Showstopper Magazine - 10th Issue by goshowstopper

A Letter from Showstopper's Founder A lot has changed in a short period of time—the world around us, school, work, and friendships. COVID-19 sparked fear, frustration, and anxiety. We had to rethink our approach to everyday life and rose to the challenge in the most remarkable ways. We Zoomed, had virtual competitions, virtual classes, and extra long phone conversations. The dance world came together and found ways to keep our community inspired. Although the challenges of the pandemic sometimes felt insurmountable, we were determined to reach the dance world in every way possible. Our Showstopper team came together like never before and took our creativity and innovation to the next level to make incredible things happen! Our goal was to share hope when it was easy to have none. For the first time, we invited the Showstopper All-Stars to our National Headquarters to film a virtual Opening Number. We also hosted four virtual competitions live from our headquarters and two in-person competitions, pulling out all the stops to make them fabulous and safe. Our dance community is stronger than ever before and we are proud and truly appreciative of each and every dancer!

TABLE OF

Contents

SUMMER 2021 GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM/MAGAZINE

LIFESTYLE

28 52 60

66 72

Rhythm & Blues Journey to Crystal Jai-Dee Dancewear Summer Looks A Dancer's Guide to: Sustainable Fashion Showstopper Conventions Showstopper 2021-22 Schedule: Regionals & Finals

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IN EVERY ISSUE

Photography: Don Freshly, Robyn Shinn, Matthew Rhee Nicole Mitchem, Bailey Holiver, Alex Stone, Shutterstock

18 22 32 40 46 56 58 64

6 Nick Bencivengo Kiarra Waidelich Leanne Tessa Payton Bankhead Easton Magliarditi Sydney Mikayla Madison Taylor Baez Icesiis Magana

Editor's Letter Road to Showstopper Showstopper Magazine Online Interior Design: People & Planet Friendly Room Styles

92 Embarrassing Moments Crossword 93 Horoscopes 94

A few of my favorite Instas from this season! Tag us @goshowstopper for a chance to be featured.

FOUNDERS

Debbie & Dave Roberts EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Holly Childs CREATIVE CONSULTANT: Debbie Roberts • FASHION DIRECTOR: Angel Roberts • ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLISTS: Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Addie Ware LEAD DESIGNER: Holly Childs • GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Nikki Cole, Tyler Amaral • LEAD EDITORS: Nikki Cole, Veronica Good • DESIGN/COPY EDITORS: Debbie Roberts, Abbey Macho, Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Leslie Childs, Tyler Amaral, Earl Tyndall PHOTOGRAPHERS: Holly Childs, Lee Gumbs, Prince Xiong, Kalin Phamnguyen, Matthew Rhee, Bailey Holiver, Avedis Gvedekelian, Don Freshly, Nicole Mitchem, Alex Stone, Riker Brothers, Karolina Turek, Shane O'Neal, Robyn Breen Shinn, Tim Schaeffer, Katie Salerno, Nick Onken • WRITERS: Holly Childs, Veronica Good, Hayley Mac Cooper • DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND LOCATIONS: Adam Roberts

Photography (left): Sydney Baltrusaitis, Photography (right): Holly Childs • Design/Writing: Holly Childs

SHOWSTOPPER, INC. NATIONAL DIRECTOR: Debbie Roberts PRESIDENT: Dave Roberts CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND LEGAL AFFAIRS: Abbey Macho • DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Richard Knox • DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND MEDIA RELATIONS: Nikki Cole • CONTROLLER: Kim Kouba • ASSISTANT CONTROLLER: Craig Goeppinger SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER AND MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Earl Tyndall • GRAPHICS AND MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Tyler Amaral • MANAGING EDITOR OF SHOWSTOPPER MAGAZINE ONLINE: Veronica Good • EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS: Eleanor Cooper, Alysia Tucker

EVENT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR OF EVENT OPERATIONS: Laura Button TRAVEL DIRECTOR AND EVENT COORDINATOR: Patience Wassell • SHOW DIRECTORS: Iliana Gravina, Bailey Rivara, Zohar Molina • TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Jon Greene, Jeff Cole, Jamie Holliday • ASSOCIATE TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Mike Wager, Kyle Intrabartolo • DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS: James Williams • SPECIAL PROJECTS: Greg Kajcienski

SPECIAL THANKS (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE): Lana Condor, Ashlund Jade, Aidan Prince, Lexi Drew, Nick Bencivengo, Amelie Anstett, Kiarra Waidelich, Jaheem Toombs, Leanne Tessa, Easton Magliarditi, Lev Cameron, Payton Bankhead, Taegen Burns, Sophie Pecora, Momona Tamada, Madison Taylor Baez, Miah Grace, Mallory James Mahoney, Akira Akbar, Sydney Mikayla, Katherine Hartsell, Icesiis Magana, Pottery Barn, Alyson Stoner

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Design/Writing: Holly Childs • (Team Photo - Photography: Patience Wassell) • (Aidan Prince - Photography: Prince Xiong • Wardrobe Stylist: Sheng Moua)

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Photography: Provided by Dancers • Design: Nikki Cole

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Photo (left) courtesy of ABC/WDTV, Other Photos: Shutterstock/Getty Images • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good

-pop (Korean pop music)

Artists of 2020” list, making the

tour information to fashion and

has exploded over the

seven-member group the Global

interviews. Language barriers

last decade. Some groups

Artist of the Year for 2020.

aren’t an issue for K-pop fans. The

and artists have become global

music is powerful enough to make

sensations and media icons, and

Despite being half a world away

you want to return to it again and

K-pop fandom has developed into

from many of their fans, many of

again, even without understanding

a large portion of pop culture too

whom don’t speak Korean, K-pop

the words.

incredible to ignore. Not only is

groups grow loyal followings

there a massive amount of love and

that anxiously keep up with

Even still, fansites like pop!gasa

support for K-pop idols from their

everything from new music and

and translators make it easy for

fans, K-pop fandom has proven to be a powerful force for change.

Global Love K-pop idol culture as we know it started in the mid-90s, but it didn’t really explode until the 2000s (and especially the 2010s) when groups like Wonder Girls, 2NE1, Big Bang, and BTS started to break into the global charts and KCON (a K-culture convention that started in 2012) rose to success. Now, K-pop is a fixture in global music. In fact, BTS topped the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s (IFPI) “Top 10 Recording

fans to get that much closer to the

making K-pop memes, reaction

artists and songs that they love. It

GIFs, and references part of

isn’t just translation that has made

everyday conversation.

K-pop one of the biggest genres in

What makes K-pop fandom

music. Being able to stream music

powerful is love and collaboration

from anywhere in the world has put

(two of our favorite things), and

songs like “Dynamite” (BTS’ 2020

that culture of intense devotion

hit) into the ears of millions.

and caring is about more than just global success for the idols.

With the help of their fans, K-pop idols have taken over more than

A Force for Good

just music. Through mass-voting collaborations and streaming

The members of K-pop groups,

parties (organized by fans!), they’re

which are usually formed by

also topping streaming charts

entertainment companies like

and winning awards. Some songs

JYP Entertainment (TWICE, GOT7,

reach not just tens, but hundreds

ITZY) and Big Hit Entertainment

of millions of views and streams on

(BTS, TXT), are not just celebrities.

YouTube and Spotify.

They’re role models for their fans. It is their job to perform and

You might also have noticed that

connect with fans and inspire

a popular thing to do is to share

them to be good people. They

“fancams” (fan-created edits and

study and train hard to become

compilations of photos and videos

superstars to look up to. That

of their favorite idols) pretty much

message comes across in their

everywhere. Fans respond to

actions, their music, and in their

tweets with a sentence or two and

fanbases. K-pop is all about music,

an attached fancam and create

but it’s also about impact and

fan pages filled with their creations

creating a positive fan culture.

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When you dig into the lyrics,

It’s not just savvy for taking

K-pop songs aren’t just fluffy

over social media algorithms

pop! (Don’t get us wrong.

that makes K-pop fandom a

We still get all sappy over

force for good either. With so

love songs like TXT’s “Blue

many people around the world,

Hour.”) Many songs explore

the community has proven that

important issues like self-

they can crowdfund substantial

love (“Dear Me” by Taeyon),

amounts of money for charity,

bullying (“Face” by NU’EST),

banding together to raise money

and speaking up for what

in times of need and making

you believe in (“Bystander” by

donations to various charities on

CIX), and their fans embody

their idols’ birthdays. In 2020,

the importance of being good

BTS donated $1 million to Black

citizens of the world.

