It takes more than just great physical dance skills to be a good dancer. It also takes dedication, a strong work ethic, artistry, athleticism, an undying passion and humility. For young dancers coming into their own, it’s helpful to see examples of these kinds of individuals who are enjoying success as they develop into beautiful young artists.
Noe Leilani. Photo by Nylda Aldarondo-Jeffries.
Cutting-edge dancewear brand Só Dança, has a So Dancer program, made up of an elite group of dancers who inspire the next generation of dancers. Being a So Dancer ambassador is a year-long commitment, and talent is annually evaluated by the Só Dança team.
“The program has been designed with the intention of providing pre-professionals the quality tools to better themselves in their art form,” explains Só Dança USA Marketing Consultant Susie Riefenhauser. “We understand that, in this day and age, exposure is key. For this reason, we offer a platform providing our So Dancers with valuable connections and content to better broaden their network of opportunities.”
Catherine Rowland. Photo by Yuna Jewelewicz.
Riefenhauser says Só Dança is looking for those who are passionate and dedicated to their art form. Noe Leilani, Isobel Rose and Catherine Rowland are three such So Dancer ambassadors.
“Noe, Isobel and Catherine are incredible, each in their own way,” Riefenhauser says. “Their common determination, hard work and love is celebrated by Só Dança and their peers. They are truly very special young dancers who we feel are extensions of the Só Dança family. They challenge us to design and create products that fit their needs as they grow as dancers. As true athletes, these young dancers put their art, body and heart into every class or competition they participate in. Therefore, we want to stand behind them, cheer them on and be there to celebrate as they grow.”
Isobel Rose wearing Só Dança. Photo by Lisbet Photography.
Even before Noe (age 11), Isobel (age 11) and Catherine (age 13) were So Dancers, they were avid fans of Só Dança dancewear and shoes. Isobel says she’s always loved and worn Só Dança leotards but now also wears the SD16 ballet slippers and the brand new stretch canvas half shoe, The Bullet. Noe adores Só Dança’s indoor/outdoor booties, mesh tights and the entire Sara Mearns collection (SMxSD). Catherine can’t live without the SD16 ballet slippers and Só Dança’s fashion leotards.
“I think it’s the people behind Só Dança that make it so special,” says Noe, who trains at Skyra Studios in Florida, and whose main focus is ballet. “The company is constantly trying to innovate and create new products to solve dancer problems, like the new Bullet shoe that has more coverage on the top of the foot and won’t slip off your heel, or making shoes available in a wide range of skin colors.”
Noe Leilani. Photo by Nylda Aldarondo-Jeffries.
Isobel, who also trains at Skyra Studios and studies ballet, modern and contemporary, agrees that Só Dança’s focus is really “for the dancer”. “They truly care about the dancer and create products that are not only well made and beautiful but also what the dancer really needs in their dance bag and on their body and feet,” she says.
Catherine, who studies classical ballet at International Ballet Academy in North Carolina, adds, “What truly makes Só Dança great is the people. Só Dança’s team is caring, generous, hard-working and super fun! I appreciate all they do to make being a So Dancer so exciting.”
Catherine Rowland. Photo by Yuna Jewelewicz.
As So Dancers, Noe, Isobel and Catherine have the responsibility of representing Só Dança by wearing the products and encouraging and inspiring other dancers. Isobel says she also strives to “show that with a strong work ethic, hard things are doable…even for tiny dancers.”
In addition, Noe says, “I think my role is to show how a real dancer wears and loves the products. I love talking to people, either on social media or in my daily life, about Só Dança products because I really believe in what the company is doing.”
Isobel Rose wearing Só Dança. Photo by Lisbet Photography.
“I love being a So Dancer because you get to meet so many different people in the dance industry, along with participating in many fun photo shoots!” Catherine explains. “I feel honored to represent such an amazing company!”
And while these three So Dancers may be young, they all have big dreams and aspirations for their professional career.
“My goal is to someday be a principal dancer in a major ballet company that performs both classical repertoire, along with contemporary works,” Noe shares. “After what I hope will be a long career, I would also like to teach.”
“My long-term goal is to someday be a professional ballerina and travel the world,” Isobel says.
Catherine Rowland. Photo by Yuna Jewelewicz.
“My number one goal is to become a principal dancer, along with traveling the world performing in galas and other productions,” shares Catherine.
And in the meantime, these So Dancers are proud and honored to be a part of the Só Dança family. “It is an absolute honor to represent Só Dança!” Isobel says. “It means so much to me that they are personally invested in my journey as a dancer and a person.”
Visit Só Dança online to learn more. Be sure to look for Só Dança dancewear and shoes at your local dance retailer, or search for Só Dança at your favorite online dance retailer.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
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