Who doesn't love the quick-stepping, bubbly Chelsie Hightower? At just 21, she has achieved more success in a few years than some do in a lifetime - she just has that IT factor. From "So You Think You Can Dance" to "Dancing With the Stars", this article explores where she came from and how she got to where she is today. I love knowing how successful people worked to get to the top, and this article, "Face to Face: Chelsie Hightower" in Dance Teacher Magazine doesn't disappoint!
Amazingly, Chelsie won her first national ballroom title at age 11 after only dancing for two years prior to that. She says that all of her dance studio training in Orem, Utah prepared her for a professional career - "the biggest thing is learning that people will want to work with you if you're a good person, show up on time and have a good attitude."
Her future plans include opening her own dance studio an hour north of Orem that will include everything from competitive jazz and hip-hop to ballroom.
It's time to really get excited about National Dance Day! What exactly is it? Many of us rabid "So You Think You Can Dance" fans are already clued in, but it was started by SYTYCD producer and judge, Nigel Lythgoe, as a day to get the country to move and raise awareness for dance. What a fabulous idea! Dance is finally getting the attention it deserves, thanks to T.V. shows like SYTYCD and "Dancing with the Stars."
So, here's the deal. It's only 10 days away, Saturday, July 31, and is a great opportunity for you to get your friends, family, dance studio, and fellow dance friends together to have a dance party. Get creative and submit your ideas to: http://www.fox.com/dance/ndd/. Once you submit, you may see a SYTYCD camera crew at your event and be featured on the show!!
Don't forget to learn the hip-hop routine choreographed by the awesome NappyTabs duo to dance on the big day. Check out the video:
Here's a bit more info on the day, from the SYTYCD website;
WHAT: NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move! Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance. Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.
WHY: To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide.
Nigel has been tweeting up a storm about National Dance Day, a.k.a. D-Day. He said the goal is to “prove that the ‘Power of Dance’ can MOVE an entire Country!” So get up off the couch and put on your dancing shoes on July 31st. Share your D-Day ideas in the SYTYCD forums and stay tuned to this site for more information to come.
