Get to know this year’s 2017 Beverly Miller Scholarship winner, Isabella Maisonet from Motion N Dance, Philadelphia, PA. From her dance aspirations to her favorite rehearsal snack, we’ve got it all below!
What is your favorite type of dance and why?
My favorite type of dance is contemporary. I love it because you really get to show yourself in the steps you're performing.
Who is your biggest dance inspiration?
My biggest dance inspiration is my grandmother Isabel. When I was younger she used to take a ton of tap classes. She would bring me to her rehearsals and I remember watching her and wanting to be just like her when I grew up. She inspires me everyday to keep doing what I love.
How do you prepare in the few moments before you step on stage?
Before I go on stage either at a recital, competition or if I am assisting at a convention, I like to put my headphones on and zone out. I put myself in a completely different world and just go out and dance with everything I have.
What is your favorite snack to eat while at rehearsal?
My favorite snack to eat while I am in rehearsal is SunChips! I love chips- they are my favorite!
What is your dream location to perform?
My dream location to perform would be on any arena stage. I would love to eventually dance back up for a famous recording artist. Dancing in that type of setting with that many people there I think would be super cool.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of dance?
I prefer to constantly train and travel for dance. If I am not dancing I am watching dance videos on YouTube, Instagram or resting.
If you had to choreograph a dance at this exact moment what song would it be to?
I would choose “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child. This has to be one of my favorite songs to jam out and dance to. The musicality in this song has so much to offer and to play around with. There are endless possibilities of where to go with the choreography!
Where do you see your dance future?
Working professionally! I would love to be able to travel all over working with different choreographers. No matter what, dance will always be apart of me.
What’s something important you’ve learned from being a dancer?
Being a dancer, I have learned more about myself than the average teenager my age would. Dance has opened me up in so many different ways. It has taught me to always be myself and that everything happens for a reason. If something good does not work out for me, I know that something bigger and better is waiting for me. Without missing the first opportunity I would not be in the position of receiving what was meant to be.
-Bella Maisonet