Lives Matter, and less than 24 hours later their fans (ARMYs),

The power of K-pop fandom

not to be outdone even by their

helps accumulate love and

idols, raised an additional $1.2

streams for their favorite

million on their own!

artists, but it also brings millions together to have significant

K-pop fans come from all over

impacts on the world. When

the world. It’s no wonder that

harmful hashtags trend on

the community is a great place

social media, fans use their

to have important conversations

ability to flood the internet

and educate one another.

with GIFs, pictures, and

We love to see people that

fancams to dilute problematic

aren’t afraid to extend those

messages. (It’s kind of hard to

conversations to larger spaces

gain support for anti-equality

whether they’re taking over

movements when all the

trending pages or pooling

hashtags are swamped with

resources to make a difference

videos of BLACKPINK idols!)

in a variety of causes.

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Photography: Kalin Phamnguyen • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Nick Bencivengo

HOW DID YOU START DANCING? Funny story! When I was younger me and my family would go to the boardwalk. My mom noticed that by every shop we would walk by I would stop and dance to the music. Since she noticed that, she immediately put me in dance classes, and I loved it. WHAT GENRES HAVE YOU TRAINED IN? So many. I’ve trained in hip hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, acrobatics, ballroom, lyrical, African jazz… I think that’s it!

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR DANCE INFLUENCES? Josh Killacky. I love the way he combines dance with expressions. He makes watching dance SO ENTERTAINING! I love taking his class and learning from him. I hope to eventually be able to dance alongside him. FAV INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE? "You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take." —Wayne Gretky YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR OTHER DANCERS? It’s your dream and no one else’s. Keep training and working hard; I promise it’ll pay off.

WHO HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU? My sister, Jackie Smith. She basically raised me and taught me everything that I know. Her strength and attitude even through tough times is something that stands out and has impacted me a lot. WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON THE DANCE INDUSTRY? I hope to normalize boys dancing. Dance shouldn’t be labeled with a specific gender. If someone loves to dance, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable doing it! I love receiving DMs from younger boys who tell me they started dancing because of me.

WHAT HOBBIES DO YOU LIKE DOING OUTSIDE OF DANCE? I love creating content. I also love to snowboard!

ANY GOALS OR NEW PROJECTS COMING UP? My goal is to book a show or movie this year. I also want to hit 1 million subscribers on YouTube. I have a ton of big brand collaborations coming in the future that I’m sure you guys will love. I am also working on a few new acting and dance projects coming later this year! --- SOME LOVE FROM NICK: I just wanted to say I hope everyone reading this article is staying safe and healthy during these tough times! I love you all.

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melie Anstett is a

forever and allowed me to really

17-year-old dancer

see my true passion and calling."

and actor who has

It also opened the doors for her to

shared the stage with

discover a new passion.

big names like Justin Bieber and JoJo Siwa. Now, she

A NEW PASSION

spends a lot of her time training, auditioning, and filming, so we

After dancing with Justin Bieber,

were inspired to hear that she

Amelie regularly made her way

still makes time for philanthropy

out to LA, where she realized her

and helping her community

love of acting. "A lot of casting

through a local non-profit!

directors and other individuals would ask me if I could act, and

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT

that's when I really decided to hop into it," Amelie explained.

Like many kids, Amelie was

She's since guest-starred on many

drawn to gymnastics when she

shows, but most will recognize her

was younger. "I am unusually

for her role of Sadie on BratTv's

flexible and love to tumble,"

Chicken Girls. Check out the

she told us. However, her

sidebar for a behind-the-scenes

town didn't have a gymnastics

look at her character!

studio; they only had a dance studio. She decided to enroll

MAKING AN IMPACT

Photography: Matthew Rhee • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Amelie Anstett

at seven years old, and she immediately knew she loved it.

While she's definitely making

"My passion for dance hit me

her mark on the entertainment

right when I started," Amelie

industry, Amelie doesn't let her

explained. "Now, I train in almost

busy schedule stop her from

every style of dance. I love

giving back. The main charity

performing every style, and

she's involved with is called

I think it's so important to do

Elev8hope, a non-profit in

them all!" She hasn't given up

Southern Florida that focuses

her love of gymnastics, though,

on bettering the community

and regularly incorporates

and helping anyone in need, no

acrobatics into her routines.

matter the circumstances. "They truly work miracles," Amelie told

FINDING HER PURPOSE

us, "and I am so grateful I get to support and be a part of an

When Amelie was just 12 years

organization that constantly uplifts

old, she had a big break that

our community." She isn't stopping

most can only dream of in their

there, though. Amelie hopes to use

careers. After submitting a

her social media platforms to help

video, she was chosen to dance

others recognize their value and

alongside Justin Bieber on his

encourage them to give back, too.

Purpose Tour. "It was one of the

"It's about what's on the inside,"

most surreal moments of my

she told us. "It's about what you

life," Amelie excitedly told us.

can bring into the world and share

"That moment changed my life

with others. Go make your mark."

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e met up with

CONFIDENCE

Kiarra Waidelich

& PERFECTION

this spring and

leaped around Las Vegas

Like many other dancers, as

snapping photos. While Kiarra

Kiarra's gotten older, she's

seemed effortless in front of the

started to struggle with

camera, she, like many dancers,

perfectionism. "I feel like my

can struggle with confidence. We

confidence fluctuated with

found out how she keeps a level

dance," she shared. "When I was

head through it all and the advice

little, I had so much confidence

she'd give to other dancers who

in what I was doing! Now, as I

may have similar struggles.

get older, I am really hard on myself. Sometimes I'm too hard

GOING SOLO

on myself, and I lose confidence in what I'm doing." This only

Kiarra has been dancing since

makes sense because as we get

she was three years old and has

older, training gets more intense,

always trained at the renowned

the competition gets more

studio, The Rock Center for

challenging, and now, there is so

Dance. While she's most well-

much on social media that can

known for her solos these days,

trigger comparison.

Photography: Holly Childs • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Kiarra Waidelich

her dance career actually started with a few years of trios before

Kiarra attributes some of her

she ever took the stage solo. "My

struggle with confidence to

first competition was when I was

becoming an assistant at an

6," she told us. "I did a trio called

early age, where she developed

'Super K,' and I instantly fell in

the desire to be perfect. "I began

love with performing. It felt so

assisting when I was 11, so I

exciting to be on stage."

grew up trying to be the perfect example for younger dancers,"

Now, Kiarra graces the dance

she explained. "It's always stuck

world with her incredible solo

with me, and my confidence

routines and has placed among

is always something I'm trying

the top dancers at nearly every

to improve."

competition. Last year, she even won Teen Female Best Dancer

Whenever her confidence starts

Winner at The Dance Awards.

to get shaky, she relies on one

While quarantine didn't allow

thing: remembering why she

for the usual event, her studio

started. "When I first started

still got together to celebrate

dancing, I loved it because of

the win. She's come a long

how it made me feel when

way from her trio days, and

I performed on stage," she

has even competed on NBC's

explained. "So when I feel like

World of Dance with her studio!

giving up, I try to remember

She's certainly no stranger to

that feeling." And how does she

the stage, but she's still faced

get out of her head when she's

struggles throughout her

performing on the stage? She

13-year dance journey.

focuses on her emotions.

"Letting your emotions take

featured in this issue! You might

control is beautiful," she shared.

remember their photos from

"I feel like I try so hard to hide

our fifth issue at The Neon

my feelings but sometimes

Museum in Las Vegas. "Easton

letting yourself go in dance can

and I have been friends for six

turn into an amazing thing!"

years!" Kiarra told us. "We have such similar personalities. He's

COMPARISON & LIVING

funny, adventurous, and a hard

WITHOUT REGRET

worker." Check out Easton's article on page 46 to hear what

Since so many dancers can

he says about Kiarra!

struggle with confidence and perfectionism, we wanted to

Kiarra also has a great

know what Kiarra would tell

professional support system.

other dancers who may go

One of her closest role models is

through similar struggles. Her

her teacher and choreographer,

advice? "Don't let yourself get so

Talia Favia. "Talia is a really

caught up in comparing yourself

important person in my life,"

to other people. You are your

Kiarra shared with us. "I look

own person, and just being you

up to her so much! The way she

is more than enough!"

cares so deeply for all of her kids is so inspiring. I love her energy

Now, Kiarra focuses on living

and everything about her."

her life with the least amount of regret, trying to never

One of Kiarra's most recent

compromise on who she is,

solos, "My Mind," was

compare herself to others, or

choreographed by Talia. "It's

shrink herself to fit in. "You only

very special to me," Kiarra

live once so don’t have any

shared. "I love getting the

regrets," Kiarra said. "Try and

chance to tell a story and

live life to the fullest and don’t

show my vulnerable side."

hold back." GOALS FOR THE FUTURE STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM Now, Kiarra spends most of her While it's evident that Kiarra has

weekdays training and teaching

a great head on her shoulders,

private lessons to younger

she also has a great support

dancers. On the weekends, she's

system who help her through

usually traveling for conventions,

some of the challenging times.

where she assists. A few of her

"My mom has made a huge

upcoming goals are to assist

impact on my life," she shared.

for a big-time choreographer

"She's always taught me to work

and get a solo with Travis Wall.

for what I want."

