Dance is a diverse art form that creates a connection between movement and music. With its various styles, dance acts as a universal influence around the globe, and every dancer is unique to themselves. Junior Avery Izzo is one of the many dancers that call Foran their home. Izzo reveals the secrets behind dancing, and her story with the sport.
Q: How and when did you get started with dancing?
A: When I was 4 years old, my mom and I went to go see a ballet called The Nutcracker performed in New York City. I was captivated. I enjoyed the show so much that it inspired me to start dancing at my local dance studio.
Q: How do you prepare for a dance performance?
A: To prepare for a dance performance, one of my essentials is drinking Gatorade, so I don’t get dehydrated. From a mental standpoint, I try not to stress over the performance to come, and have fun with my friends instead to calm me down. Then, when it’s time to start getting ready in my costume and makeup, I enjoy hanging out with other dancers to go over the dances, and practice before going on stage.
Q: How do you stay motivated to keep practicing and improving?
A: Seeing other dancers in the studio always makes me want to continue to practice and improve. This is also because I love watching other people dance. It makes me remember how I fell in love with the sport and participating in it.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to learn how to dance?
A: The biggest piece of advice that I would give to a new dancer is that it’s definitely going to be difficult at first. You need to push past that point and keep going to get better and learn more.
Q: How has dancing impacted other areas of your life?
A: Dance has impacted my life in other areas because it has helped me with developing my skills in cheer, another one of my passions. Dance definitely has taken up a lot of my free time, but it helps me stay on a strict schedule and get my other work done, building my time management skills.
