,” Crystal told us. “Dancers should always
4. DISNEYLAND — “I go
try to get different feedback and
to Disneyland Hotel for
always keep learning.” As for her
Showstopper Regionals and
advice while performing? She’s
Finals every year, but I’ve never
I want Julian Thorn,
got you covered there, too. “Don’t
been to Disneyland! I’ve always
the host, to announce,
look down when you compete—
been so busy competing, so I
always give the judges eye
need to go ASAP!”
out the Showstopper Crystal awards because I’m Crystal.
"Everyone...this is Crystal and she will be giving out the
contact—they like that. Have fun!
Crystal awards!"
And even if you forget a move (or
If she wasn’t so destined
your whole routine), don’t make
for dance success, we’d say
a face or run off, just improv and
Crystal would have quite a
catch on when you remember—or
promising career as a traveling
even improv until the end!”
foodie blogger. We can't
you see yourself
What are your career goals, and what do
possibly imagine a dance
doing in the future?
Above all, Crystal is all about
world that isn't graced by
I want to be a
#practice, but she doesn’t quite
Crystal's talent, though!
dance teacher, choreographer, and
think it makes perfect as the
someone who inspires
saying goes. “Practice makes
We're so excited to see what
better, not perfect.” Crystal
Crystal does next in her dance
people. I want to
explained. “It’s nearly impossible
journey, and in the meantime,
teach at conventions
to make something perfect, but
we'll be watching her dance her
the more you practice, the more
way across the Showstopper
give good critiques to
confident you’ll be!”
stage in Anaheim, California!
the little dancers.
or be a judge and
E SHOWSTOPPER EXCLUSIVE
Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Sean Lew
If you follow dance, it’s
That love for dance stayed with
With such moving pieces,
almost a given that you know
him and remains with him today.
we had to know where his
Sean Lew. An awe-inspiring
"The feeling I get from dancing
inspiration comes from.
dancer, a thought-provoking
is really the best part," Sean
"Life experiences," Sean told
choreographer, and an
explained. "It’s unexplainable, and
us. "Typically when I think
aspiring filmmaker, Sean has
you can only explain it through
of a piece, it’s inspired by
brought an innovative spin
the way you move." He hopes to
something I’ve encountered
to the dance world that has
share the feeling he gets when
before and I’ve felt the need
changed the face of dance in
he dances to help, inspire, and
to share with other people.
an almost Picasso-like fashion.
connect others. "The influence you
I don’t always share what’s
We sat down with Sean at our
can have on others is huge," Sean
going on in my life with
Showstopper Magazine photo
said. "Whenever I’m dancing, I feel
people—and dancing is a way
shoot and got an exclusive
a lot of pressure to make sure I’m
to do that."
look at how he got his start,
doing it to change people’s lives
the importance of consistent
and make them feel something."
learning, hidden talents, and
As far as his proudest moment, it was when he
his upcoming film.
ON WORKS IN PROGRESS
ON PASSION
Already an incredible dancer,
understood the actual impact
released "Wrong Words." "It was the first time I fully
it was no surprise to us that
dance has on people’s lives,"
When Sean first started
Sean Lew became an incredible
Sean told us. "It gave me
dancing, he knew right away
choreographer as well, always
another reason to keep
that he had a genuine passion
keeping in mind the story he wants
pushing as a dancer, as an
for it, but he wasn’t always
to tell. "I started choreographing
artist, and as a human."
the incredible dancer he is
because it allowed me to discover
today. "I was terrible," Sean
what my own thumbprint of
recalled, laughing. "It’s funny
style was," Sean explained to us.
because I would be this over-
"I overthink, which makes me
While most dancers have
characteristic person and
overanalyze everything I do, but
attended master classes in
completely over-exaggerate.
in terms of my pieces, I genuinely
their careers, you’ll likely
But I was just glad to be
aim to have a beginning and an
never attend one with
around other people who
end to every piece. I want people
Sean Lew as the teacher.
loved the same thing I loved."
to connect with it."
Workshops, on the other
ON WORKSHOPS
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 41
hand? He’s all for them. "I just
ON THE FILM
don’t like the word master," Sean explained. "It’s so
Three years ago, Sean had
demanding, and I feel like it
another innovative idea,
means you have nothing else
one that, when he shared
to learn. I don’t consider myself
it, captivated the Internet,
a master, and I probably never
and many helped him raise
will. I’m still learning and will
funding for the project. "The
always continue to learn.
purpose of the film is to give
Knowing you have more to
people a new perspective of
learn is absolutely essential.
dance," Sean explained. "It’s
Workshops are a
an unspoken narrative and
better way to say,
based on lessons I’ve learned
'this is a safe space to
throughout my entire life. Life
just learn and be okay
is built around balance—and
with learning, failure, and trial and error.'" ON THE INDUSTRY
that’s a sneak preview at what the film is about." As far as the cast of the film, he hasn’t quite released names
As someone who has danced
yet, but the way he talked
in many areas of the industry,
about them has us on the edge
we were curious to see what
of our seat. "I’m doing the film
Sean thought were some of the
with people who have not only
biggest industry challenges.
impacted the dance world but
"For me, the most challenging
who have greatly impacted
part about the dance industry
my life. I wanted to work not
is the pressure," Sean told
only with great dancers but
us. "It does take a toll on you
great humans." Will we see
physically and mentally. In
the incredible Kaycee Rice
the end, though, you have to
in the film (who Sean met at
remind yourself why you do it
Showstopper at just ten years
and keep going."
old)? Only time will tell!
