Showstopper Magazine - 7th Edition

TABLE OF

Contents

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SPRING 2020 GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM

LIFESTYLE

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Dancers Across America Be Clear on Your 2020 Vision Journey to the Coveted Crystal Millennium Dance Complex Showstopper Backstage View from the Top The Ultimate Guide to Setting Goals Book Feature: Dancers & Dogs

IN EVERY ISSUE

SPOTLIGHT Gianina Paolantonio

Harlow Stone

54 58 62

Crystal Huang Kamryn Smith

4 Editor's Letter 6 Road to Showstopper 8 Showstopper Online Magazine 66 Your Dream Dance Career 76 4 Iconic Fashion Trends 80 Your Dream Decor Quizzes!

Horoscopes 92 94 Embarrassing Moments 97 Crossword

Autumn Miller Gavin Morales Sammy Bulstrode

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ey, dreamers! Welcome to the “2020 Vision” edition of Showstopper Magazine! We want 2020 to be your year—which means there's a lot to get done between now and December!

With all of our big dreams, it can be hard to sift through all of the ideas and goals we have going on in our brains. While it’s important to aim high, trying to accomplish too much at once can mean we spin out entirely. We don't want to spin out; we want to gracefully pirouette into accomplishing those goals! So, in this issue, you’re going to find tips, tricks, and inspiration about visualizing and prioritizing those goals as well as how to put together a plan of action—your “2020 vision".

You’ll hear from some of your role models on how they set and reached their own goals (and where they hope to go from here). You’ll learn how to create your own vision board to keep you inspired throughout the year. You’ll read inspirational advice from icons like Misty Copeland and Jennifer Lopez.

But above all, when you turn the last page of this magazine, I hope you are more inspired than ever to put your plan into action! Here’s to 2020, a year where we accomplish dreams bigger than any grand jeté you can imagine!

D A few of my favorite Instas from this season!

Tag us @goshowstopper for a chance to be featured.

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FOUNDERS

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Photography: Lee Gumbs (right), Leslie Childs (left), and Shared from Instagram • Writing/Design: Holly Childs Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer

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Debbie & Dave Roberts EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Holly Childs

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MANAGING EDITOR: Debbie Roberts • HEAD DESIGNER: Holly Childs • SENIOR DESIGNERS: Aaron Williams, Tyler Amaral FASHION DIRECTOR: Angel Roberts • ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLISTS: Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Addie Ware • HAIR STYLIST: Rachel Ross • MAKEUP ARTIST: Laura Schaffer • LEAD EDITORS: Leslie Childs, Nikki Cole • DESIGN/ COPY EDITORS: Debbie Roberts, Nikki Cole, Abbey Macho, Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Danae Massey Casteel, Aaron Williams, Tyler Amaral, Veronica Good, Eleanor Cooper, Alysia Tucker, James Williams PHOTOGRAPHERS: Holly Childs, Lee Gumbs, Ana Ochoa, Aaron Williams, Eva Nys, Gail Bowman, Nyra Lang, Emily Sandifer, Meg Nobriga, Leslie Childs, Julianna D • PHOTO EDITORS: Holly Childs, Aaron Williams, Tyler Amaral WRITERS: Holly Childs, Hayley Mac Cooper, Veronica Good, Nikki Cole • INTERVIEWER: Georgia VanNewkirk • DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND LOCATIONS: Adam Roberts

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Crystal Huang, Gavin Morales, Gianina Paolantonio, Harlow Stone, Kamryn Smith, Sammy Bulstrode, Sean Lew

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SHOWSTOPPER MAGAZINE ONLINE

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SENIOR EDITOR: Veronica Good • SENIOR DESIGNER: Aaron Williams • DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS: Nikki Cole VIDEOGRAPHERS: Earl Tyndall, Tyler Amaral WRITERS: Veronica Good, Christy Lyn Huebner

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SHOWSTOPPER CORPORATE EVENT PRODUCTION PRESIDENT: Dave Roberts • NATIONAL DIRECTOR: Debbie Roberts DIRECTOR OF EVENT OPERATIONS: Laura Button • ASSOCIATE

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SHOW DIRECTOR: Bailey Rivera • TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Jon Greene, Jeff Cole , Jason Hunsucker • ASSOCIATE TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Mike Wager, Kyle Intrabartolo • PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Andrew Harris • DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND LEGAL AFFAIRS: Abbey Macho DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Richard Knox DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND MEDIA RELATIONS: Nikki Cole HEAD OF FINANCE: Kim Kouba • STAFF ACCOUNTANT: Craig Goeppinger • SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Aaron Williams • SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER: Earl Tyndall • MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Tyler Amaral • CONTENT MARKETING SPECIALIST: Danae Massey Casteel • EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS: Eleanor Cooper, Alysia Tucker TRAVEL DIRECTOR: Patience Wassell • DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS: James Williams • SPECIAL PROJECTS: Greg Kajcienski, Ted Harris SPECIAL THANKS: Olivia Tarchick, Lilia Buckingham, Jennifer Lopez, Tia Wenkman, Millennium Dance Complex, Jade Chenowyth, Autumn Miller, Christy Lyn Huebner, Misty Copeland, Kelly and Ian Kreidech, CJ Jensen, Taylor Louderman, and Arielle Jacobs.

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The glitz and glam of Showstopper began 42 years ago, at a time when dance competitions didn’t even exist! In 1978, before YouTube and Dirty Dancing, Debbie Roberts knew that something was missing from the dance world. She realized that dancers needed an exciting stage where they could do what they love and also receive feedback to push them to be their best. That is how Showstopper, the world’s first dance competition, was born!

