Showstopper Magazine: Summer 2019 by goshowstopper

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TABLE OF

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Contents

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SUMMER 2019 WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM

LIFESTYLE

32 46 56 58 62 66 72 88

There's No Place like Showstopper IT Trend: Monochrome Fashion Go Green & Save the World Strive for Growth, Not Perfection

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Turn the Rain Into Rainbows Summertime Smoothies

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Color Your World with Inspiration Fashion Inspo: Celebs in Color Adding a Pop of Color to Your Space

A DANCER'S GUIDE TO: NYC

Insider tips on auditioning, taking classes, and sightseeing from Broadway dancers Jessica Walker and Kevin Csolak.

KENZIE ZIEGLER FINDING HER CALLING

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V PLUS! SEE HER ON TOUR THIS SUMMER. FEATURES

CHAPKIS DANCE

44  74 BALLET IS BACK

EVA NYS

PHOTO SHOOT TIPS FOR DANCERS

5 graceful ways that

How this

An exclusive

this powerhouse

21-year-old

interview with

dance genre is

got her start

studio owner

making a major

in dance

Greg Chapkis.

comeback.

photography.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

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Staying healthy, loving dance, and her new Danskin collection.

SPOTLIGHT

48 Jake Monreal 64 OLYMPIC 68 Ruby Jay DREAMS Sky Brown 70 Kennedy Paige

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 5 6 82 92 94 97

Chloe spills all on Next Level and her love of film.

JOJO SIWA'S SUMMER D.R.E.A.M TOUR Plus! Your chance to win a

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JENNA DEWAN

22 26 28 40

CHLOE EAST

Editor's Letter Publisher's Info

ON HER NEW SHOW Siena Agudong Sage Rosen Piper Rockelle Will Simmons

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D.R.E.A.M. JoJo Siwa Swag Bag.

5 REMINDERS I TELL MYSELF AS A DANCER By So You Think You Can Dance Winner Hannahlei Cabanilla.

WITNEY CARSON Summer workouts and yummy smoothies? She has us covered.

READ EVEN MORE FABULOUS CONTENT! goshowstopper.com/magazine

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The Road to Showstopper Quiz: What's Your Signature Color? Horoscopes Embarrassing Moments Crossword

JT CHURCH

On his DWTS: Juniors win, career challenges, and being a male dancer.

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Copyright © 2019 by Showstopper, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. Requests for permission should be mailed to: Showstopper, Inc., 1340 Dividend Loop, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

KWEEN KENDALL

Kendall Vertes on dance, music, and her new-found view on friendship. @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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ey, Showstopper Fam! Welcome to the “Color Your World” edition of Showstopper Magazine! From rainbows to bright glitter to pops of chartreuse, this edition features some of the most fun designs I’ve done so far — because they’re filled with color! When designing, I tend to stick to the same comfortable-but-fabulous color palette. But using all of these colors really took me out of the crayon-box and opened my eyes to all that was out there! And so often this is the case, isn’t it? We tend to see the world from the view of our own palette. It’s tough to do life’s journey down the same, one-way highway, though! The scenery on the same-old-route can be, well, dull. That’s why it’s so important for us to open our eyes to all of the beautiful, bold colors out there in the world. There are so many different perspectives and bright, colorful people to meet and learn from. Once we take off our go-to, worn-in patent leather boots and put on someone else’s colorful, rainbow high-tops, we see the world from a totally different point of view. Try to take a walk in someone else’s shoes this summer and learn from their experiences; I promise the road is a lot more colorful that way!

D A few of my favorite Instas from this season! Tag us @goshowstopper for a chance to be featured.

D D

FOUNDERS

Debbie & Dave Roberts EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Photography: Lee Gumbs and Shared from Instagram • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn

Holly Ann Seweryn

MANAGING EDITOR: Debbie Roberts • HEAD DESIGNER: Holly Ann Seweryn • SENIOR DESIGNER: Aaron Williams 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 EDITORS: Debbie Roberts, Nikki Cole, Abbey Macho, Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Tyler Amaral PHOTOGRAPHERS: Holly Ann Seweryn, Aaron Williams, Ana Ochoa, Lee Gumbs, John Flynn, Bonnie Nichoalds, Eva Nys, Maquel Cooper, Jon Volk, Benjamin Askinas, Lena Melnik, Elizabeth MH • PHOTO EDITORS: Holly Ann Seweryn, Aaron Williams, Tyler Amaral • WRITERS: Holly Ann Seweryn, Christy Lyn Huebner, Hayley Mac, Arielle Elonys, Addie Ware, Hannahlei Cabanilla, Nikki Cole • INTERVIEWERS: Iliana Gravina, Veronica Good • COPY EDITORS: Veronica Good, Nikki Cole, Abbey Macho, Eleanor Cooper, Alysia Tucker, James Williams, Beth Miles • DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND LOCATIONS: Adam Roberts

SHOWSTOPPER MAGAZINE ONLINE

Chloe East, Jake Monreal, Kennedy Paige, Piper Rockelle, Ruby Jay, Sage Rosen, Siena Agudong, Sky Brown, Will Simmons

SENIOR EDITOR: Veronica Good • SENIOR DESIGNER: Aaron Williams • DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS: Nikki Cole VIDEOGRAPHERS: Earl Tyndall, Charles Bryant, Tyler Amaral WRITERS: Veronica Good, Christy Lyn Huebner

SHOWSTOPPER CORPORATE EVENT PRODUCTION

PRESIDENT: Dave Roberts • NATIONAL DIRECTOR: Debbie Roberts • SHOW DIRECTOR: Laura Button • PRODUCTION MANAGER: Andrew Harris • TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Jon Greene, Jeff Cole • 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 • ASSOCIATE VIDEOGRAPHERS: Tyler Amaral, Charles Bryant • EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS: Eleanor Cooper, Alysia Tucker • TRAVEL DIRECTOR: Patience Wassell DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS: James Williams • SPECIAL PROJECTS: Greg Kajcienski, Ted Harris SPECIAL THANKS: Kenzie Ziegler, JoJo Siwa, Kendall Vertes, Witney Carson, Hannahlei Cabanilla, Jenna Dewan, Greg Chapkis, Jessica Walker, Kevin Csolak, JT Church, Eva Nys, Naomi Babcock, Lindsay Rienstra, and Crystal Huang.

You can find Showstopper Dance Competitions at vacation-worthy venues across the country — we're in over 40 cities every year! Compete at a Regionals to qualify for our National Finals. You just might head home with a crystal trophy! goshowstopper.com/regionals

Ready for the best weekend ever? Learn moves from top choreographers this fall and winter at our dance conventions! It's an unforgettable weekend of dance focused on fun, not competition. So you can spend the weekend bonding with your team, learning new combos, and vacationing at top venues across the country! goshowstopper.com/conventions

Showstopper National Finals are where the best dancers compete. You might leave covered in glitter, but we guarantee you’ll also leave with the best memories you’ll have all year (until your next Showstopper event, that is!).

goshowstopper.com/finals

Fill your feed with confetti and follow us on social media!

@goshowstopper /goshowstopper /showstoppervideos @goshowstopper

Download the official Showstopper App to access exclusive digital content, behind the scenes videos, recaps, and more!

Love Showstopper Mag? There's way more dance news and fabulous content just a few clicks away! Check out our online magazine for exclusive content on your favorite dancers.

goshowstopper.com/magazine

Available on Apple & Android

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Design: Aaron Williams & Veronica Good â&#x20AC;˘ Photography: Benjamin Askinas, Lena Melnik, and other sources

he talented Greg Chapkis moved to the United States in 1999 with a big dream and a whole lot of dedication. "I knew I was going to open a dance studio one day," Greg told us. "We started from the bottom with about 10 adults and a small group of kids who had never danced before. We began by just performing locally and eventually decided to take it to the next level and begin competing." While Greg Chapkis' dance studio, Chapkis Dance, is mainly known for its hip hop/urban dance styles, they recently opened a new studio, and with this, they are planning to branch out into ballet, jazz funk, and the more technical elements of dance. While Greg is switching

some things up with the studio launch, there's one thing that won't be changing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the closeknit community. "I think the most important quality a dance studio can have is the family environment," Greg told us. To create that deep connection between students, teachers, and families, they do a lot of studio activities. "We work on bonding outside of the studio so that the bonding inside the studio and on stage just comes naturally," he told us. "In the past, we've gone bowling, to the movies, and even had pool parties and barbecues at my house." Their incredible connection and talent are what got them to the World of Dance stage. "The first season of World of Dance was

quite the experience," Greg told us. "It was a lot of hard work, late night practices, and early morning call times, but it was so worth it. Sharing the stage with a lot of our friends on other teams and being able to meet the judges was so amazing." Their experience on World of Dance was one Greg will never forget, and we're sure his dancers won't either. There's something so powerful about performance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it evokes an entirely different feeling than practicing. When we asked Greg how things change around the studio before a big performance (like World of Dance), he said he noticed how much the energy changes. "You can really feel and even see a difference on set

DANCE STUDIO FEATURE

Photos Courtesy of Greg Chapkis â&#x20AC;˘ Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn

when all the dancers are mentally on the same page and the energy is on 100," he told us. The dedication the dancers put in is essential, but they couldn't do it without their incredible teachers. "It's so important to have qualified teachers that have more knowledge than just dance steps to provide to their students," he explained. It's also important to diversify your training outside of your studio. "Go to conventions," Greg, who teaches at Showstopper conventions, told us, "but most importantly, take the classes outside of your comfort zone!" The grand opening of Greg's new studio was paired with a star-studded intensive featuring dancers like Brian Friedman, Tricia Miranda, WilldaBeast, and more. With an opening like that and an owner as talented and dedicated as Greg, we know his studio will be a resounding success for decades to come. Learn from Greg Chapkis at our Showstopper Conventions: goshowstopper.com/conventions

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E DANCER & ACTRESS

We met up with the effortlessly cool Chloe East at our Showstopper photo shoot and got an exclusive interview with her on dance, dedication, and dynamic acting.