"It's always been a goal of mine to get a solo with him, and

Kiarra is also able to lean on

hopefully, I can get one soon!"

her friends, including Easton

she shared. We can't wait to see

Magliarditi, who is also

what Kiarra does next!

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aheem Toombs is an actor,

likes to joke that he was trained by

singer, dancer, and self-

some of the best in the industry.

proclaimed musical theater

"Between the High School Musical

nerd and Beyoncé enthusiast. We

dance tutorials on commercial

caught up with him this Spring

breaks and the Beyoncé World

to get the inside scoop on how

Tour DVDs, I always swore Kenny

he got his start in acting, his

Ortega and Beyoncé taught me

newfound love of dance, and the

to dance," he said. "[Dance] is just

impact he hopes to leave on the

truly therapeutic for me."

industry and the world.

AN AUTHENTIC IMPACT

BORN TO PERFORM

Never afraid to be himself, While Jaheem has only been

Jaheem is highly passionate

professionally acting since he was

about teaching others to be

9, his performing days started

authentic. His best advice to

much earlier. "I have always been

teens today? "Please be you.

inherently dramatic/theatric," he

Authentically. Unapologetically.

explained. "If we're counting the

Don't waste your time pretending

self-produced one-man shows

for Instagram or faking a good

that I would put on for my family

time. I promise you don't want

at dinner, I guess you could say I

to wake up someday and realize

started as a toddler!"

you spent your whole life trying

Photography: Bailey Holiver • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Jaheem Toombs

to impress people on the internet. Jaheem also had other reasons

Don't rely on other people for

for falling in love with acting. "As

validation. You only live once;

a kid, I didn't have many friends,"

please be you."

he shared with us. "I was different (to say the least), and I never fit

And it's in being himself that he

in with my classmates in school. I

hopes to be like those TV role

remember going home, turning on

models with whom he found

my TV, and watching Nickelodeon.

so much comfort in his youth. "I

Those characters became like my

hope to be a symbol of comfort

friends. I could identify with them

and safety for people who feel

and their stories, and it made me

excluded," he explained. "I hope

feel like I belonged somewhere. It

to be a reminder that it's okay

was my escape. There's something

to be different, campy, over the

so special about that, and I knew I

top, and extra. I want to have the

wanted to be able to provide that

ability to make people laugh, enjoy

feeling for some other kid."

themselves, sing, dance, and forget

TRAINED BY BEYONCE AND KENNY ORTEGA

about their struggles for that brief 30-minute sitcom or those couple hours in a movie or concert."

Jaheem has recently gained

No matter what he does, we know

interest in another hobby: dance!

it will be filled with passion and

While he didn't train professionally

authenticity. We can't wait to see

when he first started dancing, he

him in his next role! @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Photography: Lee Gumbs • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good, Hayley Mac Cooper • Featured: Project 21 Studio Dancers • Sources: New York Times, NOAA, Tiffany & Co.

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eanne Tessa is a

a Disney Mouseketeer. She

20-year-old dancer,

was honored to be part of

actor, singer, writer,

the club that started so many

musician, college graduate,

celebrities' careers, and she

and soon-to-be nursing

even got to use some of her

student. Read on to find out

own creativity on the show.

how she discovered all of

"We actually had a lot of

her passions and how she

say in writing the songs and

juggles it all!

choreographing the dances,"

she explained. Her latest role,

THE ARTS

in Netflix's The Prom, had even more performing elements in

Dance was one of Leanne's

it, including "big numbers, lots

first passions, and she quickly

of singing and dancing, and

fell in love with it. "Dance is a

many rehearsals."

place where you get to lose yourself, but in the best way

Now that she's accomplished

possible," she explained.

a lot in dancing and acting, Leanne's next goal is to go on

Even while she's explored

tour with her music. "I think

other passions, like acting,

the whole production and

dance has remained a big

process behind going on tour

part of her life. "Dance

after months of rehearsal

continues to teach me about

and preparation would be so

my own body," she told us.

rewarding!" she told us.

Photography: Avedis Gvedekelian • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Leanne Tessa

"Since dancing came before acting, it helped me to make it

JUGGLING IT ALL

look like I was confident in the way I held myself in auditions

Doing all of this on top of

even when I felt lost."

graduating with two degrees and attending nursing

And while she used to be

school this fall… You might

nervous in auditions, she's

be wondering how Leanne

grown much more confident

juggles it all, but don't stress!

as she's gained experience.

Even she struggles with it

One concept that has

at times. "I'm not going to

helped her to stay confident

pretend like it ever gets

throughout the process? Not

easy," Leanne revealed. "One

fearing failure. "Everyone

of my family's base rules

is bound to make mistakes

was to keep my grades up.

and fail, but the world keeps

I've had to pull a lot of all-

turning," she explained. "You

nighters to finish assignments,

either live in your fear, or

study in the car on the way to

you decide to face it."

auditions, and do homework in between dance class. But

That confidence helped her

when you love something,

book two notable roles in

you don't let anything get in

the last few years, one as

the way of doing it."

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Photography: Holly Childs • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good

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ev Cameron is a 15-year-

things! Lev's favorite memory?

old dancer, actor, YouTuber,

"Any of our vacations together!"

and artist. We caught MUSIC AND HIS MISSION

up with him for an exclusive interview and talked all about his passion for dance, what it's

When Lev isn't dancing or creating

like being a content creator with

content, you'll probably find

"The Squad," and what his new

him working on his music. Like

single "Ghost" really means.

dance, it's something he's known he wanted to do since he was

C'EST LA VIE

younger. "I remember writing songs when I was little," he shared.

Born in Aix-en-Provence, France,

"I knew from a young age that I

Lev moved here when he was

was born to be a performer." While

just 5 years old. He didn't waste

he gets inspiration from many

any time getting to the land

different artists—including The

of opportunity, and he and his

Weeknd and Drake—one artist he'd

family moved straight to Los

really love to collaborate with is

Angeles, California. While he

The Kid Laroi. "He's a very talented

hasn't had the chance to get

artist," Lev said.

back to France since he moved

THE SQUAD

as a kid, there's one place he'd love to visit. "It would be an

While dance is still on Lev's

amazing experience to visit

schedule, it's certainly not the only

Paris," Lev told us.

thing he does. "I'm working almost every day," he shared. "From

DANCE, DANCE

YouTube to dance to singing… I

Photography: Don Freshly • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Lev Cameron

work on myself and my future Since he said au revoir to France,

non-stop!" Part of this is creating

Lev has been making an impact

content with "The Squad,"

on the entertainment industry.

a social-media-famous

He started dancing at age 5

group of friends who

after seeing a dance show at

hang out and create

a park, and not only have his

content. "The Squad"

skills improved, but his mindset

even has familiar

towards it has also changed.

faces who have

"People used to make fun of me

graced the pages

for dancing," he explained. "I

of previous issues

definitely wasn't as confident

of Showstopper

in it as I am now. I've grown

Magazine, like

not to care what others think."

Piper Rockelle and

Since then, he's been on So You

Elliana Walmsley.

Think You Can Dance, Little Big

While a ton of

Shots, and Dancing with the

work goes into the

Stars: Juniors! "They were such

creation of regular

amazing experiences," he told

content, it's not all

us. "They helped me to be more

work and no play; they

relaxed on camera!"

still get to do a ton of fun

SAVE THE DRAMA

JUGGLING IT ALL

Lev's newest single, "Ghost," was

When Lev can find the time outside

inspired by some of the struggles

of dancing, singing, and creating

he's faced with friends. "Ghost

content, he's quite the athlete! He

is all about the bad influences

plays tennis, soccer, and swims. If

in my life that I left behind

that wasn't enough to keep him

and 'ghosted,'" Lev explained.

busy, he also plays the piano! Talk

According to his Genius.com

about multi-talented. While we

explanations, one of the lyrics,

can imagine it's challenging to

"miss me with that hit ‘cuz I'm

juggle it all, he's just grateful to be

a ghost," references the fact

able to work on all of his passions.

that the influences and people

He constantly strives to live by his

in his life can no longer hurt him

motto: "Do what you love, and do

because he's already left it

it the best you can."

behind (like a ghost). With much of his life being In the song, Lev also says he's

shared on social media, he has his

"not here for the drama," and he

challenging moments, but luckily

means it. It's something that he

Lev has a support system to help

regularly tries to avoid in his life.

him get through them."My parents

"I hate rumors, and I also hate

have helped me through a lot,"

drama," he shared. "They're the

Lev told us. "My mom has made

worst things ever. One thing I'm

such an impact on me. She's a

scared of is that someone might

hero. She lives for me, and that's

take something the wrong way or

so incredible."

say it out of context to someone else, and then a rumor spreads."