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 43
I
f there’s anything
MEET OLIVIA
brighter than Olivia Tarchick’s fabulous
Olivia has been dancing
yellow pants, it’s her
since she was just two
future. We recently had a
years old, an even
chance to catch up with
earlier start than most
her and talk about why she
dancers. She first started
dances, what it’s like being
dancing because her
THEME SONG TO HER LIFE:
a dancewear model, and
mom decided that
Most definitely, my theme
what she considers the keys
Olivia, being an only
song would be "Don’t
child, would benefit
Stop Believin'" by Journey.
to success.
from interacting with other kids before
You should never stop believing in your dreams,
school started. She soon
and you should always
discovered that dance
hold on to that feeling
was her passion and has
of what you’re most
continued to pursue her
passionate about within
dance dreams ever since. OLIVIA’S 3 REASONS
your heart! ALL-TIME FAV SNACK: One of my all-time
All dancers have a
favorite snacks is
reason why they do
homemade popcorn with
what they do
melted butter or cheese.
and for Olivia,
I sprinkle it with salt and add hot sauce. 3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE HER: If I had to describe my personality in
she actually
three words, I would
has three
use compassionate,
reasons why she
organized, and most
dances. "Dancing
definitely determined.
takes me into my own world," Olivia
GO-TO DANCE MOVE:
explained. "It helps
My go-to dance move is a
me be free of any
tilt in any form or position.
stress and anxiety. Engaging in a piece or trying to portray a specific theme
FAV INSTAGRAM PHOTO: Lee Gumbs took one where I was standing on a four-and-a-half-foot
requires my full
pole with only the ball of
attention, so I’m
my left foot. The picture
not distracted by my other thoughts.
was extremely hard to execute, but we were able to get the timing perfect!
I'm able to feel free from
own taste in style. "My
"As for my success, it’s an
anything else I have going on.
favorite place is probably
ongoing journey, but I believe
Secondly, I absolutely love
Urban Outfitters," Olivia told
the more experiences you can
to see the final product after
us. "Everything you could
participate in, the better you
going through the grueling
possibly need for fashion, you
will be for any project. It’s so
process of learning the
can find there!" As for her
important to be open-minded
correct sequence." Olivia’s
wardrobe staple? Leotards, of
and take risks."
third reason is one that many
course. "To me, leos represent
Showstopper dancers can
who I am and what my daily
relate to—loving the spotlight!
routine primarily consists of,
"I love being on stage and
which is dance instruction
While Olivia has plans for
in the warmth of the lights,"
and perfecting my craft,"
college, she has no plans of
Olivia told us. "That and the
Olivia explained.
leaving dance behind. "My
energy of the other dancers on stage with me gives me an
goal is to finish college being KEYS TO SUCCESS
indescribable feeling!"
well-rounded in every aspect of dance I’ve been trained
We were so impressed
in," Olivia said. "After college,
with how mature Olivia’s
I hope to get a promising,
viewpoint was on life and
successful job that allows me
Olivia is also a model for dance
dance that we had to find
to showcase my talent and
photographers and dancewear
out what she considered
dance ability! I just hope to
companies. She recently
the keys to success. "A
have multiple opportunities
worked with Jo + Jax, a brand
dancer has to have a strong
to perform that allow me to
familiar to many dancers. "I
work ethic, passion for
follow my passions. My goal is
love what they stand for, so I
dance, and perseverance to
to follow my heart, always do
proudly market their brand,"
overcome the obstacles and
my best in every endeavor, and
Olivia said. Since she models
hardships. You have to have
not ever let any obstacle stop
for a few companies, we
the dedication that dance
me in the pursuit of my
were curious about Olivia’s
requires," Olivia shared.
dreams or goals."
FROM DANCE TO MODELING
Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Olivia Tarchick
GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
T
riple-threat Jade Chynoweth has taken the dancing, acting,
and modeling world by storm, especially over the past few years. She’s quickly becoming an icon, with absolutely no signs of slowing down. We had the pleasure of getting an exclusive interview with Jade, who addresses everything from dance to filming the movie 300: Rise of an Empire, and from working with incredible artists like Halsey and Rihanna to her future plans. DANCE & INSPIRATION
WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTERESTED IN DANCE? I started dancing ever since I could walk. My mom danced in high school, and my aunt owned a studio. Dance has been in my life since I can remember! WHAT DO YOU THINK IT TAKES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL DANCER? I believe you have to be good at it all. The more styles under your belt, the better. You need to be able to mimic choreography and styles exactly but also know when to put your stamp and authenticity into it. WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DANCE MOVE FOR AN AUDITION? If I’m in any audition and I’m trying to catch people’s attention, my go-to move would be the backward worm. It’s exactly like it sounds: the worm but done on my back.
STEP UP: HIGH WATER & 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE E HOW ABOUT YOUR GO-TO MOVE
and go through sword fighting
FOR A DANCE CLASS?
training. I also love Zach Snyder and his vision. He is so involved
Any sort of hip isolation! WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS?
HELMET REQUIRED!
in all of his movies, and he really brings your performance to life.
I went through daily, 6-hour
Peter Mensah, my scene partner,
rehearsals for a week to
was also a dream. It felt good
prepare for my sword fight in
My parents are for sure at the top.
to have people believe in my
300: Rise of an Empire. Sword
They’ve demonstrated hard work
acting abilities and give me an
fighting is an art, and there are
to the max but most importantly
opportunity to showcase them in
many technicalities that you
inspired me to stay driven and be a
such an amazing movie.
need to learn and hit to make
good, humble person. They’re two
it look authentic! My favorite
of the most selfless people I’ve ever
WHAT IS YOUR ALL-TIME
met. I have many role models. . .
FAVORITE MOVIE?
my brothers, my friends, many
memory had to be the fact that the cameraman for this scene actually had to wear a
activists, actors, and dancers. It’s so
It's a tie between Lord of the
hard to say just one.
Rings and Troy.
HER LOVE OF ACTING
WHAT DANCER OR ACTOR
helmet because we kept hitting him with the swords!
FAV PASSPORT STAMP
INSPIRES YOU? HOW DID YOU START ACTING?
I’ve got to say my favorite place Scarlett Johansson. She has a
I actually started acting because of
natural performance and career
my love for performing and telling
that I’d love to have for myself.
stories through dance. Ever since
I loved being immersed into the culture and actually rode bikes throughout the main city
I was a kid, I’d pretend I was in
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE
and saw the true beauty of the
movies being a warrior princess. I
ACTRESS/ACTOR TO WORK WITH
canals and nature.
love to take on different characters;
AND WHY?
GET OUT!
I love to make people feel things. Photography: Emily Sandifer • Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Jade Chynoweth
I’ve traveled to is Amsterdam.
