Who is the greatest influence in your life?
The Lord and my parents.
If you were on a deserted island and could only take three things, what would they be and why?
Rasta, Ashley and Robbie! I love them - I'm choosing them over candy and coffee!
On any given day, what can we typically find in your dance bag?
Water, CD's, legwarmers, shorts and all my shoes!
When did you first know you wanted to be a dancer?
When I did my first Nutcracker at the age of five. The local paper interviewed me and they put my pictures in the paper - from then on I was hooked!
If you could pick one role to dance which one would it be and why?
Juliet! I've done all the other ultimate roles for me. That's the last one on my list!
All dancers have to overcome problems and injuries, have you had any injuries and if so what have you done to deal with them?
I've had so many. From torn ligaments to broken bones. I'm very blessed to have a great physical therapist! But I swear by Therabands, hot tubs and ice buckets!
What do you hope to be doing in five years from now?
Touring the world with my company - and to be happily married.
What are your other hobbies/interests outside of dance?
Shopping and spending time with my family, friends and boyfriend.
What advice would you extend to anyone training to become a dancer?
Never ever give up! Stay close with you family and friends and always have a Plan B! You never know when the wonderful gift of dance could be taken away from you. Always do your best and take nothing for granted. No matter how big the audience, always give them your whole heart and soul.
Good luck and believe in yourself! Love, *Adrienne*
Who is the greatest influence in your life?
My parents
If you were on a deserted island and could only take three things, what would they be and why?
Three books because I love to read and I would be bored without choices!
On any given day, what can we typically find in your dance bag?
Pointe shoes, ballet slippers, toe pads, legwarmers, cut up t-shirt, dance pants, deodorant, perfume, sewing kit, and a stretch strap.
When did you first know you wanted to be a dancer?
My mom says then when I was about 6 years old I told her that I was going to be a dancer. I guess I wanted to be just like her.
If you could pick one role to dance which one would it be and why?
Even though I love contemporary ballet, it is much more abstract than classical ballet. I've always dreamed of dancing Aurora in a full length Sleeping Beauty. I've done the Grand Pas but never the Rose Adagio! I just think it's the most beautiful ballet.
All dancers have to overcome problems and injuries, have you had any injuries and if so what have you done to deal with them?
I have had no serious injuries, knock on wood. I do have bunions, which cause a lot of pain on a daily basis. Mostly I am just used to the pain at this point in my career.
What do you hope to be doing in five years from now?
I would love to still be dancing but I would also love to have my college degree or on my way to getting one. I'm especially interested in studying Philosophy and Economics.
What are your other hobbies/interests outside of dance?
Reading, Bible Study, playing the flute, working out, and just being with friends and family.
What advice would you extend to anyone training to become a dancer?
I think the most important thing in choosing any career is that it makes you happy. Dance takes too much of your passion and spirit to be worth it if you aren't happy.
Who is the greatest influence in your life?
My mother and father.
If you were on a deserted island and could only take three things, what would they be and why?
The Bible as something I could never stop learning from; something to write with (for sanity's sake); and a toothbrush.
On any given day, what can we typically find in your dance bag?
Legwarmers, Bloch® ballet slippers, a tennis ball and a golf ball, Therabands, a water bottle, deodorant.
When did you first know you wanted to be a dancer?
At nine or ten, when I started to fantasize about becoming a ballerina.
If you could pick one role to dance which one would it be and why?
Giselle, because I would enjoy acting out all of the states of mind and emotional highs and lows the character goes through.
All dancers have to overcome problems and injuries, have you had any injuries and if so what have you done to deal with them?
I have had two surgeries performed on my left ankle over the last nine years. After each operation, a long recovery period was required. My family helped me through each rehabilitation process. Physical therapy from Donna Ritter and West Side Dance Physical Therapy has been helpful through a number of other injuries sustained while dancing, such as knee, back and hip difficulties.
What do you hope to be doing in five years from now?
Dancing for Compania Nacional in Madrid.
What are your other hobbies/interests outside of dance?
Reading, swimming, bible study, singing.
What advice would you extend to anyone training to become a dancer?
Remember that dancing, your body and your life are gifts. Treat them all with care!