Along with the support he's gotten from his parents, Lev also

While avoiding drama is one

understands that sometimes the

thing, he also hopes to use his

struggle actually helps on the

platform to actively encourage

path to success. While he thinks

more kindness and authenticity.

it's a bit "cringey," he regularly

His goal? "For everyone to be

gets inspired by one of his favorite

themselves and love each other."

quotes: "What doesn't kill you

While it can be tempting to 'fake

makes you stronger."

things' for social media or create a facade, Lev always hopes

LOOKING AHEAD FOR LEV

to be authentic. "I feel like I've

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shared everything about myself

As full as his schedule is, we're

on social media," he explained.

sure that we'll be seeing a ton of

"I'm completely transparent."

new content from Lev soon. He

Perhaps that's another reason

told us he's working on new music

why his latest single was called

and always working toward his

"Ghost." Either way, we love any

dreams but staying grounded.

reason to encourage others to

"I have a lot of goals," he said,

be authentically themselves and

"but the most important

spread kindness around.

one is to stay humble."

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

B 39

ayton Bankhead is a dancer, Girl Scout, and

PASSION FOR KINDNESS

aspiring model and actor.

We met up with her in Las Vegas

While it wouldn't be too far-

this spring and were lucky enough

fetched to say that Payton's

to get to capture her radiant

biggest passion is dance, it's

personality on camera! She shared

actually a very close second to

all about how dance has boosted

kindness. She's had her fair share

her confidence, why critiques are

of unkind people and she hopes

the key to improvement, and why

that one of the impacts she'll

kindness is so important to her.

have on the world will be to teach

others to be kind. "I come across

ConfidenTLY IMPERFECT

too many people who are just not kind," she shared. "Being kind and helping someone else goes a long

Starting dance at the age of three,

way. I want to be that person!"

Photography: Holly Childs • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Payton Bankhead

Payton is no stranger to the hard work that it requires. As a student

Her advice for others who might

of the premier studio, The Rock

struggle with people not being

Center for Dance, Payton often

kind to them? Just keep being

dances 25 to 30 hours per week.

yourself. "There's only one you,

"I've always wanted to be in front

and no one can do it better than

of a camera or on stage in some

you. You're beautiful just the way

way," she shared. And while she

you are." She believes in being

mainly got more involved in dance

unapologetically yourself and not

because she loved it, it also helped

letting fear or bullying get in the

boost her confidence. "The more

way of life's opportunities. One

involved in dance I became, the

of her favorite quotes is one by

more confident and outgoing I

Shirley Chisholm: "If they don't

became," she told us.

give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." To Payton, this

It can be easy to be hard on

means that even if you don't fit in,

yourself as a dancer or struggle

you should never let it stop you.

with perfectionism, especially

Just pull up a chair and keep on

with a rigorous training schedule

being yourself.

like Payton's. Instead of letting critiques get her down, though,

SCOUTS HONOR

she uses them to guide her toward becoming a better

Payton has big dreams, including

dancer. "The biggest thing I have

becoming a professional dancer,

learned is to keep trying, keep

a fashion model, and a dancer for

training, and be open-minded,"

Beyoncé. But she also has another

she explained. "You can't learn if

goal: to become a Girl Scout

you are not open to corrections."

Leader. "I've been a Girl Scout

It's an excellent outlook that

since I was 6," she shared. What

will probably help her achieve

a perfect role to help spread the

her goals in all her endeavors,

word about the importance of

including acting and modeling!

spreading kindness.

Photography: Nicole Mitchem • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Taegen Burns

e sat down with

for a few reasons. For one,

to others," Taegen explained.

artist and actor

it required ice skating which

"You can see that she truly is

Taegen Burns

Taegen hadn't really done before.

nice and cares about her new

to get an inside look at how

"I was excited but crazy-nervous

friends." Read even more about

she manages schoolwork,

about skating." she explained.

her character on Showstopper

set-life, auditioning, and

"Once I discovered I wasn't the

Magazine Online.

acting, all while being a

only one who didn't skate, I was

self-proclaimed introvert.

able to relax and enjoy the day."

The role also challenged Taegen

SHY BUT SHINING

to think outside the box because

While Taegen hopes to

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

she and her character are very

continue pursuing acting and

In an industry that requires

different. "Maya has attitude and

even one day hopes to score

you to be somewhat

comes off as insensitive at times,"

a lead role in a film, she's also

outgoing, it's challenging

she told us. "She is also part of the

set her sights on science. "I've

being an actor who tends

popular group at school, and I

always had an interest in [it],"

to be shy. "I consider myself

wasn't." Maya's character grows

Taegen shared. "I've been

more of an introvert than an

as the show progresses and

thinking about something in

extrovert," she explained.

"starts to become more sensitive

the medical field!"

"I am usually referred to as the quiet, nice one on set." She hasn't let it stop her, though, and she's gotten more comfortable with each experience. She recently wrapped the movie The Gateway, where she worked alongside Olivia Munn, Bruce Dern, and Shea Whigham. Though she only worked with them briefly, she learned lessons from them that she regularly uses to help her performances. "They gave me the confidence to be a better actor," she explained. She's also been working with acting coaches to develop her confidence further and learn techniques for showing emotion. TOTAL GAME CHANGER Taegen plays Maya in the TV show The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, a role that was a little bit challenging

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Photography: Alex Stone, Riker Brothers, Karolina Turek, Shane O'Neal • Design: Holly Childs

"My name is Easton, I'm 16 years old, and dance is my life." We figured we'd let Easton introduce himself because when he says dance is his life, he isn't kidding. Easton dances around seven hours every day, teaches private lessons and then tours with conventions on the weekends. We met up with Easton this spring to discuss all things dance, from his favorite routines to his favorite choreographers to how he stays focused on the big picture.

Photography: Holly Childs • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Easton Magliarditi

Finding His Passion Easton actually started as a gymnast, but his love for the sport didn't last. "I wanted to perform," he told us. "I convinced my mom to sign me up for a hip hop class, and I fell in love with dance right away." Now, he focuses most of his week on training, always striving to improve his skillset. "I'm always working to improve my technique," he shared. "It is just a constant drive to keep getting better and keep learning." Easton has learned a lot in his dance career so far, but he says that the most significant thing he's learned is discipline.

Routines + Role Models Easton has been dancing for seven years, so he's performed dozens of times. While he has a few routines he loves, his favorite was one of his group dances, "Heavenly Bodies" choreographed by Talia Favia. Easton has done quite a few duets and trios, so we wanted to know who he'd love to collaborate with that he hasn't yet. "There are so many incredible dancers and

choreographers out there," he explained, "but I would love to work with Phillip Chbeeb one day." We'd definitely love to see that routine! While Easton has worked with some incredible choreographers throughout the years, he shared a few of his idols with us. Recognize any of them? "Some of my favorite choreographers that I look up to are Travis Wall, Talia Favia, Chaz Buzan, Tessandra Chavez, Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Mark Meismer, Katy Tate, and so many more!" Definitely some incredible artists that many dancers only aspire to work with!

" I FELL

IN LOVE WITH

dance

RIGHT AWAY.

Making Time for Fun On the rare occasion that Easton isn't dancing, he's usually having fun with his friends, one of them being Kiarra Waidelich, who he's been friends with for six years and is also featured in issue!

She's really smart, talented, and easy-going," Easton shared. "We have a lot of fun together!" Check out Kiarra's article on page 22 to see what she said about Easton! Easton has a few other hobbies as well, including handstand balancing, modeling, and acting. After having a photoshoot with him twice now, we can definitely say he's got the modeling part down. And after getting to experience his kind-hearted, outgoing, and determined personality, we'd definitely love to see him acting in a TV show or movie!

