Summer is over, and the days are already starting to get shorter. In some places, there’s a slight chill in the air. Fall is upon us. But in this beautiful season of color and as we start to get back into the swing of things with a new year of school and dance, perhaps it’s a great time to remind ourselves why we love dance, and how we fell in love with the art form in the first place.
To help us out, we turned to several very talented performing artists who are also Só Dança ambassadors. This fall, they tell us what made them fall in love with their favorite art form.
What made you fall in love with dance?
Sara Mearns in George Balanchine’s ‘Serenade’. Photo by Paul Kolnik, for NYCB.
Sara Mearns, principal dancer with New York City Ballet
“There was no one moment that I all of a sudden fell in love with ballet. It was a slow burn for me that started at age three. You don’t realize you are part of something so profound when you are below 15 years of age, but all of sudden something clicks and you just know that this is what you have to and need to do for the rest of your life. You later realize, ballet careers are short, and it makes every day that much more important and special.”
Jabu Graybeal, tap dancer
“I fell in love with tap dance because it’s a strong combination of rhythm and movement!”
Basia Rhoden, Youth America Grand Prix finalist and dancer at Dolce Dance Studio
“I was initially put into dance at a young age as therapy for my legs. Eventually, I grew to love and appreciate the ability to express artistry physically.”
Victoria Caban, flamenco fusion dancer
“What made me fall in love with my art form was the way I can use dance to be a safe haven, and a place just like home. I am able to express my true emotions and passion through music and through dance.”
Jabu Graybeal for Só Dança.
Why do you love being a dancer?
Graybeal
“I love how universal and welcomed dance is! Personally, being a dancer has helped me connect better with musicians, artists, photographers, writers, and even actors!”
Rhoden
“The primary reason I love being a dancer is dedicating my time and effort toward long-term goals I have set for myself, as well as the day-to-day fulfillment. Creating personal challenges keeps me inspired and on my toes (literally!).”
Mearns
“My answer to this is ‘why do you love your mom?’ You can’t actually put words or a reason to it. You don’t need one. I believe it is very hard to ask an artist of any kind why do they love what they do. We were all chosen by a higher power to do this with our lives.”
Caban
Victoria Caban for Só Dança.
“I love being a dancer because music is an important factor in my life. I love to sing, listen and, most importantly, dance to music. Whenever I listen to music, I naturally move along to any sound. Dance helps me overcome any obstacles I may have in life, and it helps me control my emotions and if I ever need to let them out. Dance has always been a huge a part of my life.”
Só Dança clearly loves dance, and dancers, too. What do you love about Só Dança?
Rhoden
“I appreciate that Só Dança is family-run, and that the company works as a team. One of my favorite products is the SD16 ballet flat shoes, a necessity in my dance bag.”
Caban
“What I absolutely love about Só Dança is that it is an environment where dancers can feel inspired and comfortable around each other. I love my leotards that are offered in so many different styles and colors to choose from. The shoes are also my favorite, especially since I get to use them in my many genre styles. I use them all the time, and they are so comfortable to dance and perform in.”
Basia Rhoden. Photo by Eva Nys Photography.
Graybeal
“I love Só Dança! I love the teamwork and community behind the company! My favorite products are the tap shoes. I love how stylish and hip and customizable they are. The Só Dança tap shoes have amazing foot support and sound quality, and I feel like a better dancer every time I practice in them.”
Mearns
“Só Dança is a close-knit, family-run business that believes in quality over quantity. They are not afraid to take chances, and I mean on me! I’m obsessed with the separates that they have, and I’m so excited to show everyone what styles we have in store for 2019! I never thought I would be part of something like this, a community like this, a passion like this. Thank you, Só Dança!”
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
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