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Dancer: Chloe East Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

At two-and-a-half, Chloe took her first dance class. At seven, she was taking the Showstopper stage by storm. "I loved coming to Showstopper so much," Chloe told us. "The Anaheim show was always during my birthday month and, of course, we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. The memories are priceless!" Amazing memories aren't all she gained from competitive dancing, though. Those moments have helped shape how she lives her life. "Dancing at competitions gave me a competitive side," she said. "I always want to be the best version of myself."

Through dance, Chloe also gained the skills she needs to collaborate with her peers. "Dance teaches you a lot of things, but one of the main lessons is working with a team," she explained. "In a group dance, working as a team and the collaborative effort you have with your choreographers, it teaches you how to be flexible in other team situations." While she has transitioned more heavily into acting, dance will forever be a major part of her life. "I will always love dance," Chloe told us. "There's nothing that gives you a greater feeling."

Chloe takes many of the lessons she's learned throughout her dance career and continues to apply them to her life. One major thing that dance has helped her to develop is discipline. "Growing up in the dance world and always practicing, the dedication and discipline that came with it are still with me now," Chloe explained. "I developed all of those things from dancing." She also learned the importance of taking direction, which has helped her in her current career path as an actress. "If you get a change in choreography, you have to change it on the spot and do what the choreographer wants,"

she said. "The same is true in acting for script changes or small tweaks. Having that experience from dance is definitely an extra perk."

While Chloe's hard work has paid off in a lot of areas, she's still faced her fair share of no's, something she believes every teen should experience. "It's what you do after the failure that is going to make you better," Chloe said. "In retrospect, those aren't necessarily failures; they were stepping stones. Don't be afraid to fail, as there is always something that comes out of it."

Chloe is a mega film buff and spends almost every night watching films. We got the inside scoop on her film favs.

rom com: Annie Hall

suspense: Blue Velvet

animated: My Neighbor Totoro

horror: The Shining

vintage: Band of Outsiders

Stay up to date on all of Chloe's movie choices and add her favorites to your watchlist. Follow her on the social media network made just for film buffs, Letterboxd, with her username: chloeeast.

Chloe recently filmed the dance movie, Next Level, alongside quite a few other incredible dancers, including Will Simmons, Emily Skinner, and Chloe Lukasiak. "The dancers were amazing," Chloe said. "I still talk to them today!" She plays Lucy, a quiet and observant "goth girl" who has a secret hidden talent. While Lucy's appearance differs extensively from Chloe's own style, she was able to connect with her character in the way that she observes and thinks. "Whenever something is happening, I like to sit back and watch from afar rather than getting involved," she explained. "She's a big thinker like me as well; my wheels are always turning!" While Chloe has had quite a few roles in which she didn't play a dancer, for this role she was able to use her dance experience to her advantage. "It definitely lifted the weight off of the situation," she explained. "It allowed me to go

Her own past isn't the only thing that Chloe uses to shape her future, she also uses others' pasts to ignite her passion for her dreams. "I'm so inspired by history," Chloe told us. "I'm inspired by our founding fathers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as nerdy as that sounds! They were resilient in their dreams and their passions. I think that same thing is carried throughout

back to my roots, which is second nature. I had the extra element of being able to fall back on something I had done my entire life and had studied so hard at, so it was kind of relieving." It sounds like, despite Chloe's busy schedule keeping her from dancing as much, dance still plays a large role in her life. You can also see Chloe in Kevin Saves the World, where she plays the character Reese, who lost her father and lives with her mom. While Chloe couldn't fully relate to Reese's exact scenario, she pulled from other experiences to connect with her character. "The closer you can connect your character to yourself, the more believable you are," Chloe explained. "I connected to Reese by finding similar experiences in my life, like losing people." Learning from past experiences is something Chloe uses to shape how she approaches the future.

history; dedication and drive are unchanging. I look at people who were 'successful people' who got there because they never gave up. I use that example to shape how I approach my life." As for her future? Chloe's only focus is on fueling her passions. "As long as I'm working on something that I love, I will be happy," she said.

EXCLUSIVE E VIDEO!

E E GET TO KNOW CHLOE EAST IN THIS SHOWSTOPPER 60 VIDEO!

DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"

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Showstopper events are nothing short of magic! So what makes them sparkle? Let's take a look behind the glitter curtain and see what the real benefits are of attending one of our events!

Photography/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn â&#x20AC;˘ Design: Holly Ann Seweryn & Aaron Williams â&#x20AC;˘ Models: Naomi Babcock & Cornelius Gryffindor

Building Brains Showstopper Competitions are a great way to build skills in your dance career. From pre-competition training sessions, to perfecting your routines, every weekend helps train your brain for your future career. And once competition season is over, it's convention time! Showstopper Conventions help build your skills while you learn a variety of choreography throughout the weekend.

Cultivating Courage It's your time to shine, showstopper! Our events give you a chance to perform and show off in front of a crowd. Whether you're performing for our world-renowned judges at a competition or showing off the fabulous moves you've learned during a convention weekend, you'll be building up some serious courage.

Having a Happy Heart Dance your way to our Regionals or Finals and you'll be leaving with amazing

memories, a happy heart, and a sparkly medal or two! Our conventions leave you just as happy after a weekend of creativity and team bonding.

Showstopper Feels Like Home ...And there's no place like Showstopper! We have the best judges and faculty in the nation. You might see our team once a year but the connections you make will last a lifetime! Welcome to the #ShowstopperFam!

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E SHOWSTOPPER EXCLUSIVE!

ou may know Kendall from her days on Dance Moms, but since then, she's not only made strides in the dance industry but also as an actress and a singer.

Where it All Began...

Kendall has been dancing since she was two-and-a-half years old, and has even graced the Showstopper stage quite a few times since. "I won my first title at Showstopper at three years old," Kendall said. "I was dancing to Splish Splash, and I had an adorable pink and orange costume on!" While Showstopper was graced with her presence early on, Kendall's popularity with the rest of the dance world grew immensely with the success of the Lifetime show, Dance Moms. While Kendall loved a lot about the experience, it definitely wasn't without challenges. "It was tough to have the stress of never feeling good enough for Abby," Kendall told us. "But I loved spending every day with

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my best friends, getting to travel the world, and experiencing new things with them!" As for how she got the opportunity to be on TV's number one dance show, she got it the same way most people get a gig â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an audition (her first one ever to be exact). "Abby called my mom and asked if I would be interested in auditioning for the show," Kendall explained. "I had actually never watched the first season so at the time I didn't really know what I was auditioning for." Despite all of the show's drama, Kendall assured us that behind the scenes, everyone got along. "Even the moms are all friends," Kendall spilled. Despite the experience being a bit stressful, it continues to have a positive impact on her life to this day. Kendall told us about the dancers that have had the biggest influence on her, and they were all her Dance Moms co-stars. "We danced next to each other every day for six years!" she explained.

A Triple Threat

Kendall's experience on Dance Moms gave her an appetite for acting, and she soon began diving into that industry, recently being cast in Anastasia. Her best advice for auditioning for an acting role? "Just be yourself and research the role and what they might be looking for," Kendall offered. It wasn't long before she found herself breaking into another industry â&#x20AC;&#x201D; music. "I love music, and I'm always listening to it non-stop," she said. "When I was living in

Her favorite drugstore beauty product: Burtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bees plain makeup wipes

Her favorite makeup splurge: Kylie Cosmetics palettes

The product she just can't live without: Tarte mascara

Dance competition essentials: Marc Jacobs red lipstick & Lily eyelashes

Fav beauty tool: Beauty Blender

Best skincare product: Virgin coconut skin cream

Go-to lipstick color: Nude for daily wear Kylieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candy K @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Los Angeles I was able to work with a lot of recording artists. They definitely helped me pursue my music career, along with Abby Miller." Like everything, perfection takes practice, so Kendall continues to take music lessons. "It's always challenging to refine my sound," she explained.

Photography: Bonnie Nichoalds â&#x20AC;˘ Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn â&#x20AC;˘ Dancer: Kendall Vertes

Friendships

Being on Dance Moms for six years alongside her best friends, Kendall was able to build some strong friendships. Now, she's even refined the qualities of what a friend looks like. "Trust and a good sense of humor are the qualities you need in a true friend," she said. Always down for a good laugh, Kendall is inspired by Audrey Hepburn's famous quote: "Happy Girls Are the Prettiest." "I even have it on my bedroom wall!" Kendall told us. Inspired by good friendships, Kendall even wrote a

song titled "Where Would I Be Without You." "It's my favorite because all of my friends are in the music video," she said. "It's about the importance of friendships. You have to be a good friend to have a good friend!"

You have to be a good friend to have a good friend. The Future

After an eventful six years traveling for Dance Moms, Kendall has settled back into her life in Pittsburgh. "My mom made me go back to school," Kendall told us, "so every day after

school I'm running to dance, music, acting, or golf, and then traveling to LA for auditions. It's still so fun because I love what I do, and every day is different!" In the future, she hopes to move to LA to live and work and possibly even attend college out there. "I definitely want to still audition and perform," Kendall said. Her main priority for the future, though, is just to be herself. "Everyone has their own role in their own life, Kendall said. "Be yourself; don't compare or wish you were someone else!" Great advice for anyone in an era where comparison is so easy to do. Kendall's biggest secret weapon in dealing with the pressure? "My mom," she laughed. "She's my number one fan!" With a support system like that, we're sure Kendall will accomplish anything she sets out to do!

e sat down with pirouette queen, Kennedy Paige, and got the inside scoop on her love of dance, her trophy room, and living with scoliosis.

tough for me to do." So how does she deal with it? She tries her hardest not to let it hold her back. "I practice as hard as I'm able to until I get the move right. It takes me more time, but I try as much as possible not to limit myself."