S taying Focused + S taying Posi tive With as busy a schedule as Easton has, some might get caught up in the day-to-day challenges and find it difficult to stay focused. So how does Easton manage to do it all? "I try and just focus on my goals and the big picture," he explained. And while it's common for

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dancers to get caught up in comparison, Easton tries to avoid those thoughts. "There is always pressure to be better," he explained. "You may get a feeling that you aren't good enough, but I really try to just work through it and stay positive."

His Advice for Dancers His best advice for other aspiring performers? Focus on competing with yourself. "It's not about being the best," he explained. "It's about being better than you were yesterday." His primary focus is on improving himself as a dancer. He believes that the way to achieve your goals is through consistent practice, as evident by his favorite quote by Jim Rohn: "You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills." Easton certainly isn't planning on modifying his dreams any time soon, so we can guarantee he'll be busy working on his skills. "I have so many goals," he shared. "I would love to dance for a major artist. I'd also love to be on Broadway or Cirque, perform at the Superbowl, act, work for a dance convention, and be in a movie!" BRB while we catch our breath! He has many big goals, but nothing we think is too far out of reach for Easton.

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

B 49

ou might recognize Akira Akbar as Monica Rambeau in the Captain Marvel

movie or as Fast Forward in We Can Be Heroes. We interviewed this super-talented on-screen superhero and discussed everything from her recent roles to her love of dance to the advice she'd offer other teens with dreams. AN EARLY INTEREST At just 4 years old, Akira knew she wanted to be a performer. "I would spend hours in my mom's salon impersonating characters I saw on my favorite shows," she explained. "I'd dance and perform in front of her clients. I love to entertain people." One day, one of the clients suggested that she start going to auditions, and shortly after, Akira booked her first role on Criminal Minds. While it was a small role, it didn't take long for Akira to get a big part… on the big screen! MARVELING AT HER MOVIE ROLE Most actors can only dream of being in a Marvel movie, and Akira scored a role at just 11 years old, as Monica Rambeau. We wondered if it was challenging to keep it a secret during the audition process, but it turns out she was as in the dark as everyone else! "This audition was top secret. They changed my character name and the name of the project three times before I knew that it was Captain Marvel," she explained. "It wasn't until I booked it that I found out what the role was!"

As for her role, she loved playing Monica. "I fell in love with the role," she said. "I'm normally a shy and reserved person, but I was able to be sassy with this character, and I loved it!" DANCING DREAMS While she's scored quite a few movie roles, Akira has done her fair share of TV shows, too. She also played Young Beth on an episode of This Is Us where she got to play a ballerina. Akira used to dance from ages 4 to 9, so she was no stranger to the technique. "I loved how I got to show off my ballet ability," she told us. "I absolutely love to dance, but the busier I got, the less I was able to do it. I still love to dance, so I plan to get back into it!" LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Akira has so many goals for

Photography: Robyn Breen Shinn • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Akira Akbar

herself—starring in a horror movie, winning an Oscar, and acting alongside Viola Davis. She also has dreams outside of the entertainment industry. "I'd love to be a fashion designer," she told us. "Right now, I'm really into vintage styles. I love thrift shopping and record players with vinyl records." Seeing how much she has already accomplished, we have no doubt she'll achieve all that she sets her mind to. Alongside her career goals, Akira wants to impact her peers by spreading love and unity. "The best advice I can give a teen right now is to fall in love with yourself first," she said, "and don't be so hard on yourself. If you really want something, stay focused and go after your dreams!" @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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@GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Photography: Provided by Dancers • Design: Holly Childs

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

B 55

At 18 years old, Sydney Mikayla has had more well-rounded roles than we can count—from scripted TV shows to movie roles to soap operas to voice acting and more. We sat down with her and talked all about auditions, how different mediums require different skills, and how dance is her stress-reliever. STRENGTH & LOYALTY Sydney started acting at just 5 years old, taking after her mother who was also an actor. Since then, she's had dozens of

roles, including playing Trina on the long-running soap opera General Hospital. "I loved every second of my role as Trina," Sydney told us. "I've never had such a prominent dramatic acting role before." We've loved seeing her character evolve on the show. "When I first started, Trina was the typical 'bad girl," she said, "but she's grown into being the strong, loyal, independent one in her friend group." Sydney is no stranger to playing strong, independent roles. She recently played Young Gabrielle in The Gabby Douglas Story, an experience she won't soon forget. "It was so incredible," she shared. "From working with Regina King and Gabby Douglas to filming on location in Canada for six weeks… It's an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime."

USING HER VOICE

Photography: Tim Schaeffer @timschaefferphoto • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Sydney Mikayla • Makeup: Alie Fleck @aliefleck

Sydney doesn't just use her talents in on-screen roles, though; she also does a ton of voice acting. While we know it takes skill; she thinks that it's something a lot of people could try. "There are no limits," she said. "If you can change your voice, you can do the role!" Well, she must be pretty talented at it because she's been doing it since she was 10 years old, with her latest role being Wolf in Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts. To her, it's another way to build up her skill set. "I believe that being able to do so many different types of acting roles keeps my skills up and gives me versatility for future roles," she shared. DANCING QUEEN If her acting skills weren't enough to impress, Sydney is also a trained dancer. While she doesn't get to train quite as much as she used to, it's still a significant part of her life. "I love when I see my body getting stronger and my skills improving," she told us. For her, it's one of the ways she deals with stress and struggles. "I love that dance is a physical way to help me escape the stresses of life. Being able to focus on whether my leg is turned out or whether my foot is sickled is a productive way for me to destress." While she doesn't have a ton of time for it now, she says she hopes to minor in dance in college! HARD WORK & HAPPINESS Sydney has a lot of different skills—including a newfound love of baking and doing makeup. It's clear that she is immensely talented, but she attributes a lot of this to hard work. Her advice for others? "Whatever you love

to do, be the best you can at it. Learn as much as you can and talk to people who know more about the subject than you do. Most importantly, train! It's okay not to have everything figured out, but remember that knowledge is power and you should never give up on your dreams!" Aside from hard work, Sydney also constantly reminds herself that happiness is the most essential factor. "My acting teacher once said to me, 'Do you love the arts or what the arts can do for you?'" Sydney shared. "This quote always reminds me that I pursue acting because I love it and not because I want followers or fame." This is a vital mentality to have nowadays when social media encourages us to look and act a certain way. It's so important to follow the things that truly bring us happiness. Knowing she's following her own path has helped Sydney through many of the struggles of her career so far. "This industry isn't always easy, so it is important that I remember why I do what I love!" LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Sydney's future goals are to keep working on her crafts and eventually take a step behind the camera to be a producer. In the meantime, though, you can check her out as Maya on Cartoon Network’s Craig of the Creek and as Olivia on The Barbarian and the Troll on Nickelodeon.

adison Taylor Baez is

preparation on her part. "I studied

best known for her

videos of Selena when she was

role as Young Selena in

young to learn her movements,"

Selena: The Series, but at just 10

she shared. "I'd never sung in

years old, she's been on dozens

Spanish before, and I had to for the

of stages, commercials, and

audition, so I practiced that, too!"

screens. A family gal at heart, we sat down with her to find out how

Madison had no trouble relating

her dad's cancer diagnosis led to

to the role. "[Selena and I] are very

her cultivating her music skills and

similar in that we both started

how her close-knit family keeps

singing at a very young age," she

her going.

explained. "Both of our fathers

music is medicine

introduced us to music and singing, and they helped us with practicing and singing in public."

Photography: Alex Stone • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Madison Taylor Baez

Madison got an earlier start at music than most, starting to sing

While there are similarities,

at just 2 years old. "I would sing

Madison has a bit more

and bang on my pink electronic

experience than Selena had at

piano," she shared. "You couldn't

this age. "She was just really

understand a word I was singing."

starting out at 9, and I have already performed in arenas

Madison discovered her true love

and stadiums, mini-concerts,

of music after her father was

and on television!" she told us.

diagnosed with Stage IV colon

While Madison has performed

cancer when she was 3 years old.

hundreds of times, she still

"I would sing at his hospital bedside

gets a little nervous sometimes.

through his many surgeries and

Luckily, she's able to shake it off

recoveries," she shared.

and perform. "Once I get the microphone in my hand, any

We've heard that music can be

nerves I may have had instantly

medicine, and Madison certainly

go away, and I'm ready to go,"

put that to the test. Now, Madison's

she shared.

father is cancer-free and her parents are her support system. "My dad fought cancer for seven years

for the future

and is now managing my music.