Seeing myself on the big screen has
My favorite actor to work with has
always been the dream!
to be Carlito Olivero. The reason
My favorite thing to
being is that we had to develop a
do is to be outdoors.
real-life relationship to make our
Hiking, beach life, and
on-screen love relationship even
traveling. Anywhere
My very first acting audition was
more authentic. It was so fun to
outside is where I’m
for Disney, I believe. My first dance
be able to play off of someone’s
happiest.
audition was for the 2012 Video
energy and really just vibe with
Music Awards.
someone on screen. I’ve never felt
YOUR FIRST AUDITION?
more comfortable in a scene than CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR
with him. He’s a phenomenal actor.
EXPERIENCE WORKING ON 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE? EMPIRE ?
WORKING WITH HALSEY
This was so cool! Being a part of a
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE
franchise that I grew up watching
PERFORMANCE THUS FAR?
with my brothers and dad was kind of surreal. I loved that I
My favorite performance
was able to play a physical role
definitely has to be my duet
with Halsey on the 2019 Billboard
demanding jobs I’ve ever done. To
you are and what your standards
Awards. I think the fact that she
be around people of all shapes,
are. Being a good person is what
respected my craft enough to put
sizes, ethnicities, and gender
matters most.
me on stage with her as an equal
identifications was pure beauty. I
made me feel so honored. Not only
was so inspired by everyone and
WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR
is this a major accomplishment in
overall in awe that I danced for
YOUR DANCING/ACTING CAREER
my life, but I feel like it paves the
freaking RIHANNA!! Still fangirling.
IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
and share a bigger role with more
WAS THERE AN AUDITION
I hope to be a lead in many
attention during performances. I
PROCESS?
cinemas and hopefully be able to
way for dancers to be more valued
be a movie heroine and perform
love the song and LOVE Halsey— dance partners for life.
I happened to be directly asked by the Fenty Show
all of my own stunts. Also, I want to have a side business that
WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING
choreographer, Parris
I’m passionate about that
AND PERFORMING WITH HALSEY?
Goebel. She asked my
allows me to really
availability and asked
make a difference in
She is immensely talented,
me to send her photos
genuine, a visionary, a true artist,
to go through a final
and an overall amazing person.
confirmation by
To me that’s what matters most—
Rihanna herself.
being a good human being. I believe it reflects someone’s true
WHAT WAS IT LIKE
character to see how they act
WORKING WITH
when the cameras aren’t on and
RIHANNA?
they are grinding in rehearsals. She made me feel like part of the
She’s an
gang and went over and above
overall
to make sure I was being treated
boss.
with the utmost respect. I can
She
truly call her an amazing friend.
created magic and
YOUR FAVORITE HALSEY SONG?
gave women and dancers a
My favorite Halsey song has to
platform that we
be "Without Me." It’s not only a
could only dream of.
vulnerable, honest, and beautiful
She’s a true visionary.
song, but it means something to me every time I hear it.
HER VIEW ON SUCCESS
WORKING WITH RIHANNA
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO GIRLS
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WORKING
WHO WANT TO FOLLOW IN
ON THE SAVAGE X FENTY 2019
YOUR FOOTSTEPS? FOOTSTEPS?
FASHION WEEK SHOW? SHOW? Be persistent. Don’t let no’s, Wow. What an amazing
people, or any obstacles stop you.
experience. It was one of the
Work hard, stay focused, and stay
most liberating and physically
grounded. Never lose sight of who
48 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
people's lives.
50 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
I
f watching dance videos
speed at which students learn.
wall; it’s the talent that dances
is your thing, we know
“The level and speed of today’s
in front of it. With Sean Lew,
you recognize this iconic
youth learning choreography is
Kaycee Rice, Charlize Glass,
dance studio. Millennium
entirely different,” Jin explained.
Bailey Sok, and Gabe de
Dance Complex has become
“They can duplicate steps so
Guzman (just to name a few),
one of the most recognized
much faster nowadays.”
the amount of talent that
dance studios in the world because of the popularity of
dances at MDC is enough to A LOT TO OFFER
Photographer: Aaron Williams • Other Photos From Dancers' Instagrams • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
their dancers, their instructors,
create palpable magic inside the studio.
and their videos. Despite this
While Los Angeles is known for
popularity, though, MDC prides
commercial work, meaning
So how do those iconic videos
itself on the fact that it remains
hip hop and jazz-funk are
affect the atmosphere in
notably grounded, welcoming,
popular choices at MDC, they
the studio? It’s simple—they
and dedicated to the highest
offer classes in all styles of
don’t. “Filming a class is a
level of instruction. We chatted
dance —ballet, contemporary,
really smooth transition,” Jin
with Jin, Vice President of
tap, and jazz. The wide offering
explained. “The choreographer
Operations at MDC, to get the
of classes means many
usually pairs dancers to go in
inside scoop on what a day in
dancers can participate in the
different groups at the end
the MDC studio looks like, how
experience that is Millennium
of class and just films it!” As
the studio has changed over the
Dance Complex, and it's the
for how they create such
years, and what advice they
studio’s mission to help those
captivating videos, they leave
have for dancers who want to
dancers feel welcomed.
us with two pieces of advice
shine in front of the camera.
“We want to offer the dance
for dancers looking to film the
community a home away
next viral dance video: “Stay
from home,” Jin said. “We
engaged with the camera, and
want to create an environment
if you miss a step, play it off!”
HISTORY IN THE MAKING Millennium Dance Complex
everyone feels comfortable in,
was founded almost three
where there is no judgment,
If you find yourself in Los
decades ago, in 1992, in the Arts
and they are able to be here to
Angeles in the near future, we
District of Los Angeles. While
just perfect their craft.”
highly recommend you drop by
a lot has changed since then, the most notable thing they
Millennium Dance Complex for VIDEO CLASSES: KEEPING IT REEL
feel has changed has been the
a class in whatever genre you choose. They’re all bound to be
The now-famous red wall that
incredibly welcoming, eye-
shows the saying “Unity in
opening, and inspiring.
