Vanessa Carroll: How to Meet New Friends at a HUGE Dance Event
vanessa carroll
Although the dance community may seem big, it is actually insanely small. If you do decide to stay in this pathway, you will see the same people coming in and out of your life forever. Sometimes it may be awkward to approach them for you haven’t seen them in years and never really got the chance to know anything about them. But that is why you should meet as many people as possible when going to a dance event. And who knows, you might just meet one of your best friends for life.
The truth is that once we become teenagers, our friend making skills seem to get a bit rusty. Joining in on a conversation or telling someone you like their top seemed a lot more natural as children. As teenagers we tend to lose this natural environment in which to be social and connect with others. Even though the dancers standing to your right and left are very likely thinking the exact same thing as you.
Two weeks ago, I attended Spotlight Dance Cup, West Coast Nationals. This was my last nationals ever and every day I always had something to do. Whether that was elite team rehearsals, promenade title rehearsals, interviews, the VIP experience, competing or doing master classes, I was always busy and each day I met/talked to new dancers. This was my last time to ever attend a dance competition so the whole week I told myself to not hold back. That is how YOU should live your everyday life. If someone seems fun, tired, excited, upset, entertained...anything at all!! Go up to them and introduce yourself. I promise it will make their entire day that someone from a completely different studio talked to them. You may even have more in common than you were expecting.
Another easy way to make friends at Spotlight specifically is competing for title. Title is almost like a mini pageant. You are competing for the title of Miss. Spotlight and are getting judged on your solo, all rehearsals, both on and offstage interviews, and your 15 second improv. Needless to say, you spend a lot of time with the same people (majority you have never met before) all week long. I personally met two girls who were very similar to me and who truly helped make my experience great! Their names were Selah Bunkers, and Daviana Fletcher. I got along with Selah very fast by how we were always placed next to each other for the elite dance since we both had extra long legs. I met Daviana with my friend group while we were all stretching for rehearsal. A week has gone by since then and I am still in touch with both of these fabulous ladies and I honestly think I will be for a very long time. All because I started talking to them at Spotlight Nationals.
All in all, and I can’t stress this enough, get yourself out there! Don’t be afraid to talk to the people around you. They are just like you, a lover of dance. Remember, you only have one life to live, don’t take ANYTHING for granted!
Love always,
Vanessa Carroll
I can’t believe summer break is almost over and school starts in two weeks but who is counting right?