Madison has big plans for the

My mom has worked tirelessly as

future, and she hopes to release

an oncology RN for 22 years. They

more music, get back to live

both lead by example, and I love

performances, and do more

them so so much," she told us.

charity events. With all that she's

young selena

accomplished at a young age, we asked what her advice would be for other young, aspiring performers:

Madison isn't just musically

"Practice, practice, practice. And

talented; she recently scored the

challenge yourself all the time to be

role of Young Selena in Selena:

better. If it's your passion, work hard

The Series, which required a bit of

and never give up."

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hopping sustainably is

She didn't just settle on any

more important than ever.

leotards, though, as her

While it can be tempting to

experience with yoga and

shop often and buy inexpensive,

mindfulness practices had

fast-fashion items, the negative

caused her to "start thinking

effect it can have on our

more about the choices [she]

environment and our world

was making and the impact

means we need to rethink how

those choices could be having

we consume fashion. We sat

on the earth." Instead, she

down with Katherine Hartsell,

wanted to create a leotard that

creator of sustainable leotard

centered on sustainability.

company Jai-Dee Dancewear to discuss her inspiration behind

Taking Things Slow

the brand, challenges she's faced, and how, as a former

While Katherine knew she

professional dancer, she's also

wanted to create something

supporting the arts industry.

sustainable, that would have little negative impact on the

The Idea Behind the Leos

environment, she struggled at

Photography: Katie Salerno • Design/Writing: Holly Childs

first with the idea of creating The idea behind Jai-Dee came

anything at all. "I believe

after Katherine adopted her

creating any product is in

daughter, Kritsana, from Thailand.

some degree of conflict with

She took a year off to spend time

sustainability," she explained. "I

with her, and suddenly found

struggled for a long time about

herself thinking about dance,

whether adding a product to the

even though she had retired

already saturated dancewear

from it years before. "The time at

market was a responsible

home forced me to slow down

choice." After a lot of research

(for the first time ever!), and I

and strategizing, Katherine

realized I was missing the dance

decided that she could create a

community and the groups of

product in a way she felt proud

women who had been by my side

of, and that's when Jai-Dee

all those years," Katherine shared

Dancewear was born.

with us. "I felt myself yearning to give back to this art form that

Creating a product usually

had nourished me for so long,

comes with a whirlwind of

and with the time and space that

marketing and content creation,

motherhood forced me to take,

but Katherine knew that she

ideas started to flow."

wanted to take things slow. "There's a lot of pressure in the

After some thinking and

world (and in all of us!) to 'do

research, Katherine was drawn

more,' and I had to commit to

to creating leotards. "As a former

doing things smaller and slower,"

professional dancer, leotards

she told us. "It's honestly against

were my second skin," she told

my nature but in line with my

us, "and I was always hunting for

values to do less, and I have tried

cozy, well-designed options."

to stick to it." She's focused on

slowly developing partnerships,

always present on a daily basis.

where Katherine lives. And

taking time with her ideas, and

We have to develop a strong sense

second, Americans for the Arts,

taking breaks when needed. "In

of purpose and know how to

a national organization focused

the beginning, it was hard to slide

connect to this purpose regardless

on advancing the arts across

some of the noise to the side,"

of how motivated we may feel

the country. "By supporting

she told us, "but now, I really like

one particular day." Her passion

both a smaller grassroots arts

the steady rhythm of Jai-Dee. It

inspired her to get started; her

organization and a national

honestly reflects the world I would

purpose has kept her going.

arts organization, I feel we are

wish for others with more space, more consciousness, and less stuff."

Leaning on Others

reminding our community of two And while the details of things

things: to care about the arts

may change, her purpose—to

and artists right next door to us

bring sustainability to dancewear—

as well as the arts and artists

won't. "I'm always allowing for

that are in a different part of the

When she was creating Jai-

the shape of this work to shift, as

country, perhaps with less access,"

Dee, Katherine leaned on those

long as it is still strongly tethered

Katherine told us.

already in the sustainability startup

to a sense of purpose," Katherine

industry to help guide her through

told us. "I honestly think we can

While she knows she can't

the process. "In the beginning,

have a more positive impact if

singlehandedly change

it was challenging to decide

we respond to the rhythms of

everything, small impacts add up

exactly which pathway we would

lives instead of insisting that we

to big changes. "I fully appreciate

take with sustainability (there

stay "on" and "on-brand" and fully

that our work cannot 'save the

are so many ways to interpret

motivated all the time."

arts' or 'save the earth,'" she

sustainability and all of them are imperfect)," she told us. "Thanks

shared, "but I absolutely believe

Supporting the Arts

to Shannon Lohr of Factory45, I

our work supports the arts and the earth and I am encouraged by

learned about so many different

Sustainable dancewear isn't

materials as well as the pros and

Katherine's only purpose. She's

cons of using each one. With this

incredibly passionate about

program, I became more educated

helping the arts, too, something

about the options and felt so

she's known she's wanted to

Now that Katherine has built a

supported throughout the process.

do from the inception of the

foundation, she's turning her sights

In this community of sustainable

company. "Many brands think

to collaboration. "I am currently

startups, I also found a lot of

about developing their product

working on a project

encouragement and inspiration!"

first and adding a cause as an

(for later this year)

afterthought," she told us, "but

that widens the

this prong of our business was a

spotlight on other

leading one."

lovely sustainable

Purpose Over Passion While creating a startup company

others doing the same around us!"

The Future of Jai-Dee

brands and initiatives

always comes with its ups and

Since she started Jai-Dee, she

for dancers. I simply don't

downs, Katherine has held tightly

has given back to two non-

see meaningful social or

onto one thing to keep her going:

profits. First, Cirio Collective,

environmental progress

purpose. "Having a clear sense

a small organization focused

happening without

of purpose has always helped

on choreography, creation,

collaboration, and so this

me withstand the fluctuations of

and collaboration operating

project feels like the next,

motivation," she explained. "As

mainly out of Massachusetts,

right step for Jai-Dee. I'm so

dancers, many of us learn early on

excited to be able to share and

that while we may be passionate

support the work of others

about what we do, passion is not

whose values align with our own."

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

B 63

cesiis Magana is a 16-year

to have three immediate friends in

old dancer who also happens

school who are the same age, it had

to be a quadruplet to three

its challenges. "My brothers always

brothers! We met up with her

had someone to play with growing

in Las Vegas this spring for a

up," Icesiis told us, "but I was all by

photoshoot, and we got an

myself because I never liked the

inside look at life with three

things boys did." As you can imagine,

brothers, what it's like to have a

it was also quite the challenge to

sister following in her footsteps,

coordinate quadruplets' schedules.

and how dance has been her

"We're all very busy," Icesiis told us.

saving grace this year.

"I travel with dance, and my brothers

Cards she was dealt

all do travel hockey." There have been a lot of fun times,

While Icesiis has always been

too! With everyone traveling for a

passionate about dance, she

sport, Icesiis and her family have

realized how much it truly means

been on some pretty fun vacations.

to her this past year. As someone

"One of my favorite memories with

who isn't on social media, Icesiis

my siblings was our vacation last

was even more affected by the

summer," she told us. "My whole

lack of connection in quarantine

family went to Florida, and we did

than most people were. "I used

Disney World, Universal Studios,

dance as a coping mechanism,"

Key West, and a lot of beaches!"

she explained. "I started to really appreciate dance more; I realized how special dance is to me."

Heir to the throne

Photography: Holly Childs • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Featured: Icesiis Magana

While Icesiis was able to find the While she loves dance mainly

silver linings in being the queen of

because it allows her to express

the quadruplet castle, she was so

her emotions, it's also taught her

excited when she found out she

quite a few things that help her in

would have a little sister! Icesiis is

her day-to-day life. "Dance has

exceptionally close with her little

taught me how to be organized

sister Heiress, who is now 5 years

which has helped me balance

old. "My relationship with her

school, dance, and a normal teen

differs from my brothers because

life," she told us. "It's also taught me

I can actually do girly things with

to be determined and to always

her," she told us. "We'll get our nails

work on perfecting my craft."

done, do late-night face masks,

Full House

and go shopping." Just like Icesiis, Heiress is also passionate about dance. "She's been following

Quadruplets are extremely rare;

my footsteps since the day she

Just a few hundred quadruplet

stepped into this world," Icesiis told

babies are born each year. Of

us. "I love seeing her dance, and

that, the odds of only one being a

I always enjoy watching her on

girl is even lower. Icesiis was born

stage. It's been so great seeing her

a quadruplet along with her three

blossom into the amazing dancer

brothers, and while it was great

she is today."