Diversity” is easily recognizable among the hundreds of thousands of dance videos on the Internet today. But what stands out the most in those videos isn’t that famous red
“RESPECT THE DANCE, RESPECT ITS DANCERS, AND RESPECT YOURSELF” — MDC
ASPIRING ARTIST & DANCE MOMS QUEEN E
A Shocking Reveal
While getting a role on
We’re dazzled by Dance Moms’
Kamryn shared with us that the
Dance Moms is many young
Kamryn Smith every time
usual process for auditioning
dancers' dream, it’s not all
we get to see her on TV, but
for Dance Moms involves three
trophies and TV screens. One
recently we had the chance
or four Skype interviews, and
of the most challenging parts
to see Kamryn shine at our
if you make it through those,
for Kamryn was learning the
Showstopper Magazine photo
you get to go to Los Angeles,
dances so quickly. And while
shoot. She told us all about her
California to formally audition. "I
it was a challenge, it was one
favorite show-stopping routine,
went to LA and was part of the
Kamryn welcomed with open
the audition process of Dance
top 20, but I didn’t get picked,"
arms. "Learning a dance
Moms, and what her goals are
Kamryn shared. "But then I saw
really fast made me better,"
for the future.
the video that Abby posted
Kamryn explained. "It made
Starr ting Young Sta
online, and I found out I got
me have to work harder!"
picked. I thought I hadn’t made it
When Kamryn was just two
we are all thankful for since we
Her 2020 Vision
years old, she saw a dance
now get to see Kamryn’s bubbly
Kamryn’s eyes are on the
video on TV and asked her
personality on TV!
prize and she has some
mom if she could start taking Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Kamryn Smith Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer
Facing Challenges
classes. Her mom found a class for her that same day, and the rest is history! Despite her initial nerves at starting dance, Kamryn quickly thrived, especially in her favorite genres—contemporary and jazz. While she’s competed so many times since her absolute favorite routine was one she performed at Showstopper when she was just 5 years old. She placed third overall at our West Coast Finals (an incredibly challenging feat!) and celebrated with a walk over to Disneyland, like most of our West Coast attendees love to do!
and was so excited!" It's a choice
"
The best advice I can give to other dancers is to just work hard.
major goals in mind. Her ultimate goal? Dancing with Beyoncé (welcome to the club, girl!). While she dreams of dancing next to Queen Bey, Kamryn plans to focus on becoming an artist or a choreographer. "Whatever happens," Kamryn tells us, "I hope to still be dancing!"
EXCLUSIVE D VIDEO! E
E
SEE WHAT'S IN KAMRYN SMITH'S DANCE BAG!
DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"
D
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 53
Photography: Gail Bowman • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Autumn Miller • Hair & Makeup Artist: Katie Weaver Fashion • Wardrobe Stylist: Amanda Aultz
STARRED IN IMAGINE DRAGONS' "BAD LIAR" VIDEO E A LEARNING PROCESS
Iconic dancer and
appreciate it," Autumn told us.
Showstopper alumni Autumn
"But now our connection is so
Miller has long been known
much closer, and we work so
Being in the dance
for her incredible dance
well together!" While it was
industry for over a
technique, and now she’s
family history that piqued
decade, Autumn has
using it as an instructor at
her interest, it was her love of
learned quite a bit
The Brea Space, a newly
dance that kept her going. "I
about dance itself and
founded dance studio in
dance because it makes me
also about the dance
Orange County, California.
happy," Autumn explained. "I
industry. "I’ve learned
We had the pleasure
get to do it with my family and
how to have great social
of getting an exclusive
share it with the world!"
skills," Autumn told us.
interview with Autumn
"It’s so important to
where she talked about
know how to teach and
everything from her dance
network with other
background to what it’s like
dancers and teachers."
having a huge Instagram following and what her plans are for the future. LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER Autumn Miller first gained an interest in dance because
"I appreciate dance more and more as I get older."
As for how she herself has grown as a dancer, she’s grown more appreciative of the art of it all. "I appreciate dance more and more as I get older," Autumn said. "I
of her mother, Krista,
Now, Autumn teaches at The
now use it to relate to real-
who is a former dancer.
Brea Space, a dance studio
life stories and express my
It wasn’t always easy,
founded by her parents, where
natural emotions."
though, because Autumn
she gets to do what she loves all
was homeschooled, and
the time. "I'm so happy to have
therefore, her mom was
made so many new friends
her school teacher and her
and connections," she said. "I’ve
Her love of dance, her hard
dance teacher. "It was hard
connected with so many teachers
work, and her natural talent
for me as a 13-year-old to
and dancers who inspire me!"
IMAGINE THAT
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 55
have gotten her far in the
no matter what, I have to
dance world, and just last
do what matters to me, and
year, Autumn had the lead
one person’s opinion doesn’t
role in Imagine Dragons'
change that."
"Bad Liar" music video, an experience she’ll never forget.
Despite feeling the pressure to
"Working with them was so
be a role model, Autumn likes
much fun," Autumn recalled.
to focus on the positives when
"I got to meet them all, and
it comes to having such a huge
they were so nice."
following. "I think it’s so cool and inspiring to know how
It wasn’t without hard work,
many kids follow and look up
however, and the shoot went
to me," Autumn said. "It always
well through the night. "I
keeps me going!"
started filming at like 9 PM," she said. "We wrapped at 3 AM, which was crazy!" If you’re wondering who choreographed the amazing moves in her video, it was actually Autumn herself. Imagine Dragons came across Autumn’s profile on Instagram and reached out to
"I FEEL LIKE I'm LIVING MY DREAM CAREER...
her to see if she’d do the video —no audition necessary! "Most of my moves were improv," Autumn said. "I made a lot of the tricks and turns up on the spot so it was a really fun experience!"
THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE I SEE MY FUTURE!"
INSTA-FAMOUS AUTUMN’S FUTURE VISION With almost one and a half million followers at just
As for Autumn’s future, she
eighteen years old, it can be
just wants to keep doing the
a challenge to be seen by so
things that make make her
many people on social media
happy. "I feel like I’m living
at all times. "It’s definitely
my dream career dancing
a lot of pressure," Autumn
and teaching," Autumn told
stated. "I think that is one of
us. "I don’t want to stop doing
the most difficult parts for
what I’m doing—this is exactly
me. I try to remember that
where I see my future!"
If you had to describe your style in a few words, what would you say? Trendy and fun What is your all time favorite song to dance to? "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith Outside of dance, what are some of your favorite hobbies? I like to rollerblade, go swimming, go shopping, and make cookies. What’s your most embarrassing moment? I think being dropped on stage in a lift! Autumn's Five Favorite Emojis
What’s the best advice you could give to other teens? Stay positive and be YOU! The energy you bring into the room is what you will get out of it.
