By Katherine Moore of Dance Informa.
Every year, Celebrity Dance Competitions schedules a national convention tour, bringing incredible faculty to students across the country. One of this year’s fall convention faculty members is Eliana Girard, America’s favorite female dancer from Season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance.
Girard started her training in Palm Beach, Florida, continued training on scholarship at the Joffrey Ballet School and the Alvin Ailey School in NYC, and has now gone on to be a part of the SYTYCD Tour, Cirque Du Soleil’s Viva Elvis and the Red Tour for Taylor Swift.
Dance Informa recently talked to Girard about her love of teaching, what she’s looking forward to at the convention this fall and what’s coming up next.
Can you tell me about your role with Celebrity Convention? Have you taught there before?
“This is my first time teaching with Celebrity Convention! I have previously judged in Phoenix and got to see the amazing talent that comes through so I’m super excited to be a part of the faculty this fall!”
Eliana Girard. Photos courtesy of Fox Broadcasting Co. Photo by Mathieu Young/FOX.
Is there anything in particular that you look forward to at this year’s convention?
“I’m really looking forward to meeting new, young, aspiring dancers! It’s truly inspirational when you have students that are so eager and hungry to learn more.”
Why do you enjoy teaching?
“Teaching is a way of giving back all the info that you’ve attained. I feel as though it’s the right of way in our industry; we learn and absorb and pass it on. It’s a very communal art form.”
What advice do you have for young aspiring dancers?
“Always remember why you first started dancing and keep that close to your heart! When times get rough – and they definitely will – it’s best to remember where and why your love for this art started.”
What has been your favorite performing experience so far in your career?
“There honestly have been a couple of performances that have gone down in my diary that I hold close to my heart! I’d say the most recent one was doing our final performance of the Red Tour in Singapore. It was a beautiful end to a year and a half of touring with Taylor Swift and it felt like we created a family among all the crew and cast.”
What are you working on currently? And what’s next for you on the horizon?
“I’m currently working on a couple concert projects with different companies and have been broadening my aerial knowledge. I’m hoping to join with Complexions or Ailey in the next year and keep performing aerial on the side.”
For more information about Celebrity, visit www.dancecelebrity.com.
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