On Trophies Kennedy started dance at three years old, and her love of the sport has only grown stronger since. "When I first started dancing, I just had a feeling in my heart," Kennedy explained. Her passion and natural talent have won her nearly every trophy she aims for, and she has a room in her house dedicated to trophies and practicing. "It's my favorite room!" she told us. One trophy she's hoping to add to her room this year: first overall in the Junior category at Showstopper! On Hitting Obstacles It hasn't all been easy for Kennedy; she suffers from scoliosis. "My legs are different lengths," Kennedy explained. "My hips are uneven too, so some moves are

I just had a feeling in my

HEART.

My love is

Dance!

helped to get her where she is today. "Being confident has helped me so much along the way," Kennedy said. "My dance teachers, Alyssa and Kendra, as well as my family have been a huge part of my journey. They give me so much support!" Kennedy knows she can achieve anything with a little confidence and people cheering her on. On Her Goals

She also takes her moves to the pool to build up her energy and endurance. "I love swimming," she told us. "I was an excellent swimmer when I was little, but I ended up choosing dance. It still helps a lot with building up stamina, though!" On Confidence Despite the obstacles Kennedy has to overcome because of her scoliosis, it hasn't hindered her confidence, something she feels

While Kennedy has won a lot of trophies and awards already, she still has a lot of goals she hopes to meet in the future. She'd love to place first at all of her dance competitions this year. For the longterm, Kennedy aspires to perform with her idols. "I would love to be a backup dancer for Ariana Grande," Kennedy said. "I would also love to dance with Gavin Morales. I used to dance with him in a group, but I'd love to do a duet with him." As for how she plans to achieve her goals? "Eat, sleep, dance, repeat!" she said.

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Dancer: Kennedy Paige • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

SHOWSTOPPER CRYSTAL WINNER

EXCLUSIVE D VIDEO! E

SEE WHAT'S IN KENNEDY PAIGE'S DANCE BAG!

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JoJo Siwa's D.R.E.A.M. Tour

have one too. "Even though

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voice as well. The power

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is something I really look

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@GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Photo: Shutterstock • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Dancer: JoJo Siwa

e sat down with ballroom dancer Jake Monreal to hear about his experience on iconic shows: So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. STARTING OUT Jake didn't always have a passion for dance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or at least he didn't recognize it. He actually played sports most of his life. It was a random encounter that sparked Jake's passion when he picked up his sister from dance and happened to see a ballroom class. He asked his mom to take a class, fell in love, quit his baseball team, and hasn't looked back since. The biggest thing he's learned throughout the process is to have confidence and have fun. "I've learned over the years that the more fun you have, the better it looks," Jake said. SO YOU THINK YOU'RE A STAR While most dancers only dream of being on one of TV's iconic dance shows, Jake had the pleasure of being on both So You Think You Can Dance Season 13 and Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. While he found both of the experiences incredible, they differed from each other in a lot of ways. "So You Think You Can Dance was an emotional journey," Jake told us of his experience making it to the Top 7. "I barely got through during auditions, and it was such a challenge once I did. It was the hardest I've had to work to learn continuous choreography. I

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was constantly practicing. It was an amazing experience but so challenging." Of course, Dancing with the Stars: Juniors was a challenge in its own way, too. Jake got paired up with Sophia Pippen with Sasha Farber as their mentor. "It challenged me in a different way as a dancer. I had to teach someone, Sophia, the basics of ballroom dancing and I barely remember the basics! I don't think most ballroom dancers remember the basics. It becomes muscle memory, and we remember what we need to know. It was a challenge to teach someone, but it was a blast!" With both experiences, Jake learned a lot. "I grew so much as a dancer," he told us, "especially on So You Think You Can Dance. I gave it my all and learned so much because of Jenna, JeanMarc, and all of the beautiful people there who taught me so much." Performing in front of a live audience can be nerveracking, but Jake has a ritual to help prepare himself before performing. "I jump a lot," he explained. "I jump maybe 30 times before I perform. It helps get my body warm and gets the nerves out. Also, if I'm dancing with a partner, I tell them, 'it's just you and me.' The biggest thing is just to have confidence and be yourself because that is the most important part!" While Jake juggles a lot now, he's actually looking to take on more. "I'd love to transition into acting," he told us. "I'll always love dance, but I'd love to do some acting roles."

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BEHIND THE SCENES OF JAKE'S SYTYCD AUDITION Jake auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance in New York City, the last chance for anyone looking to get on the show. "It was such a good experience," Jake told us. "Anyone wanting to get to that next level should just try it. I had no intention of getting to the Top 7. My parents told me to go for it because at least I'd have fun with my friends -- and then I ended up making it through and going far in the competition!" His best advice for someone auditioning? "Don't care too much," Jake said. "Don't overthink it. Don't think about the little things you might not have right. I look back on my SYTYCD audition, and my arms were a mess. But I gave it my heart, and they chose me! You've got this!"

E SEE WHAT'S IN JAKE MONREAL'S DANCE BAG! DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn Dancer: Jake Monreal • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

ACTRESS ON HULU'S HOLLY HOBBIE

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design: Holly Ann Seweryn & Aaron Williams • Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn Actress/Dancer: Ruby Jay • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

e sat down with bubbly actress Ruby Jay to get the inside info on Hulu's Holly Hobbie, her passion for music, and her newly discovered love of tap dance.

Ruby Jay started acting at just five years old. She began mainly with musical theater roles and finally, at age ten, talked her mom into letting her do professional theater. She signed up for a Backstage account and soon had agents and managers contacting her to represent her. "My first audition was actually for Stranger Things," Ruby Jay told us. "That was insane for me because it was not a normal character and it was a lot of crying. I was this 10-year-old who didn't really know what I was doing yet, so I didn't nail the audition."

Since then, she's grown a lot. "I am much more comfortable and confident now. I understand how to breakdown a role and understand what the producers want for the scene. It's important to know what the conflict is for the character on all levels. The personality of the character also plays a huge part in how you would respond to things." So how does she get to know the role so well? She reads, then re-reads, then re-reads again! "I keep reading until I can figure out the character. I don't do it to memorize the lines; I wouldn't want it sounding too scripted. I want it to still sound flexible," she explained. Speaking of flexibility, Ruby Jay thinks that it's the most important trait that an aspiring actress can have. "Your schedule has to be flexible!" she told us. "You have to be willing to do anything, at any moment. It's hard to plan. I honestly don't know my

schedule until the morning or even halfway through the day. Everything is incredibly last minute, and that takes some time getting used to."

While Ruby Jay wouldn't mind fame, it's definitely not her main goal when it comes to acting. "My goal in acting is just to understand and appreciate the art of it," she said. "If I don't book a character, I'm still happy because if I didn't book it, I know that someone else did. That other person probably portrayed the character better than I did or may have been a better fit for the role. When it comes to keeping the integrity of the art, I'd rather they get the part if they were a better fit." In acting, like in dance, it's essential to fail. "[It] is the biggest thing that every actress should do," Ruby Jay told us. "If you're @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Booking Holly Hobbie "It was 2:15pm and I had just gotten home from school. I was in PJ's, eating ice cream and had no makeup on. My dad was upstairs on the computer and got a call. Apparently I had gotten my video interview times mixed up because of the time zone, and my dad thought it would be funny to answer in a Viking hat. What?! Anyways, fast forward 5-minutes later, I was frantically getting ready for the interview. I logged on to do the interview and right as I started my scene, the backdrop fell on top of me. I totally thought I bombed it. I ended up flying out to Canada for 3 days to read with the potential cast. It was a whirlwind of waiting to hear back and at one point I had convinced myself someone else got the role. I came home from school one day and my family surprised me with balloons, silly string, and a huge poster that said, 'You booked Holly Hobbie!'" Stay up-to-date on all things Ruby Jay at goshowstopper.com/ magazine

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always perfect, what are you going to learn from that?!" Ruby Jay gets her inspiration from other actresses. Her favorite? Dove Cameron. "She's absolutely stunning, and she does both TV and film which is what I want to do," Ruby Jay said about the actress. "Most importantly, she's also on Broadway, which is my entire goal in life. I don't care if I'm ensemble #6, I just want to have that experience of being on Broadway. Dove does it all and also sings — I've always looked up to her. Plus her fashion game is on point!"

Ruby Jay's passion, research, and inspiration paid off when she scored the lead role in Hulu's new show, Holly Hobbie. After the roller coaster ride of the audition process (check out the sidebar!), Ruby Jay began portraying her new character — Holly. "She's a teenager coming of age and really trying to understand how the world works," Ruby Jay told us. "The show features friendship problems, boy problems, family

misunderstandings, and shows how Holly's mind processes it all. Like me, she uses music to express herself, as that is her outlet. Music has always been a huge part of my life, too, so I definitely relate to Holly in that way."

Ruby Jay also covers many popular songs on her YouTube channel. She doesn't just do covers, though. Ruby is a songwriter, too. Her newest single, "My Universe" takes inspiration from her own life. "It's about how I feel about my best friend," Ruby Jay told us. She loves to get inspiration from outside of her own life, too and looks up to the big, soulful female artists like Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, and Jessie J. With her goal of being on Broadway, she knows that she has to learn some new moves. "You have to know ballet, tap, and jazz to be able to be on Broadway. I have to say I'm not much of a ballet dancer, but I'm really into jazz and tap!" Being a triple threat, Ruby Jay is well on her way to Broadway.

EXCLUSIVE D VIDEO! E

E GO BEHIND THE 'GRAM WITH RUBY JAY! DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"

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Photos: Shutterstock & Other Sources • Design: Aaron Williams • Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn

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oing to New York City is an experience you'll never forget. As a dancer, the trip is even more incredible. From Broadway to Brooklyn, NYC is one place every dancer should go. We got an inside look at NYC from two dancers who have made it their home — Jessica Walker, who teaches at Showstopper Dance Conventions and has been in multiple Broadway shows, and Kevin Csolak, who plays Shane Oman and understudies Aaron Samuels in Broadway’s Mean Girls.