58 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
We met up with Gavin Morales at
how many followers you
our Showstopper Magazine photo
have or how many likes
shoot and were immediately
your social media posts
drawn in by his contagious,
get,” Gavin explained.
vivacious personality. An
“It’s all about truly
immensely talented dancer and a
expressing yourself. Dance has
competitor at Showstopper more
taught me to not care what other
times than we can count, we were
people think—just be free.”
so excited to sit down with Gavin to hear all about his wild journey into
While Gavin has already accomplished so much in his
TV TALENT
the dance world.
dance journey, he has even wilder dreams for his future. He
A few years ago, Gavin
hopes to make it into the Top
accomplished a goal that
10 on the regular version of So
many dancers only dream of
You Think You Can Dance (so he
achieving—performing on The Ellen
can tour the world), become a
dance after copying the moves his
DeGeneres Show. "It was a huge
professional dancer and dance
sister was performing outside her
accomplishment," Gavin said. "I
teacher, and eventually open
class one day. Her teacher went
was blown away when I got the
up his own dance studio. He has
up to his parents and said, "You
call to be on the show." So how did
big dreams for sure, but with
need to get him into dance class!"
it all go down? "I had to do a Skype
talent like Gavin’s, we
And so his journey began.
interview, and they told me I was
don’t think his
going to be on the show," Gavin
dreams are so
recounted. "I was freaking out!"
wild after all.
NATURAL ABILITY Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Gavin Morales Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer
WILD DREAMS
Gavin first became interested in
With Gavin’s natural ability also came natural confidence, which actually hindered him in the
Although he thought he was just
beginning. "When I first started, I
going to do a small performance,
thought I knew everything about
he actually performed an entire
dance, but I actually knew nothing,"
solo and even did an interview
Gavin recalled. "I went into the
with Ellen afterward. "She even
room incredibly confident and left
got us four backstage passes to
very confused...but determined."
see Britney Spears in concert," Gavin said. "I got to meet
Now, Gavin is well-versed in
Britney and dance with
all things dance and uses it to
her dancers. It was an
express himself. "It’s not about
amazing experience!"
60 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
Photos: Julianna D (Ryan Buggle Photo) and shared from Instagram • Writing/Design: Holly Childs
D
ancer and model, Sammy
find the meaning in your
Bulstrode may be a
movements, listen to the
self-proclaimed tomboy,
music, and just dance it
but when she’s not spending
all out!”
her days out in nature reading books or playing basketball,
While she discovered
she’s in the studio working on
her love of dance at
dancing and modeling and
a young age it has
dreaming up some seriously
been hard work that
big #goals.
helped her reach the success that she
PASSION AND INSPIRATION
has today. “Dance has taught me to
Sammy, like many dancers,
keep working hard
found her passion for dance
and to never give
by seeing a sibling doing it and
up,” Sammy said.
loving it. “My sister was the
“Even in the hardest
first one in my family to start
times in dance —if you
dancing,” Sammy explained.
keep forgetting the
“Whenever she would go to class, I would go in there and just dance on the side. I just knew it was what I wanted to do. I started when I was four years old and just progressed from there!” Despite her absolute clarity in knowing she loved dance, Sammy isn’t able to quite narrow down her favorite genre —she loves them all! “It’s all great,” Sammy told us. “Dance, in general, is amazing! I love that you can express yourself through the movements and through the ups and downs. You can really
62 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
DANCER & MODEL E choreography, if you just want to
#MODELLIFE
give up because you feel like you can’t do it anymore—it’s taught
More recently, Sammy has
me you have to keep going and
made her way into the modeling
with hard work, you will be able
world and signed with the
to achieve your goals!”
company LA Models. One of her first gigs was modeling for Tillys,
EXCITING EXPERIENCES
where you can find huge posters of her now! “It’s surreal,” Sammy
Speaking of #goals, Sammy
told us. “I went to Tillys last night,
has achieved her fair share of
and I saw my poster, and I was
those! She got to perform on
in awe!” She also works with
stage with a little artist you
other clothing companies like
might have heard of—Justin
Fashion Nova for their new kids/
Bieber. “It was my actual first
teen clothing line.
tour experience,” Sammy told us. “It was in front of thousands
BIG GOALS
of people and definitely my proudest moment.”
With all she has going on, it’s hard to imagine she has time to
Sammy is no stranger to big
think about her next steps, but
performances and long nights,
her busy schedule isn’t stopping
though. She also got to perform
her from dreaming big! Her
at the Kids Choice Awards with
upcoming goals? To go on tour
John Cena and the Backpack
with a big artist (preferably
Kid and film a music video with
Beyoncé), being in a big artist’s
Rich the Kid. “The shoot was
music video, or becoming a
from 10 PM to 6 AM in a grocery
well-known choreographer that
store, and they shut down the
has classes everyone wants
whole store!” Sammy told us.
to go to! Sammy also wants to
“I wasn’t tired, though; I was so
help teach choreography to kids
awake. I was doing cartwheels
around the world and help them
to keep me up, and it was so
break into the industry. Dream
much fun!”
big, achieve big, Sammy!
64 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 65
Photo (left): Shutterstock • Photos (right): Provided by dancers • Writing/Design: Holly Childs
E EXCLUSIVE QUIZ!
Writing: Veronica Good • Design: Holly Childs
68 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing: Hayley Mac • Design: Holly Childs • Dancers: Kamryn Smith, Crystal Huang, Harlow Stone Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 69
E EXCLUSIVE BOOK FEATURE
I
s there anything we love more than
dancers and dogs? We vote no! Which is why the new dance photography book, Dancers and Dogs, is a total win-win as far as coffee table books go! We had a quick
"Ballet
chat with the creators of the
is often
book, Kelly and Ian Kreidech, and
seen as
fetched the inside scoop on where
stuffy
they got the idea for this picture-
or always
pawfect book.
depicted as serious,"
A VISION
Kelly explained, "and we feel
In early 2017, Kelly had a
this project
seemingly strange idea. "I looked
helps people see
at Ian and asked, 'What if we did
the lighter side of
pictures of dancers...with dogs,'"
dancers." We love the
Kelly said. "Ian looked at me like I
idea of showcasing the
was crazy. But I told him we had
silly side of dancers that
to do it—I had a vision."
most ballet photo shoots don’t capture.
