This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 Pink Issue of Showstopper Magazine.
Starting dance classes at just 3 years old, Alana Gordon found her calling early on, leaping into her first recital and realizing she was born to be on stage. “When I was 7, the owner of my dance studio asked who wanted to be a professional dancer, and my hand was the only one that shot up,” she explained. Now, with a foot in both the dance and modeling worlds, Alana is living her dreams one step, leap, and runway walk at a time.
On-Set
From dancing on a school bus to doing aerials off cafeteria tables, Alana’s had her fair share of unforgettable moments in front of the camera. Working with brands like Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta has shown her what it’s like to bring an iconic ad campaign to life. Her all-time favorite? A back-to-school shoot for Old Navy. “It was like the best and most fashionable school day ever,” she recalled with a laugh. “I got to meet talented people on set and the hardworking crew behind the scenes who make the magic happen.” For Alana, modeling is more than just striking a pose; it’s about bringing characters and stories to life. “I like dreaming up what their lives might be like,” she shared, “like what their favorite outfit would be and what adventure they’re going on!”
Dancing in Style
As both a dancer and a model, Alana has found a perfect fit in Tiger Friday, a top dancewear brand. “Bree Hafen, the founder, is always at the shoots, hyping me up so much that it feels more like a party than work,” she told us. Working with Tiger Friday also lets Alana blend her dance expertise with modeling, “The creative team are all dancers, so they can make corrections on technique,” she explained. For Alana, modeling for Tiger Friday is extra special because it’s where her two passions meet.
Always remember your “Why”—why you love what you do.
Courtside Dreamin’
Dancing in front of 18,000 people? No big deal! Alana thrives in the high-energy environment of Warriors games, where she performs as a member of the Warriors Jr Dance Squad. She even got to be part of the action during the team’s 2022 NBA Championship run. “It’s so crazy,” she expressed. “You’re able to be on the same court as Stephen Curry!” The loud, packed arena pushes Alana to project her energy to every fan, no matter how far back they’re seated. And with pre-game pep talks from her coaches, it feels like a family. “We always stand in a circle before the game, holding hands and sharing encouraging words.”
Hip Hop at Its Heart
Alana’s love for hip hop runs deep. Recently, she got to perform in New York City for The 50th Anniversary of Hip HopTM, directed by Nick Demoura, Justin Bieber’s artistic director. “We performed for three sold-out shows,” she told us, “and Popin Pete was even there! It was such an honor to be cast in that show and dance among the most talented artists of our generation.” Alana has a “deep respect and appreciation” for hip hop and its culture. “Hip hop has influenced not just music, fashion, and art but also has origins in activism,” she shared.
Staying Balanced
Balancing dance, modeling, and school? It’s a lot, but Alana’s learned that time management is everything. Between training, rehearsals, and photoshoots, she makes sure each commitment gets her full attention. “Both are time-consuming, and you have to be fully committed to be successful at each,” she explained. “You have to show up—even on the days you’d rather be on TikTok all day!” Her mom sets aside one day each week for “normal kid stuff” like hanging out with friends, and Alana cherishes those moments, whether she’s biking to Starbucks or grabbing Crumbl cookies with friends.
Alana has big dreams, from dancing on tour Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to studying dance at USC. For others looking up to her, she offers simple but powerful advice: “Find a supportive community. There’s a lot of rejection in this industry, so you have to look at these moments as lessons, not losses. And always remember your ‘why’—why you love what you do.”