Auditioning in New York While many head to New York City just for sightseeing, it's also a great place to audition! It’s important to come prepared, and not just for what you think they’ll want, but also for anything else that might come up during the audition process. “You may also be asked to sing,” Jessica said. “Go see a vocal teacher and coach and be prepared with 16-32 bars of music in the right key. You'll want to have a few cuts of music in your arsenal that include traditional and contemporary musical theater as well as some pop/rock.”

Photography: Eva Nys • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn

Preparing for Your Trip The city might not sleep, but you have to! We recommend staying in a central location like Times Square to be close to all of the action. If you’re planning on auditioning while you’re in New York City, be sure to come prepared. “Bring all of your dance shoes, extra headshots, and resumes,” Jessica Walker recommends. “You never know what will happen and you may end up at more than one call or possibly asked to do more styles than you initially thought.” Remember, New York’s weather can be iffy as well. Kevin Csolak suggests that you “prepare for your trip with everything you need if you have to fix yourself up once you’re at the audition.”

" In NYC, a performer's schedule changes by the minute. be prepared for anything." A Class Act If you’re not heading to New York City to audition (or if you have some free time after the auditions), we definitely recommend you find time to take classes while you’re there! No matter what your favorite genre is, NYC has something for everyone. “Depending on what route you're pursuing,” Jessica said, "you can take ballet classes next to principal ballet

dancers like Misty Copeland at Steps or get jazzy with your favorite Broadway ensemble dancers in some of the fabulous theater classes at both Steps and Broadway Dance Center.” Kevin’s recommendations? It really depends on your style! “I love Broadway Dance Center for packed, inspiring and popular street styles. Steps on Broadway at 72nd street is where you go for the highest technique you can endure. Plus they have some incredible contemporary, lyrical, and modern courses as well. EXPG is an amazing studio for hip hop technique and underground, with incredible trainers.” Seeing the City Once auditions are over, it’s time to explore! While the classics, like Times Square and Rockefeller Center, are of course must-see places, there are quite a few lessknown places that are perfect for dancers to see. “First and foremost The Whitney Museum!” Kevin recommended. “It’s right on the water in Chelsea and it’s one of the most inspiring places for art in my opinion. Plus Chelsea market, an underground food & shopping center, is just a short walk away!” If you’re left craving more shopping after Chelsea market, Soho downtown is

just a short trip from there. “It’s THE fashion spot to go for all the best threads,” Kevin said.

AUDITION TIPS FROM THE PROS While every audition’s needs will differ, both Jessica and Kevin recommend one thing: Be flexible and available. “In NYC, a performer's schedule changes by the minute, be prepared for anything!” Jessica recommended. Kevin suggests you leave some time after each audition to potentially network. “Stick around after the audition and see if someone wants to grab lunch. You’ll be surprised who you meet over the times you visit and how many people know each other.” Stay up to date on upcoming opportunities for auditions in New York City and everywhere else by visiting our online magazine. We post audition opportunities every week! goshowstopper.com/ magazine

After spending the day shopping and sight seeing, it’s time for the main event — seeing performances! Whether it’s a Broadway show, the opera, or a ballet, you’re in for a memorable night. “Check out Lincoln Center and catch New York City Ballet at their resident theater,” Jessica suggested. “Or go to the Met which houses the Metropolitan Opera as well as American Ballet Theater. City Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Joyce also house many touring dance companies throughout the year.” If you just have time for one thing, Kevin recommends one experience above them all. “Being a dancer, Sleep No More is an interactive dance experience that everyone should encounter,” he said. “I don’t want to expand on what it actually is, but if you don’t go to this show while you’re here you’re missing out on a highly talked about event and maybe future job for you!” Tips Straight from New York While we had the opportunity to chat with these two NY dancers, we had to get some insider info to share with you. Luckily for us, Jessica gave us the inside scoop

on how to score discounted performance tickets. “If you want to catch a Broadway show, most shows have rush tickets which are available when the box office opens the day of the performance,” Jessica said. “Many shows have online lotteries as well. There is also a huge TKTS booth in the heart of Times Square where you can stand in line and get a great deal on tickets for many of the shows on Broadway.” Kevin’s recommendation comes down to one thing: put yourself out there. “Go immediately online to audition databases, go to Ripley Grier studios to see about any audition postings and even visit some agencies. It never hurts to ask questions to anyone in the business who’s there or who you might take class from! I learned so much by being that student who waits after class to ask additional questions or simply introduce myself outside of the hectic chaos of everyone saying thank you and goodbye at the end of class.” Of course every trip to New York City will differ depending on your goals and plans, but whatever you decide to do on your trip to NYC, the most important things to keep in mind are to be prepared, be flexible, and to have fun!

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ou might recognize 10-yearold Sky Brown from her big win with JT Church on Dancing with the Stars Juniors, but we guarantee you'll soon be seeing a lot more of this skateboarding and surfing prodigy. Next year, Sky is planning to head to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo as the youngest British competitor ever. Inspired by her drive and dedication, we sat down with her to talk about the grind it takes to get to that next level. Let's dive in! Kicking Things Off

"I started skateboarding when I was two years old," Sky told us. Since then, her life has been filled with accomplishments. Her favorite accomplishment as far as moves go? The 720. That's 720 degrees around! "It took me like two or three days to learn the 720," Sky said. She's not done, though. Sky is working on the 900, one of skateboarding's most technically

demanding tricks. Sky's dual citizenship left her with a choice to make when going for the Gold. Would she represent Japan or Britain in the 2020 Olympics? While both countries said they'd love to have her, Sky ultimately chose Britain, "because they said I could just have fun!" Sky said. Surf's Up

Sky is also an incredible surfer. "Surfing feels very similar to skateboarding," Sky told us. "One is on land and one is on water, but the feeling is the same." When Sky isn't traveling, she is living in her hometown of Miyazaki, Japan, where the water doesn't get any colder than 75-80 degrees. She uses these perfect surfing temps to her advantage, getting practice in even before school. "I wake up in the morning while it's still dark," Sky explained. "I like to be the first one out on the ocean at 6:00am." Now that is dedication!

Dancing with the Stars

Sky recently discovered a new passion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; dance! She competed on last season of Dancing with the Stars Juniors alongside partner JT Church. "Before I even went on Dancing with the Stars Juniors, I would dance in front of the mirror, and I was NOT good," Sky laughed. The grace and stamina she's built up by skating and surfing, paired with a great mentor and partner really turned things around, as Sky went on to win! "Meeting people was the best part," Sky told us, "especially my mentor, Alan Bersten, and my partner, JT. They are the best mentor and friends that I can ever have." In the future, Sky hopes to inspire other young, aspiring skaters to go for their goals. "I want people to recognize that they can do anything!" Sky told us. "Just get out there and do what you love!" We can't wait to cheer Sky on in all that she does next!

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Dancer: Sky Brown Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

FUTURE OLYMPIC SKATEBOARDER, SURFER, AND WINNER OF DWTS: JUNIORS E

E TIPS FROM THE PROS

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Photography: Courtesy of Fox • Design: Holly Ann Seweryn • Writing/Dancer: Hannahlei Cabanilla

Fashion

There are endless ways to wear a leotard! Fashion for ballet dancers is innovative and always evolving. Taking your style from studio to street has never been easier! Take your ballet-inspired style to the next level with our "Studio to Street" Series on our online magazine: goshowstopper.com/magazine

History

The Feeling!

Ballet makes us feel both empowered and fierce. There is so much determination, drive, passion, style, and discipline that goes into being a ballet dancer! The pure artistry of ballet and knowing how much time, effort, and perseverance are spent in the studio working at the barre, center, and eventually on the stage is what makes ballet so rewarding to perform.

The art of ballet is timeless. Ballet allows us to express our emotions through our movement and tell the stories of different choreographers from all over the world who have had their works passed down to ballerinas from generation to generation. How incredible that we as a dance community continue to preserve these fantastic full-length ballets/variations and perform the same steps from up to hundreds of years ago with choreography by legends like Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, and Robert Joffrey to name a few. There are so many iconic ballets performed by iconic ballerinas.

Photography: Elizabeth MH â&#x20AC;˘ Writing: Christy Lyn Huebner Design: Holly Ann Seweryn & Aaron Williams

PoP Culture

Ballet and modern popular culture have crossovers in the current media all the time. The art never stops. May it be through movement, fashion, film, or music, new creations revolving around this art form are always in the works across the globe. Fashion designers are using ballerinas as models and muses for new collections and runway shows. Artists are creating choreography to match their music, as using technically trained dancers for music videos is becoming widely popular! Ballet is being represented more authentically in movies and TV shows, with dancers being hired to give proper training and coaching to actors for roles involving the art form.

Athleticism

Ballet is a full-body workout that can improve your overall stamina and strength. Maintaining precise movements while keeping on tempo with the music can sometimes be physically tough on the body. But as tricky as this style may be to execute accurately, there is something so beautiful and freeing about the art form. The technical knowledge ballet gives to our dancing is genuinely remarkable. Being a ballerina is being a hard-core athlete all while making your art look effortless and beautiful at the same time.

