LADM helped me pursue a professional career by setting the highest standard of what would be expected of me on and off the camera. Jackie Sleight has perfected bringing out the absolute best in every person she encounters. She knows exactly how far to push you and is always there to pick you up if you happen to fall. The teachers I was fortunate enough to assist were some of the most working dancers in the industry and to my luck, took me under their wing. Many of them still remain my closest friends and mentors. My favorite Jackie quote and one I live by is “If you’re on time then your 10 minutes late.” I am forever indebted to Jackie, Dave, and LADM for making me not only the dancer but person I am today.

My best advice for aspiring dancers is be true to yourself, listen to your gut, and surround yourself with people who truly care.

High School Musical 3, How I Met Your Mother, Disaster Movie, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

LADM Company helped me develop my dance styles as we assisted a variety of techniques. It also helped improve my ability to pick up choreography and instantly perform it; especially in the summer program, Final Cut. Besides improving my dance skills and technique, LADM Company provided an opportunity to work on my professionalism in the industry. I learned how to be on time, follow a schedule, look the part and keep a great attitude through it all.

During Final Cut, Will wanted to reenact his favorite movie Twilight and of course I had to be the one to help, even though I have never, to this day actually, seen this movie. So it basically turned into Will reenacting both roles as I just stood there, with him feeding me the important lines.

Ricky Martin, Backstreet Boys, Empire of the Sun, Lululemon, Reebok, Sketchers

LADM Company taught me how to be a successful working dancer in LA. I learned how to take good headshots. I learned how to pick up choreography quickly and have it performance ready immediately. I learned how to prioritize and make smart decisions that were always for the better of myself and my career. I learned how to travel and be fully functioning in new environments. I was constantly reminded how important it is to stay above the influence. I was introduced to many working choreographers in LA and I had the opportunity to make connections before actually making the next step in moving to LA. I was forced to take multiple genres of dance and many classes of all different levels which made me an overall better dancer and more diverse. I was pushed to my limits and trained long hours which prepared me for what it’s like to rehearse for tour. I learned how to dance in heels and carry myself as a women.

My favorite LADM memories were at Final Cut. The experience of learning/performing pieces and being with amazing people for a week straight striving to better myself and my talent. I enjoyed auditioning for company more than anything! It made the year so much more rewarding.