HAVING FUN WITH IT K9 TRAINING Kelly and Ian wanted to capture pictures that were clean and elegant but still sweet, light-hearted, and funny.
70 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
The Kreidechs were dance photographers before, but how did they learn to get the, well,
ruff-to-capture images? "We
DON'T MISS OUT!
have learned a lot during this
Be sure to give them a follow on Instagram (@dancersanddogs) so
process," Kelly said. "We were not
While you may have missed this
you don’t miss out on their next
animal photographers when we
year's photo tour, this is far from
casting call—for you or for your
started out! But along the way we
their final project. They have even
fluffy friend!
have learned how to work on a
expressed interest in working with
dog's level, how to get dogs to do
other animals, including cats
certain actions, what kind of dogs
for all of you kitten-lovers
are even right for this project."
hoping for the
Photos: Provided by Kelly and Ian Kreidech • Writing/Design: Holly Childs
purr-fect book.
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 71
A
n icon for decades, Jennifer
Jennifer switches up her
Lopez is a household name
workout often and does
for anyone interested in
everything from kickboxing
dancing, singing, entertainment,
to weight lifting depending on
GUILTY PLEASURE:
or fashion. Since it’s been a while
her mood or what role she’s
Reality TV
since we’ve seen Jennifer Lopez
preparing for. Although she
(she taught at Showstopper
keeps her workout filled with
Dance Conventions years back),
variety, she also keeps them
we were curious to catch up
short. As a singer, dancer,
on how the world-renowned
actress, model, and more, it’s
superstar spends her days.
hard for Jennifer to find much
Welcome to a day in the life of
time in the day to fit in consistent
Jennifer Lopez!
workouts, so she tends to keep
STARTED DANCING: At five years old TOTAL SHOWSTOPPER: J.Lo taught at Showstopper Dance Photos: Shutterstock and Getty Images • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Quotes: People Magazine, US Weekly, Cosmpolitan Magazine, Hollywood Life, InStyle Magazine, Good House Keeping Magazine, Harpers Bazaar Magazine, Vogue Magazine, AZ Quotes, Medium, LibQuotes
Conventions with the Fly Girls.
them under an hour, no more. ON THE GO
She says she’s “convinced that working out is part of what
FAV DIET SPLURGE: Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip ice cream, and cake
Jennifer starts her days early,
makes [her] so happy.”
especially now that she's a mom, and unless she’s already out of
THAT J. LO GLOW
the house for a job that day, she’s usually woken up by her kids.
After getting her workout in for
"They come in between 6:15 and
the day, there’s one thing J. Lo
FAV PAST-TIME:
6:45 AM. Then we get [them] ready
always does: "I always wash my
Decorating or flipping
for school," she shared. After that,
face after a workout. That helps
the whirlwind of a day usually
keep my pores clean and my
begins. Typically, she starts her
skin feeling healthy." We always
day with a workout, and after
wondered how she maintained
that, she's "usually off to a meeting
that J. Lo glow.
through magazines GO-TO BEAUTY PRODUCT: Själ’s Saphir
of some sort," she said.
Concentrate, a facial oil that not only contains
As far as other tips and tricks for WORKING OUT
aquamarine—the stone
maintaining that perfect glow? Getting enough sleep, drinking
of eternal youth—
Dancers all know the importance
a ton of water, and not going
but also botanical
of consistency when it comes to
a single day without SPF. Her
fitting in fitness. Jennifer is no
favorite is L’Oreal's Bright Reveal
stranger to this, and she always
Brightening Day Moisturizer
retinol, soothing blue chamomile, and a biomarine complex. It’s
tries to fit in a workout. "Very
SPF 30, which she said she uses
$175 a pop, but can you
rarely will I skip my workout,"
every day because "you have to
put a price tag on that
Jennifer said. "Sometimes I work
protect your skin."
J. Lo glow?
too late the night before, and I’m like, 'Ugh, I can’t do this.' But
EATING HABITS
I tell myself, 'Just do it. It’s only an hour.'" As for when she works
In between the many jobs,
out? It’s almost always in the
meetings, and interviews that
morning. "I don’t like doing it
Jennifer has throughout the
later," Jennifer said. "It’s harder
day, she still makes sure she
to get there when I have my day
eats a healthy, wholesome
going already."
diet. She typically starts her @GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 73
day with something sweet like
is something
a protein shake or oatmeal with
she needs
berries. She usually has a kale
to work
salad for lunch with pumpkin
on, but she
seeds, crumbled cheese, minced
trains herself
shallots, and a lemon juice-olive
every day to
oil dressing or a salmon salad with
be her most
zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli,
confident self.
and a "drizzle" of vinaigrette.
"Affirmations are so important.
One way she ensures she eats right
'I am youthful and
despite her busy schedule? Keeping
timeless.' I tell myself that
snacks on hand. "I always carry
every day, a few times a day!"
fruit and veggies with me to give
Jennifer said. To Jennifer,
me something to snack on between
confidence isn’t about
meals," Jennifer said.
external things
For dinner, she ends her day with lean protein, veggies, and brown rice or sweet potatoes. She doesn’t deprive herself,
but all about how you feel internally about yourself.
though and "still eat[s] some
"Beauty is only skin deep,"
of the foods [she] love[s] but
she said. "I think what’s really
in moderation."
important is finding a balance of mind, body, and spirit. It all has
FINDING CONFIDENCE
to do with how you feel about yourself—it’s about projecting
For someone like Jennifer Lopez,
the attitude [that] I’m happy
it’s hard to imagine confidence
with who I am."
"The truth is nobody knows what’s best for you better than you do. You have to really sit still and ask yourself: What do I want? Does this feel right? What should I do? I realized I had to go back and do what I had always done. Listening to my gut was just as important as listening to the advice of others, and only I knew what was best for me."
