Gabriella Davis is a 16-year-old dancer from Washington. She dances at Vibe Dance Studio.
“The greatest compliment I can receive as a young dancer isn’t ‘wow you’re really good’, It’s ‘OMG you made me feel like I was with you on stage experiencing and seeing everything you see when you perform’.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I started dancing at age 4. My mom signed me up so I could have an indoor activity I could do year-round. Because it is so rainy in the PNW, dance is a perfect activity. At age 6, I was invited to join Vibe Dance Studio’s Company Team. I have been competing and training ever since.
One year (I was 9) at a convention my studio always attends, I was a scholarship finalist. I unfortunately froze when the convention owner asked me my name. What I didn’t realize, talking to the convention owner was part of the audition process. I completely blew it. I didn’t receive a scholarship that year. On my way home to Seattle, I was heartbroken, but more than anything I was so disappointed in myself. What I learned from that experience was being the quiet kid in the room is ok. But having confidence when you speak. Or better yet, when someone asks you, a question stand tall be proud. Answer with a smile on your face. Don’t second guess yourself or the process. Understand there’s a reason why people want to talk to you. I am proud to say that one turned into me winning a scholarship at that convention for the next 7 years in a row.
I danced all through covid in 2020. My mom and I cleaned out the storage room in our basement, and we turned it into my dance room. We painted, installed mirrors, installed a ballet bar, and laid flooring. I took Zoom classes Monday through Friday, and on the days I didn’t have class I was doing Peloton Workouts.
In the summer of 2021, I audition for an opportunity to be a member of TPC. I made it to the final round, but I was cut. I took the “no” I received and realized this one “no” doesn’t need to be a “no” for me. I needed it to be my “Next Opportunity.” I started training harder. I stretch 30 minutes every day, I train Monday through Saturday for 4 to 5 hours a day. On the days I don’t dance, I cross-train with cardio and strength training workouts.
Currently, my studio had to move locations (this is the third location Vibe has been at). We have gone from 5 studio down to 2. I sneak in extra studio time when I can. Most nights I don’t get home until 10 pm. I dance full out when I teach my little 4 to 6-year-old dancers. I still train in my basement dance room to keep up with my technique training.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance has been such a positive experience in my life. My little dancers and their parents look to me as a positive role model inside and outside of the studio. Dance has taught me the best time management skills. I’m a full-time student, I dance 5 to 6 days a week at the studio. I teach classes and run rehearsals at the studio. Dance has shown me how to be professional when receiving criticism or feedback from teachers and judges. I know my passion for dance can give me ends opportunities for school and work.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I’m proof that dancers come in all sizes and backgrounds. I want people to see dancers as athletes. Dance is art. Art of the mind, art of your body, art of your soul, and art for all people of all backgrounds to connect with. The greatest compliment I can receive as a young dancer isn’t “wow you’re really good”. It’s “OMG you made me feel like I was with you on stage experiencing and seeing everything you see when you perform.”