Hey Green Queen, An easy way to help keep the Earth clean is by recycling our clothes. Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the highest polluters in the world? It’s time we change that! We're not saying to stop shopping, of course, but we can all become smarter shoppers. Instead of buying multiple trendy pieces that you’ll stop wearing in 3 months, buy one amazing piece that you can wear forever! Instead of throwing away that skirt or jacket you never wear anymore, try donating it to a local donation center or giving it to one of your friends! OR, try our "Patch Things Up" DIY to re-purpose an old jacket & fall in love with it all over again. Thrifting is one of our favorite ways to be eco-friendly! Scout out a thrift shop to find your new favorite boyfriend jean or a cute graphic tee! Everything at a thrift store is unique (and budget friendly!). Plus you’ll leave, bags in hand, feeling proud of the items you've found. Expert tip: Thrifting is more fun with friends. Call up

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SAVING THE PLANET ONE WARDROBE AT A TIME

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design: Holly Ann Seweryn • Writing: Addie Ware • Model: Piper Rockelle Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

your BFFs and spend the day trying to hunt down the best pieces you can find! Another way to be an eco-friendly shopper is to drop off your unwanted clothes at your nearest H&M recycling station! H&M recycles the clothes that you drop off to make their conscious collection, which is made with 100% recycled materials. Plus as a bonus, you'll get a 15% off coupon for your entire purchase when you drop off a bag. Talk about a life-hack while doing good for the planet! One of our favorite ways to be super fashionable while still being good to the planet is to DIY! Patches are an awesome way to jazz up an existing jacket. If you're total DIY queens like we are, there's more where that came from! We have DIYs and fabulous fashion advice on our online magazine: goshowstopper.com/magazine.

DIY Fall out of love with your denim jacket? You may have grown apart, but it doesn’t mean you have to break up. Patch things up and DIY it into your new favorite piece. Find some accessories that are sentimental. With your grandma's brooches or your mom's Girl Scout patches, you can create an extra special piece!

ctress Siena Agudong lit up our interview room with her bright personality. We got an exclusive look at her new show, No Good Nick, insight on her journey into acting, and a look at her new passion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; dance! Starting Things Up Siena started acting when she was just five years old, and like most, has heard her fair share of "no's." It hasn't slowed her down, though. "It has taught me to be patient," Siena explained. "It requires you to believe in yourself! You just have to trust the process." Her secret to getting through the ups and downs in the industry? LOVE. "You can't pursue something without loving yourself, having a love for the job, and getting love from your family and friends," she told us.

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Role of a Lifetime

Soccer Star & Dancing Diva

Currently, you can catch Siena on-screen in her new Netflix show, No Good Nick. She plays the lead, Nick, who is a young con artist playing schemes on people. "She's a very old soul, and very sharp," Siena shared. "Nick is not a bad person, but she does think she's the smartest person in the room. She loves to trick people to prove her intelligence. It's been challenging to play someone so confident, but really interesting too." Siena has gotten the best of both worlds in this new show: standard TV show filming with multiple takes, as well as filming in front of a live audience once a week. "We have live tapings on Fridays," she told us, "and it's so nice to get pumped up with the audience. There is an energy on set and everyone is so supportive!"

While Siena has always loved soccer, she had to temporarily give it up to move to LA for her new show. She's recently been trying out new activities, like hiking, swimming, and our favorite, dance! "Dance has helped me with confidence," Siena said. "It's helped me in life, too. In a dance class, it's important to remember everyone is learning. It helps me not to look around and think others are judging your mistakes. It's important to just live your life."

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Plans for the Future While Siena is scheming as Nick on her new Netflix show, she's also scheming up plans for her future. Her main goal? To book a movie. With her bubbly personality and passion for acting, we know we'll be seeing Siena on the big screen soon.

"I LOVE ART; DANCE WAS SOMETHING I NEEDED TO TRY"

E ACTRESS ON NETFLIX'S NO GOOD NICK

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Actress: Siena Agudong Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

EXCLUSIVE D VIDEO! E

E GO BEHIND THE 'GRAM WITH SIENA AGUDONG!

D DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"

E EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE WINNER OF DWTS: JRS

e got the inside scoop on JT Church's big Dancing with the Stars: Juniors win, where he gets his inspiration, and his experience being a male dancer in a predominately female industry. Lights...

JT's passion for dance was ignited when he saw a dance group performing at a local parade. He asked his parents if he could try it and he took his first class, a jazz boogie-fever class. Now? He couldn't imagine life without it. "I dance because it's part of me," JT said. "When I'm not dancing at my studio I'm usually watching dance on YouTube or dancing around my house. It takes all of my effort to get through dinner without getting up to turn or dance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it drives my mom crazy!" Dinner interruptions aside, JT's mom is an incredible support system. "My mom always reminds me that I'm the only person in the whole world that can dance like me so I should just be myself," JT explained. "I try not to compare myself to other

Photography: Lee Gumbs â&#x20AC;˘ Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn â&#x20AC;˘ Dancer: JT Church

people. It's easy to fall into a place where you are always comparing yourself or wishing you could do things that other people can do. I try to focus on my own growth as a dancer and be happy in my own skin." It wasn't always so easy to be so confident, though, and JT faced a lot of bullying when he first started in the industry. "The biggest challenge I've faced in my career is my size," JT said. "I'm thirteen now but still pretty small and it's hard for me to find dance partners. People always seem to think of me as the cute little boy with the bow tie from So You Think You Can Dance. I don't mind thinking I'm cute, but I'd like to think I have grown as a dancer, even if my size hasn't!" He's also faced some bullying for being a male dancer, something that, unfortunately, many male dancers must deal with at some point in their careers. "It used to really bother me and hurt my feelings," JT explained. "I've grown to be proud of who I am, though, and what I like to do. Dance makes me happy, so I'm not going to let someone else take that away from me," JT said.

Camera...

JT has shown off his moves on two iconic dance shows: So You Think You Can Dance and, most recently, Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. While both shows were a great learning experience for JT, they challenged him in different ways. "As a person, it was more challenging to work as a duo on DWTS: Juniors," JT told us. "I had to make sure my partner Sky and I looked great together on stage. As a soloist, I am in control of everything, but as a duo, I'm not. I had to make sure I was always ready to be there for Sky and help her learn whatever she was asked to do." Sky proved to be quite an incredible partner, as they ended up winning the competition overall. "Sky was so much fun!" JT told us. "As a skateboarder, she works really hard to learn new tricks and push herself. She brought that attitude to the dance floor. Even when she was frustrated she would push through until we got it right. We made a great partnership, and we will be friends for life!" JT was also challenged by a new experience in performing lifts. "The lifts were challenging as I hadn't done a lot of that before," he explained. "We had a lot of laughs working on getting those perfected!"

As the youngest dancer on the show, JT felt So You Think You Can Dance challenged him in a way he wasn't used to. "I hadn't trained in ballroom or Bollywood before, and I was weak in hip hop," he said. "It exposed me to other styles of dance I've never done before. After the show, I made it my mission to be the best I could be in all styles. I took the critiques from the show, and I've worked them into my training." He looks back on the show with deep fondness, especially in all the help he got from his mentor, Robert Roldan. "I was so blessed to be mentored by him. At first, I didn't think I even belonged in the Top 10, and I was anxious about how I would do. Robert believed in me and helped me to dance big and feel more confident in my talent. I'd love to dance with him again to see how I've grown since we first met. He's a great friend and mentor to me. I'd love to do one of our old routines or try something new! What do you say, Robert?"

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We say yes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that's definitely something we'd love to see! Action!

JT is incredibly passionate about anti-bullying causes, as he faced criticism himself. He would love to take action to inspire other dancers to keep pursuing their dreams and to spread kindness and positivity across the dance world. "Be kind â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it matters! There is room for everyone in the dance world," he said. "Remember to support your friends!" His goal for himself is just to keep working on his dance technique in a variety of genres and continue to try to be the best person he can be. He would love if DWTS: Juniors came back around, though, and so would we! Stay up to date on what JT is up to by following him on Instagram @JT_Church Plus! Watch an exclusive clip from his group dance at Showstopper by downloading our official app!

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We offer classes for everyone in all different genres of dance like jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, tap, belly dancing, clogging, pom pon, kickline, leaps and turns, and more. We also offer bonus classes like acting, voice, and auditioning. Perfect skills in your favorite genre or step outside your comfort zone to learn something new.

We provide all dancers with the opportunity to learn from and network with some of the most experienced dancers and choreographers from around the world. Expand your knowledge and understanding of dance. Participate in conversations and exercises that will help you grow as a dancer. Ask questions, try something new, and dance away feeling stronger and more confident than ever.

From days filled with fun classes to evening get-togethers, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impossible not to grow closer with your teammates. Work together to develop your technique and style in a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Learn from each other and from the dancers around you. Discover the true meaning of being a team and master working together for an unstoppable season.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a waterpark or a beach resort, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing better than mixing the excitement of learning new dances and the fun of vacation. Bring the whole family and enjoy all the amenities of our venues together. Enjoy fun on and off the dance floor. Get ready for a weekend filled with laughter, smiles, and non-stop fun.

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Photography/Design: Holly Ann Seweryn • Writing: Arielle Elonys • Dancer: Lindsay Rienstra

hen a rain cloud approaches, you might be tempted to grab your umbrella, your new rain boots, or find somewhere to stay dry. Storms can be messy, unpredictable, and typically don’t roll in and out according to your personal schedule. Uh, did the weather man not get the memo that I didn’t want it to rain today!? Thunderstorms, like unexpected obstacles, can disrupt your life a bit. But instead of trying to avoid the rain, what if you learned to just dance in it? SPLASH IN THE PUDDLES Does it make you nervous to take a risk because of the potential for rejection or failure? Now is your time to take that positive risk. Stop avoiding the puddles of life. Instead, jump right in! Go ahead; make a splash! Taking positive risks are known to enhance self-confidence, promote creativity, and build resilience and persistence. Next time you see a big puddle, take a splash with both feet. Who cares if you get a little bit muddy!