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Photography: Shutterstock, Nordstrom • Design: Nikki Cole • Writing: Veronica Good

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Photography: Holly Childs • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good

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Photography: Provided by Pottery Barn • Design: Nikki Cole/Tyler Amaral • Writing: Veronica Good

"Inconsistent, well-intended, and cheap." This is how former Disney star and current wellness advocate Alyson Stoner describes her day-to-day routine. At first, that might sound disorganized or negative, but it's all part of Alyson's adaptable and honest look at everyday wellness. We talked to Alyson about a typical day in her life and got an inside look at her new wellness platform, Movement Genius.

Photography: Nick Onken @nickonken @photographsbynickonken • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good

Wake Up Mindful It doesn't matter what Alyson has in store for the day ahead. She likes to keep things simple. She always makes herself and her needs a priority. "I do not maintain any elaborate routines, and I personally don't like spending money on expensive products or memberships," she told us. "My self-care habits are almost always things that can be done solely with my mind and body." That means meditating and moving. If you follow Alyson on Instagram, you've probably seen her out on walks, meditating, or sharing positive affirmations. But before all of that can happen, her day begins with her mind. The first thing Alyson does when she wakes up is turn off the audiobook she had playing while she slept. "I cross my fingers that I absorbed the information while sleeping," she said. After that, there's a lot to do. Chances are, though,

it's smoothie time. "Most days, I make a large smoothie using my friend's protein powder, Glo Vegan," Alyson shared. She's happy to recommend Glo Vegan because of its formula that is both sustainable and bioavailable (the number of nutrients your body can actually absorb and use). "I've noticed a significant boost in energy, mood, and immunity," she said.

EVERYONE DESERVES TO FEEL SAFE,

comfortable,

AND CONFIDENT IN THEIR MIND AND BODY. The only thing more important than that smoothie? The large water bottle she keeps at her desk to make sure she's always hydrated while she works. "I'm finally getting into the swing of filling [it] in the morning."

Movement Meets Mind Move, move, move! Alyson's day revolves around her passion for movement in all forms. Meditation and mindful movement are her personal priorities, but they're also her goals for others. She's currently in post-production for the

content library of her new platform, Movement Genius, which uses movement for mental health. "Come as you are." is the Movement Genius attitude toward wellness. There's no need to be an expert dancer, all-star athlete, or even a person with a home gym to learn to move from Alyson and her founding faculty. The goal is to make movement-based wellness accessible to people regardless of identity, body, or ability. Movement isn't about fitness or athletics. "At all times of the day, we take up space and move differently depending on situations, cultures, relationships, personal history, and so many other factors." Whether you have five minutes or 45, you have time to move, and that's what Alyson and her fellow instructors are hoping to share with others. "We want to integrate the body into healing and transformation," she said. "Everyone deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their mind and body." Movement Genius isn't all dance, though. In fact, even the dance that is incorporated into Movement Genius probably isn't exactly like the dance you do in the studio. "Dance is often done in a 'performative' manner," Alyson clarified. While there's nothing wrong with dancing to perform, the classes that Alyson and

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ALYSON'S TIPS FOR BEING

productive Alyson is in the process of building a whole platform, so we can’t help but assume that her productivity skills are top notch. We asked her about how she stays productive and what her best habits for productivity are.

“The best habit is to follow your natural rhythm,” she said. “It’s ok to pull inspiration from all the lists and recommendations of productivity experts, but ultimately, you’re the expert of your experience...Get to know yourself, and then dare to provide that optimal space and schedule as you’re able.”

GET TO KNOW YOUR

productivity needs Ask yourself... What’s your flow? When is it most helpful to take breaks? Do you work better in a positive environment?

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her co-faculty teach are focused on movement as a physical connection to our thoughts and emotions. "Dance, like any movement, can be done consciously and purposefully," she explained. "However, it isn't automatically mindful, embodied, and therapeutic." From affirmation dance workouts with Alyson to Movement Genius' many other offerings, including At Your Desk stretches, adaptive fitness for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, yoga, meditation, and even games, there's something for every part of your day. Take a break at work. Break your creative block. Simply relax.

Personal Time When Alyson does slow down, you might find her taking a breather in her car. "This may sound odd, but the most stable thing in my life over the last ten years is my car," she told us. Over the course of career and relationship changes and even moves, her Kia has been a constant companion. "I feel very safe and secure spending time alone decompressing in my car. As an introvert and contemplative, solitude is vital." When Alyson isn't working on projects, she likes to make time to learn. That doesn't just mean audiobooks while she's sleeping.

Taking time to learn new things is her "me-time." "I ache for knowledge and new experiences," she told us, "but I have to be really intentional about making time for this."

Ending with Intention "These days, I am truly humbled by the joy I feel in my body. Despite many challenging circumstances, this joy fills my bones, and I find myself smiling and laughing alone," Alyson shared when we asked her about her nightly routine. Before heading off to sleep (and pressing play on that audiobook!), she gets all of her thoughts in order. "I practice a lot of selfforgiveness, self-acceptance, and holding thoughts, emotions, and sensations in curiosity and compassion," she said. "Also, if I feel like I'm ultra stressed or obsessing over something, I remember to loosen my grip and create a healthy distance from over-personalizing and internalizing things." For Alyson, listening to her mind and body is an all-day, everyday kind of thing. Whether she's sharing resources to teach others how to express themselves or turning her mindfulness inward, there's no pause button on that exploration. We can learn a lot from how we move and think, and Alyson is passionate about bringing that out to heal and grow. "Every part of you has a voice and deserves to be heard."

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all shy teenagers thrown into

Now that TATB has officially

fake dating plots but the films

wrapped—the final film, TATB:

cover so much more than boy

Always and Forever, came out

drama. TATB is a teen rom-com

this year right before Valentine’s

that shows love is for everyone

Day—Lana is working on other

whether that means mending

projects. She’s currently set to

old friendships, connecting with

star in and executive produce an

family, or falling for the guy

upcoming Netflix paranormal

you’re fake dating.

comedy about a high school senior who learns that she’s a

TATB was also a major step

ghost right when she was ready

forward for Asian representation

to take charge of her life. Even

on-screen. "Anyone can fall in

so, it doesn’t seem like Lana will

love," Lana told Harper’s Bazaar

ever let go of Lara Jean. "Words

earlier this year. "It doesn’t have

will never be able to describe my

to be what we’re used to in

love for Lara Jean," she said in

This is 23-year-old actress Lana

mainstream media." She went on

an Instagram post after shooting

Condor’s Instagram bio. Since she

to say that when she grew up, she

wrapped at the end of 2019.

skyrocketed to fame in 2018, that’s

didn’t see people that looked like

been Lana’s presence, your fearless

her in these roles, falling in love on

and funny virtual bestie, someone

screen. Now she’s happy to take

who wants the best for her fans

on that role for girls like her.

Photography: Getty Images, Shutterstock • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good

and the people around her, a down-to-earth icon. As a celebrity

Lana and her character Lara

and as a role model, she brings

Jean are far from the same and

positivity to everything she does.

their experiences aren’t one-

To All the Rom-Coms We’ve Watched Before

size-fits-all, but they do have some things in common that make Lana love her girl-nextdoor character even more. Lana

Lana made her actorial debut as

was born in Vietnam, and Lara

Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse,

Jean is Korean-American, but the

but you probably know her from

importance of their cultures were

Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved

instilled in both of them from a

Before (TATB) and its sequels.

young age. Lana and her brother,

Based on Jenny Han’s best-selling

Arthur, were adopted together

book trilogy of the same name,

and raised by white parents who,

TATB tells the story of Lara Jean

like Lara Jean’s father, pushed

Song Covey, a high school junior

their children to explore their

whose life gets a little more

culture. "[My parents] wanted so

complicated when the love letters

hard for me not to forget where

she’s privately written to past

I came from, and I appreciate

crushes get sent out.

that," Lana told Teen Vogue in 2018. "And I see Lara Jean's dad

Bringing Lara Jean to life didn’t

do that. So that whole experience

just make Lana an icon. It also

is very familiar to me, which

showed girls everywhere someone

further made my experience on

like them. Ok, maybe we’re not

that movie more comfortable." @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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Keeping It Real

Between acting and dance, Lana has been in the performing

Lana is undoubtedly a superstar,

arts from an early age. She

but she’s not flexing her stardom.

trained in ballet and would go

After the booming success of the

on to study at several renowned

first TATB film, she admitted to Self

performance spaces including

magazine in February, "[The first

Joffrey Ballet, The Alvin Ailey

movie] was received way better

American Dance Theater, and

than I had ever imagined in my

The Los Angeles Ballet. After

wildest dreams. It changed much

high school, she stopped taking

of my life very quickly," and she

ballet. Lana recognized that the

found herself overwhelmed and

physical expectations of dance

burned out.

were taking a toll on her mental health and her relationship

Now, when she’s not promoting

with her body. "When you see

her work, Lana is at home in

yourself in mirrors constantly,"

Seattle with her boyfriend, singer-

she shared with Self magazine,

songwriter Anthony De La Torre,

"...you can really just nitpick

and her dog Emmy. Cooking,

yourself to death."

dancing to BLACKPINK, and writing music (check out the sidebar on

Lana shares her struggles

page 91!) are all part of her day-

with body dysmorphia to

to-day life—in fact, you can join

encourage people to have

Lana and Anthony on a lot of

healthy relationships with

these adventures on her YouTube

their bodies, no matter what

channel. It’s all been a journey of

they do. For Lana that means

learning her limits and knowing

managing her exercise and

herself better.

doing things that are fun (she and Anthony are trying out Zumba classes!) and actively making sure she’s taking care of her mental health. Like Lana said, it can be easy for those of us in the dance industry to push too hard, scrutinize and nitpick, or otherwise develop unhealthy habits. That’s where fun and mindfulness come in. "We have to do a better job at being kind to ourselves," she said. "You have to treat yourself like your best friend, and you have to talk to yourself like your best friend...We have to talk to ourselves kindly and gently… This mind and this body is the one we get."