74 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS LEARN ABOUT AUDITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR TV SHOWS, BROADWAY SHOWS, TOURS, & MORE ON OUR ONLINE MAGAZINE. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL SHOWSTOPPER APP OR HEAD TO GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM/MAGAZINE
76 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
78 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 79
80 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 81
Photos: PB Teen, PR Shots • Design: Holly Childs
84 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
Photos: Getty Images and Shutterstock • Design/Article Writing: Holly Childs • T/F Sidebar: Veronica Good Quotes: CMT, Time Magazine, Universal Pictures, Quote Catalog, Instagram, CBS Grammy Awards
Taylor Swift broke into the country music industry with songs like “Our Song” and “Teardrops on My Guitar,” and we haven’t been able to shake her off since. With seven studio albums, twenty-five Billboard Top 10 hits, and over 500 award nominations, Taylor has taken the music scene by storm. GETTING HER START
Taylor knew music was her passion from a young age. By age ten, Taylor was already singing at local events and contests. By age eleven, she sang the national anthem at a Philadelphia 76ers game and decided to learn guitar right
around that time. Just one year later, at age twelve, Taylor began writing her own songs. Soon her family recognized her passion and talent, and the Swift family moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee, near Nashville, to help Taylor further her career.
FEARLESS That same year Taylor was nominated for her first Grammy, and she put out her second album, Fearless. It helped her become the highest-selling country artist of that year. The album included hits like "Love Story" and "You Belong with
In 2006, Taylor released her first single, "Tim McGraw," which became a top 10 hit on country music charts. She went on to release her first self-titled debut album that October, which sold over 5 million copies. Just one year later, at eighteen years old, Taylor won the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award for Top New Female Vocalist.
Me," still iconic songs to this day. These earned her several awards in 2009, including Video of the Year, Female Video of the Year, and MTV Video Music Award’s Best Female Video. She was the first country music star to earn a VMA. Her acceptance speech, now infamous, included a memorable interruption from Kanye West, which went on to @GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 85
affect Taylor throughout her career. It didn’t stop her, though. She is fearless, after all. In 2010, she became the youngest artist to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
If you follow Taylor, you know she loves cats (she
EVEN MORE SUCCESS
has three herself!), so it’s no surprise that she leapt at the
Taylor went on to release her album Speak
opportunity to play one in
Now in 2010, which debuted at number one
the live-action adaptation
on the Billboard 200 chart and sold more than 1 million copies in its first week. Two
of the famed Broadway musical Cats. Taylor plays
years later, she followed it up with the release
Bombalurina, a confident and
of Red, which featured "We Are Never Getting
mischievous cat.
Back Together," and, like Speak Now, also hit over 1 million in sales in its first week.
“I have cats. I’m obsessed with them!” Taylor said. “I love my
SHARING HER SUCCESS
cats so much that when a role came up in a movie called
In 2012, Taylor was ranked Forbes Magazine’s
Cats, I just thought like, I’ve
highest-paid celebrity under 30, with earnings
got to do this. This is my calling
of $57 million. Being so young, she could have
in life to do this for the ladies.”
kept the money to herself, but she decided
(And yes, by “ladies,” Taylor
to share it to help others. She funded the
means her two wonderful
Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country
cats—before she adopted
Music Hall of Fame in Nashville that has three classrooms, a space for exhibits for
Benjamin Button from her ME! video of course.)
children, and a learning lab. "Music education is such an important part of my life," Taylor
Although the movie opened
explained. "My life changed completely when I
to mixed reviews, Taylor
discovered writing my own songs and playing
doesn't regret a moment of
guitar, and that can’t all be taught to you in
it. "You have to commit to
school because there aren’t enough hours in
doing it only based on what
the day." She also continues to give back today
you think the experience will
to one of her favorite charities, the Red Cross.
be and if the experience will
A TURNING POINT
your life," she said. "I want to
teach you things that enrich have adventures, and I want In 2014, two years after the release of Red, Taylor took a different direction for the release of her album 1989. It was her most
to do things that I’m curious about." It sounds like in this case, curiosity helped Taylor
pop-sounding album so far and veered from
kill her new role. She even
her typical country sound. Her evolved sound
co-wrote an original song for
paid off with hits like "Shake it Off" and "Blank
the movie, "Beautiful Ghosts,"
Space," both chart-topping singles. That same
with Andrew Lloyd Webber,
year, she made history when she won another
which was nominated for a
Grammy for Album of the Year, becoming the
Golden Globe.
first woman to win the award twice.
86 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
So what made her steer so far away from her typical country sound? She listened to her gut and surrounded herself with people who supported her and her decisions. "Someday when you get where you’re going," Taylor said, "you’ll look around and know it was you and the people who love you who put you there. And that will be the
True or False? Taylor competed on
Dancing with the Stars.
True or False?
Lover was originally going to
greatest feeling in the world."
be called Night Light.
Three years later, Taylor came out with a
True or False?
chart-topping album with a totally new sound (and a whole new look). Reputation,
Taylor used Ellen DeGeneres
released in August of 2017, went on to sell
as an Easter egg twice for
over 1 million copies in its first four days, and became the top-selling album of the year. SO MUCH LOVE
the Lover album.
True or False?
Taylor spent four months in more edgy turn, Taylor’s next album, Lover, veered in the exact opposite direction—full of color, love, and fun. After teasing the release of her first single for weeks, Taylor debuted a duet with Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco, titled "ME!" A few months later, we got another taste of the colorful album with the hit single "You Need to Calm Down," paired with another colorful music video that hinted of the album to come. MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM If you still feel like you don’t have enough Taylor in your life (we feel that way too!), you’ll be happy to hear she’ll be hosting Lover Fest this summer, which, if you’re US-based, you can catch in Los Angeles, CA or Foxborough, MA. While it’s not a typical tour, Taylor feels the festival-vibe perfectly represents the fun that her Lover album embodies. "I want to celebrate the album and perform it live with you in a way that feels authentic to the music," Taylor said. We'll definitely be grabbing our tickets, and we can't wait to see what Taylor does next!
“cat school” for the movie musical Cats.
True or False? Taylor has 6 cats, all
named after her albums.
True or False?
The music video for “Shake it Off” featured professional dancers AND Taylor’s fans.
The Answers
#1 (False) Taylor didn’t compete on DWTS but performed in seasons 9, 11, and 15. | #2 (False) Lover was originally going to be called Daylight. | #3 (True) Taylor used Ellen DeGeneres as an Easter egg for both her “You Need to Calm Down” music video and the song “Cruel Summer.” | #4 (True) Taylor went to “cat school” for her role in Cats. "I had to go to cat school to learn how to move and behave,” Taylor said of her experience. “I was meant to go for three days and I stayed for four months! I had much more fun than anyone else." | #5 (False) Taylor has three cats: Meredith Grey Swift, Olivia Benson Swift, and Benjamin Button Swift (They appear on her TCA Icon Award surfboard). | #6 (True) Taylor had fans write in for their chance to be featured in her “Shake it Off” music video.
