What was your experience like participating in Spotlight from auditions to master classes?
It was phenomenal. Really crazy stuff. Even being in that first audition room, seeing these dancers from all over warming up and preparing to perform was fantastic and inspiring. And then that experience continued to be magnified as I had the opportunity to continue participating, as I came to know and interact with both the semifinalists and finalists. They were all such incredible artists. And that group of those running the program were perhaps the greatest concentration of flat-out-good people I've ever met. So as an experience, overall, the process was both humbling and uplifting. I felt very lucky to be involved.

What was it like performing on the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion?
Overwhelming! There are 2500 seats in that house! That's like a small town! But at the same time, those seats filled that evening were a powerful reminder of the support that still exists for the arts. And their cheers were very motivational! It was great to feel all that love and support the night of the show.

What is your favorite thing about performing or studying your art form?
I really appreciate the moments of clarity dance offers in my life. When the audience and the dancer connect-- it just feels so good.

Who is your favorite singer/dancer/performer/composer, etc. and why?
I practically worship Trey McIntyre, who is a modern choreographer with a tiny 9-person company based in Idaho. He's brilliant. But of course there are those that are more well-known in the ballet world, like Sylvie Guillem, whom I also love, and Marianella Nunez, and the Natalia Osipova/Ivan Vasiliev duo of the Bolshoi. Denis and Anastasia Matvienko are just mesmerizing. All these people's technique is so unfathomably clean. And their artistry accompanies that technique so naturally.

Who has been your biggest fan and has given you the most support?
I'll never be able to repay my parents for all they've done for my dancing, from driving me to and from the studio to being there at every show. But I have so many supporters and so many good people looking out for me that I can't just limit it to them-- I have so many friends and so much family that are so consistently supportive of what I do. I'm so grateful to so many people.

What other skills or talents do you have that other people may not know about you?
I love playing the piano, but I'm not a musician in the way those other finalists were! And I enjoy reading and writing. I'm fond of school.

Are there any setbacks that you have overcome which have challenged you to be a better artist?
Well, last spring I got really burnt out, to the point where I'd determined I'd quit at the end of the year. But I kept pushing, had a change of scenery for a while, and learned to like what I did again. Consequently, I think I'm a better artist and worker than before I'd burned out. I appreciate what I do but I've found health in it as well. Most of the time. It's always tough to not get too hard on oneself.

What qualities do you believe are your biggest strengths?
I love the acting part of dancing, so I suppose I'm good at that. My actual dancing will always need help! But I enjoy acting, and I'm a fair performer, so I slip by!

What are your dreams/goals in life?
I'd love to be able to affect change in people, and in society, through art-- through dancing, if that's what it is, or ballet, if that's what it is. I still haven't quite figured out what direction I want to head. But I also certainly want to fall in love, and have a family, and travel the world, and all th

What are your plans after high school?
I haven't decided yet! I'm going to wait and see what opportunities arise next year. I love school, so college sounds fantastic, but then again, if I can get a job dancing I might do that too. I don't have a clue which it'll be at this point. I'm just trying to prepare for both, and in the fall I'll submit apps but I'll also go audition everywhere-- I'm going to wait