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She’s keeping things down to earth

excite me, that feel different,

and making sure to share her

that will challenge me and

feelings, for herself and for her

make me see the world in a

fans. If there’s one thing to take

different way."

away from TATB, it’s that you need to put yourself first. As Josh (boy

On the red carpet, Lana uses her

next-door and almost love) puts it,

spotlight to show off the work of

"You gotta tell people how you feel

Asian designers. This year at the

when you feel it" whether you’re

23rd Costume Designers Guild

battling crush anxiety, taking care

Awards (which she hosted!),

of yourself, or speaking up about

she worked with her stylist Tara

the things you care about.

Swennen to show-off the work of Nepalese fashion designer Prabal Gurung in a colorful, layered look complete with feathers and a bold blue skirt over black pants. Showing off the work of Asian designers, Lana told Variety, "is a big deal and so important to me." Lana also shared with Marie Claire this year that acting is part of what made her want to be a more active advocate

Promoting Visibility

for her community. This was especially true when she saw the excitement that her role in

Lana is an outspoken advocate

X-Men Apocalypse generated.

for Asian creatives. She wants to

"Right off the bat, it was very

see more people like her taking

clear to me that part of my job

on breakthrough roles and more

as an actress is to represent my

diverse casting calls. "Obviously,

community," she said.

we’re making a lot of great leaps and bounds, but when I was

The weight of the world isn’t

growing up, you really only saw

just on Lana’s shoulders, but she

one specific person being given

is an inspiring role model for

the opportunity to fall in love on

anyone that wants to learn to use

camera, and they were typically

their voice or their passions for

white," she said to Harper’s Bazaar.

change. A lot of Lana’s impact comes from her sincerity. She’s

Despite making major strides

not afraid to tell people what’s

as one of the first Asian leads

most important to her or what’s

in a teen rom-com, Lana isn’t

bothering her or how much it

just focused on the romance

means to stand up for people.

genre. She told Vogue "I want to

"It starts with you," she said in

challenge myself and try new

her Marie Claire interview, "then

things. I’m picking characters that

hopefully other people will follow."

(Back Cover) Photography/Design: Holly Childs Photography: (left): Photography Shutterstock Shutterstock, • Design/Writing: (Nick Bencivengo: Holly Childs Kalin Phamnguyen), • Design/Writing: Holly Childs

This K-Pop group sings the song “Blue Hour”

Akira Akbar is really into buying vintage _____ records

Miah Green works with the non-profit Free2Luv to advocate against this

This is a phrase that refers to clothing designed and produced with sustainability and quality in mind

Lana Condor loves listening to this female K-Pop Group

Icesiis Magana isn’t a twin or a triplet, she’s a __________.

One of Kiarra Waidelich’s biggest role models is this teacher and choreographer

Jai-Dee means this in the Thai language

Alyson Stoner’s platform, which uses movement for mental health.

Payton Bankhead aspires to be a leader for this group when she’s older

Lev Cameron was born in this European country

Nick Bencivengo has a goal to hit 1 million subscribers on this platform

Raphael Alejandro’s favorite Bunk’d scene involved a slip and slide covered with this substance

Easton Magliarditi claims that this activity is his life

Madison Taylor Baez had to train to sing in this language for her role in Selena: The Series

Jaheem Toombs swears he was trained to dance by Kenny Ortega and this artist

Amelie Anstett danced on stage for this major artist

Sydney Mikayla filmed in this country for six weeks while filming The Gabby Douglas Story

Taegen is considering going into this field of science

This seven-member group was named the Global Artist of the Year for 2020

Leanne Tessa was part of the Mickey Mouse Club that made her a Disney __________. HINT: Use articles in this magazine to find the answers!

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Aquarius

PISCES

ARIES (3/21-4/19)

(1/20-2/18)

(2/19-3/20)

You’re a natural-born

You’re going to encounter

When you realize the

humanitarian, so you’re no

a situation this summer

impact you want to make,

stranger to trying to make

that is going to pull at

you make it happen.

an impact on the world.

your heartstrings. Your

Your ambition is one of

Your curiosity is going to

compassionate qualities

your best qualities, Aries!

draw you towards a brand

will be put to the test and

This summer, though,

new passion this summer

you’ll be called upon to

you’re going to want to

and it’s going to cause you

help someone in need.

go full-speed-ahead on

to have a big shift in your

While your selfless nature

something, but be sure that

mentality. Try to stay level-

will make it easy to do so,

your passion doesn’t turn

headed and let the waves

remember to take care

into haste. Slow down a bit

settle before making any

of yourself and your own

and be on the look out for

big moves.

needs in the process!

any bumps in the road.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

(7/22-8/22)

(8/23-9/22)

(9/23-10/22)

Confidence is king and

This summer something is

You’re going to have

no one knows that better

going to evoke your natural

the opportunity this

than a Leo. Near the end

sense of duty. You’re going

summer to use your Libra

of summer, you’ll have an

to be called to a cause that

persuasion to really make

opportunity to guide others

is important to you and,

a difference. Whether

towards making a significant

because you’re so passionate

it’s speaking at a school

change. Whether it’s drafting

about making a difference,

meeting, convincing your

up a petition to help spread

you’re going to let go of

parents to finally get

the word about a cause

your perfectionism a little

that composter, or simply

you care about or help to

bit. It’s going to be a win/

convincing two friends to

organize a fundraiser, you’ll

win situation so don’t let your

forgive each other, you’ll be

be at the front of the pack,

apprehension stop you from

there with your easygoing

leading the way.

trying to make a difference!

and graceful nature. *for entertainment purposes only

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CELEB BIRTHDAYS Lana Condor May 11th

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

(4/20-5/20)

(5/21-6/20)

(6/21-7/22)

If you’ve been feeling

You put the gem in Gemini.

There’s no place like home,

overwhelmed lately,

You dazzle and you sparkle

right? While everyone has

Taurus, it’s probably

everywhere you go. But

been pining after getting out

because you’ve taken on

being charming all the time

of the house, you’ve been

too much. You’ll be faced

can be tiring! This summer,

enjoying some of the time at

with a chance to give

try to schedule some time

home. This summer, though,

back this summer and be

with yourself. Maybe even

you’ll have an opportunity to

tempted to go all in. We

volunteer somewhere

get out there and make an

love your determination,

that aligns with your

impact. While the comforts

but see if you can

values. Spend a little time

of home will be calling your

contribute to the cause

getting to know the person

name, try to step outside

without taking it all on.

everyone around you loves

your comfort zone and put

so much… you!

yourself out there!

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

(10/23-11/21)

(11/22-12/21)

(12/22-1/19)

This summer is going to

Nature needs you, Sag!

Time to go all in,

be all about turning your

Your adventure-loving

Capricorn! You’ve had

Noah Centineo

passion into purpose,

self isn’t shy about your

your eye on a cause for

May 9th

Scorpio. There’s no denying

love of the great outdoors,

awhile now, and you’ve

Jordan Fisher April 24th

Alyson Stoner August 11th

Olivia Rodrigo February 20th

you have a fire inside—and

so make some moves to

been waiting until the

something is going to ignite

give back to this beautiful

right time to join in and

it even more this summer.

planet. Whether it’s

make a difference.

You’re going to feel called

shopping less, recycling

Start now, plan later.

to a cause that you will

more, or advocating for

Your practical nature

immediately recognize as