In the same way that Reputation took a
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 89
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 91
Aquarius
PISCES
ARIES
(1/20-2/18)
(2/19-3/20)
(3/21-4/19)
If there’s anything
Better start stretching, Pisces!
Time to take it from hip hop to
bigger than your goals,
This year you’re not only
contemporary, Aries. You’re
Aquarius, it’s your
going to have to call upon
going to have to take it slow
imagination! Use that
your flexibility for dance,
when it comes to creating
to your advantage this
but also when it comes to
your goal list this year. That
year, especially when
achieving your goals. Be sure
doesn’t mean you won’t
putting together your
to create your “2020 vision”
quickly accomplish them; it
“2020 vision.” Dream up
goal list as soon as you can
just means that, as an Aries,
your wildest dreams, and
because you’ll have to be a
you can be a little over-
then narrow down what
little more adaptable than
enthusiastic. But be sure
you feel is reasonable to
most this year to achieve
to take time to narrow
accomplish before
them. Don’t worry, though,
down which goals are most
year-end.
you’ve got this!
important to you.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
(7/22-8/22)
(8/23-9/22)
(9/23-10/22)
When it comes to reaching
While you’re bound to
You’ve got big dreams
a goal this year, you might
achieve a lot this year,
this year, Libra, and that
hit a bump in the road
as a Virgo, you’re also
means you’re going to
that causes you to lose
probably going to aim to
have to get creative in
confidence (and even lose
be perfect in all of those
how you accomplish
focus). Call upon your Leo-
accomplishments. While it’s
them. Make a plan,
confidence, and make a list
important to aim high, it’s
consider the areas
of all the things that make
also important to recognize
where you’ll need to be
you fabulous. It will be a
when you’re being overly
flexible, and approach
good reminder of why you
critical and take some
your “2020 vision” with
shine and help you to get
time out to celebrate your
a careful strategy and a
your eyes back on the prize.
victories! You earned it!
lot of grace.
92 B
WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM
*for entertainment purposes only
CELEB BIRTHDAYS Sofia Carson April 10th
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
(4/20-5/20)
(5/21-6/20)
(6/21-7/22)
It’s no surprise if you’ve
Time to turn up that
You’re going to have to
already created your goal
Gemini charm! You’re
make some sacrifices
list, Taurus. That full-focus
going to need to call upon
this year to achieve your
mentality means you almost
your naturally chatty
goals. With dreams so big,
always have crystal clear
nature this year to make
it’s going to be hard to
"2020 vision." With such
a connection that will
maintain your usual social
determination, though, can
help you accomplish your
life. You’re going to have
come some stubbornness.
goals. Ask questions at
to call upon your natural
Take a few minutes this month
conventions, speak up in
devotion to stay focused on
to run your goals by a friend
class, and you might just
achieving those goals, even
or family member, and get
find some amazing advice
if it means occasionally
their thoughts on what you’re
or an incredible mentor in
missing out on that Friday
aiming to achieve this year.
the process!
night football game.
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
(10/23-11/21)
(11/22-12/21)
(12/22-1/19)
You approach your goals
What’s a Sagittarius goal
Time to #treatyourself,
with so much intensity that
without a little adventure?
Capricorn! If you don’t have
Hayley LeBlanc
it might be best for you to
When you’re making your
a planner for 2020, it’s time
September 2nd
set a few really big goals so
“2020 vision” goal list, be
to get one! You’re naturally
you can channel that focus
sure to look for ways you
ambitious, so it’s important
Asher Angel
in the best possible way. Be
can accomplish them in
that you find a way to get
sure to leave time mid-year
a different environment
your thoughts and goals in
Ruby Rose Turner
for a totally unexpected
than you usually do. Have
one place. This organization
October 16th
opportunity that is going to
an opportunity to take a
will pay off mid-year when
September 6th
Sky Katz December 12th
pop up. It’s going to be a little
class in a different town,
you’ll feel a little more
out of your comfort zone,
state, or country? Make it
overwhelmed than normal.
though, so you’ll have to call
happen! Your travel-loving
Be sure to get that goal list
on your Scorpio fearlessness.
heart will thank you!
down on paper ASAP!
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 93
Photos: Shutterstock • Design: Holly Childs
Photo: Shutterstock and Instagram • Writing/Design: Holly Childs
ACROSS 1
Tia Wenkman’s favorite style of dance is ______.
5
Millennium Dance Complex was founded in the LA ____ District.
9
Gavin Morales got backstage passes from Ellen DeGeneres to see _______ ______.
11 13
DOWN 2
If you go to this store, you might see a huge poster of Sammy Bulstrode.
3
This coveted trophy is the highest one you can win at Showstopper.
4
J. Lo taught at Showstopper Conventions as part of the ___ _____.
Sean Lew met Kaycee Rice at a Showstopper competition when he was just ___ years old.
6
Jade Chynoweth’s go-to audition move is the backward ____.
The title of Lilia Buckingham’s new book (being released Summer 2020) is: ________.
7
A fur-ociously cute photography book created by Kelly and Ian Kreidech.
8
Gianina played this role in the Broadway musical Matilda (2 words). Lilia Buckingham wants to inspire more girls and women to go into ____ fields.
14
Taylor Louderman plays the iconic character ______George on a very pink Broadway show.
10
15
Harlow Stone’s dance role model is _____ _____, who also teaches at Showstopper Conventions.
12
Complete this Misty Copeland Quote: “_________ shouldn’t mean you are like everyone else.”
17
Elliana Walmsley is currently learning this dance genre.
16
Olivia Tarchick’s favorite wardrobe staples are her ________.
20
Taylor Swift spent four months in ___ school preparing for her new musical movie role.
17
Kamryn Smith’s biggest goal is to dance with this superstar.
18
Complete this quote from Crystal Huang: “Practice makes _____, not perfect.”
19
Autumn Miller’s parents started a dance studio (where Autumn now teaches) called The ____ Space.
21
If you go to LA, you can’t miss _______ Avenue filled with Instagrammable murals. HINT: Use articles in this magazine to find the answers!
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
B 97