Just Dance

An interview with Alaina Freeman

Just+Dance

Q: Why did you choose to go into dance? Where do you practice? What performances have you done? What style of dance do you do?

A: I went into dance when I was three years old because my mom put me in a tap/jazz/ballet combo class with my best friend. Ever since then I never stopped. I started learning more styles and eventually joined the competition team. I do ballet, modern jazz/contemporary/lyrical, hip hop, and tap.

Q: Do you participate in any other athletic activities? Do you play sports for Armijo as well?

A: Before I joined the competition team, I had time for many other sports such as soccer, tennis, swim, and jiu jitsu. Last year I was on the swim team for a few weeks, but I had to quit because the swim meets interfered with my dance training.

Q: Besides dance, what else are you involved with (both at school and outside of school)? What are your hobbies? What do you want to do when you graduate (school plans and career goals)?

A: Besides dance, I play the piano, flute, and a little bit of the guitar. I also enjoy musical theater, singing, and acting. When I graduate, I am still deciding what field to go into. I love performing arts, but it’s very hard to make money off of it. I am thinking about psychology or the medical field.

Q: What advice would you give to someone contemplating on getting involved in dance?

A: I would tell them to not give up too quickly. It takes a while to appreciate the art because at first it is really difficult and could be discouraging. Dance takes time and practice and even after dancing for 12 years of my life, I still have a lot to improve on.

Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters (names and ages)? Do they or have they gone to Armijo? Who are your role models?

A: I have an older brother named Andrew (AJ) who graduated last year with the class of 2017 and is now attending UC Santa Barbara. I also have a younger brother named Jackson who is still in elementary school. My older brother is my role model because he still managed to go through the IB program and maintain straight A’s while having a job and being on the tennis team.

Q: If you could change one thing about Armijo (students, facilities, staff, etc.), what would it be and why?

A: I would change how much the students are aware of spirit weeks and school dances, so therefore I think the school needs to advertise more. When it comes to these events a lot of people who aren’t in leadership have no idea that they are happening.

Q: Anything else you would like to say?

A: Dance take time to learn and dedication, so if you are thinking of going into it, be aware of sacrifices you will have to make.