FORGET THE UMBRELLA In a world full of pressures to be perfect, it’s hard to let other people see your imperfections or be okay with messing up. But what if you stopped living to impress other people and started to make decisions that made you feel alive? Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be so perfect that you don’t let yourself experience the incredible things already going on around you. Find the beauty and wonder in the imperfection, and find joy in every moment. LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING Days aren’t always sunny and sometimes the clouds can feel overwhelming. Continue to put one foot in front of the other even when you can’t see exactly where you are going. The silver lining doesn’t mean that everything will turn out perfect, but it does mean that there is always hope, even if all you can see right now are clouds. On your next cloudy day, search for ways you can grow and

learn, and make a choice to find (and be!) the sunshine. Those rainclouds can only darken your day if you let them! FIND YOUR REFLECTION Sometimes we get so carried away by trying to be someone we are not, that we forget exactly who we are! Take a moment to find your reflection in the water. There will never be another quite like yours, and that makes it perfect! Make a decision today to love your reflection instead of trying to change it. FIND THE RAINBOW In order to see a rainbow you need two ingredients: sunlight and rain. Every time it “rains” in your life, instead of focusing on the negative, choose to focus on the rainbow that will come once the rain has stopped. It is a simple decision, and all you need to change is your perspective. But that is something that only you can do. You CAN dance in the rain, you CAN be the sunshine, and a rainbow WILL come eventually... you just have to believe it first.

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Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design: Holly Ann Seweryn Writing: Hayley Mac Cooper • Dancer: Kennedy Paige Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

1/4 cup frozen raspberries 1 half banana 3/4 cup almond milk Witney Carson is well-known for her Latin ballroom dancing skills, which we got to see on Season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance and now each season of Dancing with the Stars. Having to perform as often as she does, maintaining her health and stamina are crucial. "Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is super important to me," Witney said. "As a professional dancer, I am always looking for new ways to challenge my body and stay active and healthy

during Dancing with the Stars as well as the off-season." Lucky for us, Witney shared some of her favorite ways to stay healthy. From a fruitpacked smoothie that's also high in protein, to her go-to workouts during the summer season, here are some of the techniques that keep Witney in shape before, during, and after performance season. So grab your blender, a pair of sneakers, and your favorite workout attire (or grab an outfit from Witney's new athletic line, CAPRI by Witney), and let's get going!

One scoop of protein (I love Clean Simple Eats' vanilla flavor) 1 scoop of Amazing Grass alkalize powder Mix up & enjoy!

Photography: Maquel Cooper and Jon Volk • Design: Nikki Cole & Holly Ann Seweryn • Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Dancer: Witney Carson

Check out Witney's tips on fitness, lifestyle, and fashion on her blog: witneycarson.com

HIKE: Hikes are a go-to for me. Whether you are in the mood to walk or run, they are a great way to get some fresh air and get your body going. It's also a great way to hit those steps. The best part is you can even bring your furry friend for an added bonus! BEACH VOLLEYBALL: This is a perfect activity to do with friends during the summer. Playing a game is a fun pastime and you get to burn calories while doing it! SUNRISE YOGA: A sunrise or sunset yoga session is a must during the summer. I love doing yoga at the beach or at a scenic outlook. It's a great way to unwind, take in nature, and tone your muscles. @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Photography: Shutterstock â&#x20AC;¢ Design: Holly Ann Seweryn

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e linked up with dancer Sage Rosen to talk about the criticism he faced when he first started dancing, his journey on the Showstopper stage, and his big Dancing with the Stars: Juniors debut.

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Dancer: Sage Rosen Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

On Overcoming Judgment When Sage first started dancing, he cared a lot about what other people thought. "I was kind of embarrassed to dance at first," Sage told us. "I started dancing when I was nine, and I loved it. I just wanted to keep going and train. After I started training everyday, I realized that the judgment didn't matter. This was my passion." While Sage got a later start dancing than most dancers, just one year in, he fell, quite literally, in love with the Showstopper stage. "I competed with Showstopper when I was ten years old, and I fell off the stage!" Sage laughed. Lucky for us, Sage didn't let his fall stop him - he's been dancing across the Showstopper stage since and even won our Senior Competitive category last year! On Dancing with the Stars Sage recently competed on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors alongside partner Mackenzie

Ziegler (our cover star!). "It was probably the best experience of my life," Sage gushed. "I had the best mentor and best partner. Kenzie and I are still great friends; we always say we're the same person." Since both he and his partner are dancers, the expectations were extremely high. "Kenzie is a dancer, but ballroom is different," Sage said. "Everyone put an expectation on us to be amazing, but we were learning like everyone else. After the first two weeks, we started gaining more confidence." Their mentor definitely helped with that. "He taught us to have confidence in ourselves and to compete with ourselves, not with others." On Being on Screen Sage hasn't just had screen-time on Dancing with the Stars Juniors, he's also been on Lip Sync Battle Shorties, on Little Big Shots, and in quite a few music videos. "Filming for music videos means very long days," Sage explained. "You're constantly dancing because you keep doing it over and over since it's not a live performance. It's so fun, but they're super hard; you're dead tired after!" As for where Sage is going next, he hopes to start choreographing and possibly get into acting. “Above all, I just want to keep creating more dance,” Sage told us.

A WEEK WITH

SAGE M O N D AY S Workout with a trainer 6-7 hours of dance Schoolwork

T U E S D AY S Ballroom dance training 6-7 hours of dance Schoolwork

W E D N E S D AY S Workout with a trainer 6-7 hours of dance Schoolwork

T H U R S D AY S Ballroom dance training 6-7 hours of dance Schoolwork

F R I DAYS - S U N DAYS Dance, gigs, & fitting in some friend-time.

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B D A Photography/Design: Holly Ann Seweryn â&#x20AC;˘ Writing: Hayley Mac Cooper â&#x20AC;˘ Dancer: Lindsay Rienstra

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limbing the stairs of success takes hard work, innovation, and determination. But as you navigate each step, take a moment to soak in all the positive things that surround you. The wonder and amazement of what is around you will help spark the creativity that is already within you. Inspiration can be found everywhere! And feeling inspired will add vibrant color to your world and breathe new life into your choreography, creative expression, and dance style.

Be a Showstopper! When you see the word SHOWSTOPPER in pink, you know you are about to be inspired. Whether you are competing, taking a master class, or reading our #1 Teen Dance Magazine, you will always find amazingly talented and inspiring people.

Embrace Change

Explore Nature

Use Your Imagination

Orange represents change. Change can be scary but never going outside of your comfort zone will leave you lifeless and robotic. Challenge yourself to learn a completely new style of dance. Modern influences will generate a renewed energy and maturity in your movement while you grow in your dance vocabulary.

Step outside, take off your shoes, and feel the sensation of your bare feet dancing in the green grass. From the quiet landscapes of the country to the hustle and bustle of the city, you can find all sorts of inspiration outdoors. Observing what you see and hear will help you to create unique rhythm patterns, original prop ideas, and compelling variations of movement in the way that you choreograph and perform.

Purple is the color of imagination. New experiences and an inquisitive spirit can fill your imagination with originality, dynamic color, and fresh perspectives. Get out and experience the world. Decide to be a life-long learner. Read a book. Listen to new music. Challenge your mind! As you get out and explore, your imagination and creative expression will be sure to follow!

Daydream

Fun fact: The color black is required for all other colors to have depth and variation of hue. So embrace the darkness! Turn the studio lights down and dance a little in the dark. Notice how the quality of your movement is influenced as you find yourself less inhibited, take more positive risks, and feel the freedom to express more emotion.

Shoot for the Stars No doubt you have dreamed of seeing your name in bright, yellow lights. Go watch your favorite star in a movie, a musical, a symphony, or a concert. Appreciating all forms of art and watching professionals at the very top of their career will awaken a deeper dimension to your dance style and encourage you to incorporate new and fresh ideas into your choreography.

Did you know that too much blue light from your smartphone can actually be harmful to your brain? Put your devices down today and spend time being technology-free. In the stillness, give yourself permission to doze off and daydream. Your next great idea might be waiting for you right there over the clouds.

Dance in the Dark

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e met up with the fabulous Piper Rockelle to talk about her experience as a young actress and aspiring dancer and how she's had to overcome dyslexia along the way.

A Challenging Journey Like so many who are successful in the industry, Piper knew from a young age that she wanted to be an actress. "I would always watch TV shows like Friends and Full House, and I loved all of the characters," Piper told us. "I knew I wanted to act." While her decision to dive into the industry was an easy one, the journey toward where she is today wasn't always so smooth. "I was always very nervous because I'm dyslexic," Piper said about her disorder that causes difficulty reading words and numbers. "When I have to read lines I always worry I'm not going to be

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able to read them correctly or remember them." While her dyslexia and her anxiety around it were an obstacle along her journey, her love of acting kept her going. "It was really stressful," Piper told us, "but I pushed through it because I love acting so much." Sky's the Limit Despite her fears, Piper persevered and scored the role of Sky in Brat TV's Mani, a teen comedy about a male nanny. Piper connects with her character in a lot of ways and even feels they have similar personalities. "We both love fashion,

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Actress/Dancer: Piper Rockelle Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

wearing bows, and being funny," Piper told us. Piper recently discovered her love of dance after filming a dance battle scene with Sky's BFF Harmony (played by Hayley LeBlanc). "I love dance," Piper told us. "I feel really good when I dance, and I would love to continue perfecting my dance skills." For someone just starting to dance, Piper learned the choreography quite quickly. "It took four days," Piper explained. "The first day we went to the choreographer and learned the dance. We practiced on the second and third days, and then filmed it on the fourth day." Despite the quick turn around, it ended up being Piper's favorite scene to film so far.

"I really wish it could happen in real life," Piper laughed. "I wish you could have a dance-off anytime you wanted!" Work Hard & Relax Piper puts the work in every week, but she also recognizes the importance of self-care. "Whenever I'm feeling tired while working I remind myself that I just have to get this done and then I can relax," Piper told us. "I work all day," Piper said, "So at around 9:00pm I just stop and pamper myself. I shower, put on a face mask, and make a cup of tea. It really helps me calm down and focus on what I need to do for the next day or so." It's refreshing in an industry that requires such hard work to see someone who is successful and can still stop to relax. Taking care of ourselves is just as important as the work we put in, and it's essential we remember that! If all goes as planned, Piper hopes to try her acting skills on a bigger screen, with aspirations of being in a short film. We can't wait to see where she goes next!

MONDAYS Filming for her YouTube Channel

TUESDAYS Vocal lessons Dance lessons Homeschool work

WEDNESDAYS Acting lessons Homeschool work

THURSDAYS Vocal lessons Dance lessons Homeschool work

FRIDAYS - SUNDAYS Gigs & filming YouTube videos with her friends

EXCLUSIVE D VIDEO! E

E GET TO KNOW PIPER ROCKELLE IN THIS EXCLUSIVE VIDEO! DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"

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Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Dancer: Will Simmons • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Fashion Stylist: Angel Roberts

e met up with hip hop dancer Will Simmons at our Showstopper Magazine photo shoot and not only talked dance and music, but also got the inside scoop on his new clothing line, BW Simmons.

Where it All Began...

What first sparked Will's passion for dance was seeing his sister on the stage. "I watched her dance and told my parents, 'I want to do exactly what she is doing,'" Will told us. "I wanted to be on that stage performing. I've been dancing ever since!" While Will started where most dancers start — in jazz, contemporary, and ballet, Will soon discovered his true passion — hip hop — when a studio that specialized in it opened up right

next to his house. "Usually at other studios, there are only 2-3 guys," Will told us. "This studio had a ton! It made me so happy to dance with other guys who loved to dance." While Will exudes confidence now, it was challenging for him when he first broke into the industry, as he felt different from his peers. "I felt like dance was something that I had to fall in love with," Will said, "and when I did, I embraced my uniqueness and my differences and let it drive me."

Growing up in Los Angeles

Dress for Success

Will may have started where most dancers start genre-wise, but he had the pleasure of growing up where most dancers only dream of going — LA. "It's crazy because I grew up here," Will explained. "To see so many dancers come here with their passion, their love, and their work ethic, it continues to inspire me and makes me train twice as hard!" Growing up in LA definitely has its perks, a variety of classes and auditions are right around the corner. One thing Will has learned from going to auditions? "Don't take things personally when you get a 'no.' When you're in this industry, and you don't get the gig, it may not have been right for you. Just take the no and work even harder; it makes the 'yes' feel that much better."

Will recently took his talents to the clothing world and launched his own clothing line — BW Simmons. "It was originally named BW to represent my nickname, Big Will, but then I had the inspiration for it to represent the idea of 'Being a Winner,'" Will told us. "Being a winner, to me, is doing the best you can and then doing better than you did yesterday. You should always challenge yourself and see what new heights you can achieve."

While Will has faced some 'no's' in the industry, he's had quite a few successes — including being cast in Disney's Club Mickey Mouse, as a Disney Mouseketeer. "Working with Disney is probably, hands down, one of my favorite jobs I've ever done," Will told us. "My favorite part about filming is whenever we are in the dance studio and have to create a song. It's our first time actually hearing the music fully mastered and tracked with everyone's voices together." Will was also recently cast as Travis in the dance movie, Next Level. "We had tons of backup dancers on set and an amazing choreographer named Flex," Will told us. "Getting to vibe and work with the other dancers was phenomenal." Will also showed off his moves in Childish Gambino's music video "This is America," which ended up winning 4 Grammys, 3 MTV Awards, and 2 BET Awards. "To be a part of such a successful music video was absolutely unreal," Will told us.

As for the look of the clothing, BW Simmons has an urban/trendy vibe. "It's like taking a look through my closet of what I would usually wear," Will explained. "A designer helped me with about 4-5 logos, and we use foil to put heat pressure on the apparel to emboss the images. It has to set for about a day, and then I get to wear it all around town! I think the reason that I love having a clothing line so much is that it makes me feel connected to people. If they love this merch, then they'd love my closet, too. I'd love to connect with people worldwide and have my clothing line reach people in the Dominican Republic, Japan, and Africa. I'd love to be able to give back to charity organizations in the future, too."

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GO BEHIND THE 'GRAM WITH WILL SIMMONS!

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21-year-old dance photographer, Eva Nys, whose work is featured throughout this magazine, has only been doing photography seriously for four years. In such a short time, she has been able to capture the grace of so many wellknown dancers and has even traveled to gorgeous locations like NYC and Paris to do so! Growing up, Eva danced at a studio in Arizona and on her high school dance team. So it only makes sense that while she started with other types of photography, she quickly realized that her niche was dance photography. "I've always danced throughout my life," Eva told us, "It felt so natural to capture what I love!" While finding her niche was seemingly a nobrainer, breaking into the industry wasn't easy. "Being young

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and female, it was tough to get people to take me seriously as the majority of the dance photographers 3-4 years ago were older men," Eva explained. "I feel like the photography industry has evened out a bit more now and it makes me so happy to see a lot of other young female dance photographers killing it!"

anything else you might need at the shoot." Her second piece of advice? "Know your strengths, be confident about them, and use them at the shoot," she said. "Prepare ahead of time by trying out different poses and movements in the mirror. Be able to improvise! Some of the best images come when the dancer is able to just move in front of the camera."

Since Eva has gotten the experience of photographing so many young dancers, we had to get her advice for dancers who are going to be modeling at a photo shoot. She had two pieces of advice for dancers. The first is to come prepared. "Bring a suitcase if you have to. You'll only regret not bringing enough," she told us. "I recommend a nude leotard, a black leotard, pointe shoes, high socks, tights, and

While she still loves dance herself, she now spends most of her time on the other side of the camera. For those who want to try out dance photography, she has a few pieces of advice for you as well. "Take a class, but only to learn how to use the camera," she said. "Then, just start using the camera to figure out what works for you. Most importantly? You have to photograph what you love, not what you think is going to make you the most money."

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Photography: Eva Nys â&#x20AC;¢ Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn

on dance, music, and touring this summer

hen Mackenzie Ziegler first graced our TV screens with her infectious laugh, confidence, and competitive nature, we knew she was going to be a star. We sat down with "Kenzie" to talk about her love of dance, breaking into the music industry, and her upcoming tour.

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn • Dancer/Singer/Actress: Kenzie Ziegler Hair & Makeup Artist: Glenn Nutley • Fashion Stylist: Jessica Margolis

All About Dance

From a young age, Kenzie knew she wanted to dance. Starting at the age of two, she was first intrigued by dance by watching her sister Maddie take classes. While there was always a bit of friendly competition involved with her and her sister, the competitive nature of dance was actually really stressful for Kenzie. "Competing helped me to grow, but it's nice to enjoy dance now without that pressure," Kenzie said. "Now, I dance for the pure love of it!" Although dance is mainly for fun now, Kenzie has learned a lot from her experience in the dance world. "Dance has given me a lot of discipline," she told us. "Dance taught me how to set goals and work hard to achieve them." That hard work and discipline has come in handy for the TV shows she's been on, and took her and her partner, Sage Rosen, quite far on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.

It Was in the Stars

While Kenzie has been in the dance world for a long time, the travel and press involved with Dance Moms meant there wasn't always time to continue her training. So when she was asked to take part in Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, she leaped at the opportunity. "One of my favorite dance memories was being part of DWTS: Juniors," Kenzie told us. "I had so much fun with my mentor and the other dancers; I never wanted it to end!" It's no surprise, then, that her favorite routine ever was while she was on the show. "I loved my hip hop routine to Justin Bieber's 'Drummer Boy'. It was seriously so much fun!" A Class Act

First known as a dancer, Kenzie has since expanded her skill set to the acting and music industries. First breaking into acting, her first ever audition was for Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn. "I actually booked the show!" Kenzie told us. With all of the gigs she's done throughout her career thus far, Kenzie is used to the spotlight. That doesn't mean she doesn't get nervous, though! Her advice to someone who gets nervous before auditioning? "Just do the best you can and then let it go. If it is meant to be, it will be!" Kenzie said.

PREPARING FOR AUDITIONS I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to stress!

DEALING WITH STRESS Don’t sweat the small the stuff

NOT BOOKING THE GIG All you can do is just do the best you can and then let it go.

GETTING SUPPORT Don't be afraid to rely on your family. My sister is always so supportive and encouraging when I need it. My mom is how I juggle it all. She's the best!

TRUE FRIENDS Friendship relies on honesty, loyalty and dependability

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Song & Dance

While many dancers find themselves getting into singing because of their passion for music, Kenzie's spark was ignited by Hannah Montana. "I was obsessed with her and wanted to be her," Kenzie reminisced. Now, with the release of her album Phases, she herself is a seasoned pro. She even works with other pros in the industry to make sure her songs come from a place of authenticity. "I usually sit down with the writers, and we just talk about life," Kenzie told us. "Sometimes we use the stories for a

song idea. Then I work with amazing co-writers for the lyrics and melody." While she sounds like a pro to us, she's still new to the industry. "I'm still learning, and it is so fun to see it come together," she told us. Kenzie is currently working on new music, but the song "Emoceans" will always be relatable to her hectic life. "It's about not letting yourself get overwhelmed or pushed down," Kenzie explained. So how does she juggle it all? "My mom," Kenzie said. "She's the best!" While we're sure it can get hard constantly being in the spotlight while trying to juggle so much, Kenzie has a secret weapon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; confidence. "Always carry yourself confidently," Kenzie said, "even if you don't necessarily feel it." While we've still got Kenzie's album, Phases, on constant repeat on Spotify, this summer we'll have the chance to see her live in concert. She'll be adding some girl power to PRETTYMUCH's North American FOMO Tour, kicking off July 11th. You can find all of the tour dates at prettymuch.com/tour.

WITH INSIGHT FROM KENZIE "It is incredible in some ways, but it is also tough to see public opinions. I think all teens struggle with the good/bad of social media. I am no different!"

GO-TO EMOJIS:

FUN FACTS ABOUT

KENZIE FAV COLOR Red

TV BINGE The 100

FAV PASSPORT STAMP Australia

FAV BOOK Wonder

CLOSET STAPLE Doc Martens

FAV MOVIE Mid90s

A Novel Idea

book? Some

Last year, Kenzie used some of the insight she's gained throughout her years in the industry to write her book, Kenzie's Rules for Life: How to Be Happy, Healthy, and Dance to Your Own Beat. She decided to write the book for two reasons: her sister and her fans. "I watched my sister work on her book, and it made me want to tell my own story," Kenzie explained. "Also, I have amazing supporters that follow everything I do. They are always asking me questions on social media. It made me realize that we are all dealing with the same struggles! I thought it would be great to put my thoughts in one place to share with them all!" As for what she hopes her readers get out of her

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"iF YOU BELiEVE iN YOURSELF... ANYTHiNG iS POSSiBLE!" positive inspiration. "I hope that when my fans read it, they see they can do whatever they set their minds to," Kenzie explained. "If you believe in yourselfâ&#x20AC;¦ anything is possible!" Kenzie has already come so far in such a short time, and we are so excited to watch where this triple threat goes next! Until then, we'll be in the front row on the FOMO tour cheering her on!

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Photography: Eva Nys • Design: Holly Ann Seweryn & Aaron Williams • Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn

competed at dance competitions throughout her teen years. After years of putting the work in, she started booking gigs with major stars â&#x20AC;&#x201D; her first gig was as Janet Jackson's back up dancer. #GOALS! She later went on to dance for celebrities including P!nk, Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake. It wasn't long before her talent was recognized and she went from dancing for stars to becoming one. Working Things Out

Now, Jenna is incredibly busy and juggles a variety of things each day. As a professional dancer, it's essential that, despite her busy schedule, she still maintains her stamina and health, so Jenna tries to fit workouts

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in a couple of times a week. "I like going to a fun, upbeat class with loud music, like dance cardio," Jenna said. "I grew up dancing, so I generally push myself a bit harder when I'm around a crowd." We love that she still fits dance into her life! Once a dancer, always a dancer. Staying Healthy

Jenna gets the energy to juggle so much by maintaining a healthy vegan diet. "I consider eating healthy a way of life because I feel better, plain and simple," Jenna said. Since she's constantly on the go, she relies on foods that she can prepare in advance and take with her during her busy day. Her go-to food is Tabouli. "I'm part Lebanese on my dad's side of the family, so I grew up eating tabouli," she said. "It's my favorite. I like to make things that will keep for a couple of days so I can just grab and go. I also love hummus, and I always have some kind of fruit with me. It's like emergency food." Sounds like Jenna's got the grab-and-go game down.

Photography: Getty Images â&#x20AC;˘ Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn

enna Dewan has been slaying the dance game since she graced the Showstopper stage a couple of decades ago. We love Jenna because she's not only extremely talented, but she also started where many Showstopper dancers did. Jenna was on her high school cheerleading team and

Getting Down to Business

Fav Breakfast Food Green smoothie

(See her recipe on page 63!)

Fav Cardio Dance, of course! Go-To Skincare Product Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops Fav Saturday Activity Flea market shopping Go-To Comfort Food French fries

With Jenna hosting Seasons 1 and 2 of World of Dance, we got to see her on our TV screens quite often. Nowadays, she's taking a small break from that world to focus on some of her other projects, including designing a capsule dancewear collection for Danskin. "My biggest motivation was to create a collection for the busy woman," she said. From the studio to the street, Jenna's new athleisure line is perfect for the girl-on-the-go. "You can wear the pieces to the gym, to run errands and you can also transition them for a night out with your girlfriends," explained Jenna. Now, Jenna is busy producing the TV Series Step Up: High Water and finishing up her book, Gracefully You: How to Live Your Best Life Every Day, which is expected to be released October 2019.

Throwback to Teen Life: "In high school I was always thinking, 'Should I be doing more? What else should I be doing?' Now I know it will all come to me. I just have to trust my path."

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Aquarius (1/20-2/18)

PISCES pisces (2/19-3/20)

Aries ARIES (3/21-4/19)

As a curious-by-nature

You’re going to have to call

It’s time to take action, Aries!

Aquarius, you tend to get

upon that Pisces flexibility

That idea that’s been lurking

tired of the same-old same-

this summer — and not just in

in the back of your mind?

old. This summer you’ll

your newest dance routine.

It’s time to prioritize it and

find yourself eager to try

You might already have your

bring it to life. While you’re

something new. Whether

summer majorly planned

always passionate and

it’s picking up a new hobby,

out, Pisces, but something

ambitious, Aries can also be

a weekend away from

may come up near August

a little hasty. Bring someone

the usual, or putting some

that will cause you to have

you trust on board (like

temporary hair chalk in

to bend a little bit. Try to

your mom or your BFF) to

your hair to switch up the

have an open mind — it

give you a different, outside

color, do something new to

could turn out even better

perspective on the decisions

appease your curiosity!

than you imagined!

you choose to make.

LEO (7/23-8/22)

VIRGO LIBRA (8/23-9/22) (9/23-10/22)

You’ve been tolerant with a

You’ve been apprehensive

Life’s all about balance; and

situation this year (as Leos

all year about taking a leap

no one knows that better

usually are) but this summer

of faith on a situation close

than you, Libra! While your

things are going to come to

to you. It’s probably because,

grace gets you far in life,

a head. As a Leo, you can

as a Virgo, you can be a little

it’s time to start channeling

also have a tendency to be

overly critical of yourself so

that inner passion and drive

2/10 - AQUARIUS

CELEB SIGNS YARA SHAHIDI

a little blunt when talking to

you might be scared it won’t

as well. Find something that

people. When addressing the

go perfectly. Remember,

really lights your inner fire

NOAH CENTINEO

situation, be sure to keep a

though, no one is! You might

and dive in! It might be a

5/9 - TAURUS

level head and phrase things

have been nervous in the

challenge at first, but that’s

KENZIE ZIEGLER

as neutrally as possible.

past, but trust us, this summer

where that grace comes back

Remember, not everyone is

is the time to really go for

in. Even if you fall the first time,

6/4- GEMINI

always as strong as you are!

your goals!

get up and try again.

MADDIE ZIEGLER 9/30 - LIBRA

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*for entertainment purposes only

GEMINI Taurus TAURUS (4/20-5/20) (5/21-6/20)

CANCER (6/21-7/22)

This summer you might find

SOS! Someone around you

Gear up! This is going to be

that you have a little Taurus

is going to need your help

a super sentimental summer

trouble in BFF paradise. While

this summer, Gemini! Use

for you. As a Cancer, you’re

the disagreement will seem

your natural resourcefulness

always drawn to the love

like a huge deal at the time,

to help them out — they

of family and friends, but

it’s definitely not the end of

won’t be able to do it

this summer you’re going to

the world (or your friendship!).

without you. While you’re

find yourself feeling a little

The key is to put aside that

helping others this summer,

nostalgic towards the past.

typical Taurus stubbornness

be sure to also focus in on

Don’t ignore the urge to

and try to see things from

your Gemini intellect. Pick

remember, instead head to a

your friend’s perspective too.

up some books on Amazon

craft store and pick up some

Come to a compromise and

or subscribe to a new

memory book supplies and

you and your BFF will be fine!

ambitious blogger!

get crafting!

Photo: Shutterstock • Design: Holly Ann Seweryn

SCORPIO SAGITTARius SAGITTarius CAPRICORN (10/23-11/21) (11/22-12/21) (12/22-1/19) Not much can challenge the

Hey there, Miss Independent.

A word to the wise (we’re

Scorpio focus. Once you’ve

Your Sagittarius ability to be

talking to you, Capricorn!), your

decided on something, you

independent has gotten you

intelligence is going to play a

almost always do it. While this

far in many areas of your life.

major role this summer. While

can sometimes get you into

This summer, though, you’ll

it might not be something

trouble with hasty decisions,

be pulled into a situation that

that you planned for, you’re

this summer that passion

you're not used to. You’ll have

going to be put into a situation

is going to be the deciding

to rely on someone else to get

where your brains and talent

factor in taking a step in the

what you want! While you can

will get you far. The bad news?

right direction. Keep your

tend to be inflexible (besides

This situation will likely come

eyes peeled for something

in dance) try to bend a little

near the end of summer, so

that calls out to your intense

when you encounter this

you’ll have to channel that

Scorpio drive!

new situation!

Capricorn patience!

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Photos: Shutterstock â&#x20AC;˘ Design: Holly Ann Seweryn

Photos: Shutterstock • Design/Writing: Holly Ann Seweryn

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Kenzie Ziegler's favorite passport stamp

What every dancer gets who competes at Showstopper

Kennedy Paige has a room in her house dedicated to practicing and her ________.

The highest award you can get at Showstopper

Find us on social with the handle @____________

This summer, JoJo Siwa will be performing on her _____ Tour

Siena Agudong’s first ever acting role: _____ ______ (2 words)

April 21st, 2020 will mark the first ever ___________ ___ (2 words)

JT Church’s passion for dance was ignited when he saw a dance group performing at a local ______

There's No Place Like ___________

Will Simmons’ new clothing line name means “Being a ______”

Ruby Jay’s first ever audition was for ________ ______ (2 words)

Kendall Vertes’ go-to beauty tool (2 words)

America Loves to_____!

Sky Brown is planning to compete in the 2020 ________.

Piper Rockelle recently had a dance-off scene on this Brat TV show

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Before trying dance, Jake Monreal was a very good ________ player

Showstopper’s newest international location (City Country)

Each week, on the Showstopper _______ ____ we highlight what's trending in lifestyle and dance news (2 words)

The theme of this edition of Showstopper Magazine (3 words)

The best place to shop for trendy clothes in NYC is ____ downtown

When Sage Rosen was ten years old he fell off the Showstopper _____

The title of Chloe East’s favorite rom com movie (2 words)

This drops at our Finals every year

20 Jenna Dewan’s go-to smoothie is this color

HINT:

Use your Showstopper knowledge and the articles in this magazine to find the answers!

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

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