Now, 42 years later, Showstopper has grown to be much more than a dance competition—it's become a place that dancers can come together to inspire each other, share their passion for dance, and be part of a community and lifestyle that's as fabulous as they are!

You can find Showstopper at the best venues throughout the country and 2 international cities.

As a full-service production company, we host over 45 dance competitions every year. Our judges are industry experts and use their years of experience to critique dancers on their technique and score them to see which sparkling trophy they will take home!

After competing at a Showstopper Regionals competition, dancers qualify to compete at our National Finals. This is where the top dancers and studios from around the world compete, hoping to take home a National Title! On the final day, the top groups are invited to compete at the America Loves to Dance Awards LIVE championship event. Get ready to walk down the Pink Carpet!

goshowstopper.com/regionals

goshowstopper.com/finals

Ready for the best weekend ever?! At our Showstopper Dance Conventions, you will have the opportunity to learn new moves and techniques, enjoy bonding with your team, and make lifelong connections in the dance community. From Hollywood to Broadway, we bring you the industry's top dancers and choreographers to share their knowledge, skills, and experience with you. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of dance!

goshowstopper.com/conventions

Fill your feed with endless dance inspiration and follow us on social media!

@goshowstopper /goshowstopper /showstoppervideos @goshowstopper

Turn your device into a dance party with the official Showstopper app! From competition schedules to first looks at exclusive video content, the app has all you need, all in one place.

Available on Apple and Android.

Love Showstopper Magazine?

There's way more dance news and fabulous content just a few clicks away on our online magazine. Check it out: goshowstopper.com/magazine

Photography: Lee Gumbs, Holly Childs, and Shared from Instagram • Design/Writing: Holly Childs

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Writing: Hayley Mac • Design: Holly Childs

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PRODUCER ON CROWN LAKE E

T

he Showstopper

said. "It was at Disneyland, and it

it! So no matter how hard it

stage sure isn’t

always made the energy around

gets, always persevere."

the only spotlight

the competition so joyful!"

Lilia Buckingham has been in. We’ve had the pleasure

BEHIND THE CAMERA LIFE AS AN ACTRESS

of seeing her on shows like

While we were enjoying

Chicken Girls, Dirt, Total

Like many dancers, Lilia found a

seeing Lilia shine in front of

Eclipse, and Zoe Valentine.

pull to other areas of the creative

the camera, she had even

Recently we headed to

arts, and, because of her musical

bigger dreams. She wanted

Melrose Trading Post in

theater background, was drawn

to step behind the camera

Los Angeles, CA with Lilia

to acting.

to produce, direct, or write.

and talked shop about all

It wasn’t easy getting there,

things dance, acting, Crown

though, especially because of

Lake, and her passion for

her young age. Her advice for

empowering girls.

dealing with the push back?

Photography: Meg Nobriga • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Model: Lilia Buckingham. • Hair Stylist: Natasha Reid.

Makeup Artist: Amy Richardson • Wardrobe Stylist: Amy Davis • Production Assistant: Lyndsay Camins

"Don’t let people tell you IT ALL STARTED WITH DANCE

that you can’t do something because of your age!" Lilia

Now that she’s a multi-

said. "People used to look at

talented dancer, actress,

me funny when I said I was

model, and writer, it’s hard

an executive producer or an

to tell where Lilia first got

author or a director because

her start, but Lilia discovered

it was so uncommon for a

her love of dance at an

tiny teenage girl to do those

early age. "I always knew I

While you may have seen

things. But it’s completely

loved dance," Lilia explained.

a young Lilia on shows like

possible! So don’t let anyone

"I grew up doing musical

Modern Family or Good

tell you differently."

theater and moved into

Morning America, it was

competitive dance when I

recently that she started

Lilia sure didn’t let any of the

was nine years old. I just fell

popping up on our screens like

skepticism about her young

more in love with it!"

crazy with her roles on Chicken

age stop her. Alongside all

Girls, Dirt, Total Eclipse, and Zoe

of her other incredible feats,

Like many dancers, Lilia was

Valentine. Her secret to scoring,

Lilia recently co-produced

inspired by a family member

keeping, and doing well at

Jillian Shea Spaeder’s music

who danced—her aunt. "She

those roles? Perseverance.

video for her song "Something

was an incredible ballerina,"

"It’s one of the most important

Better." "I think the best part

Lilia recalled. "I was always

qualities to have when

of co-directing and producing

so inspired by her!"

pursuing acting or dancing,"

this video was getting to see

Lilia explained. "It’s not your

the final result," Lilia explained.

One of her favorite

traditional career path, and

memories from her

we are constantly being told

competitive dance days?

no or being put down. It’s so

Showstopper! "I always

important to remember why

loved Showstopper," she

we do what we do. We love

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"We worked tirelessly for weeks,

Little Liars, Crown Lake is set in a

taught me so many things that I’ll

so getting to see it come to life was

boarding school in the ‘90s and full

use for the rest of my life."

the most incredible feeling!" As

of mystery. Sound right up your

for working with BFF Jillian Shea,

alley? Well, you can thank Lilia

it was a breeze. "She’s one of the

Buckingham and Emily Skinner

most talented people I know," Lilia

for that one! "We kept asking why

Lilia must have made quite

gushed. "We do a really good job

Brat TV hadn’t done a boarding

the impression on Sara, too, as

of balancing each other out, and,

school show or a ‘90s show, so we

they’re going to be releasing a

artistically, we have a lot of the

pitched a loose idea to Sara," Lilia

book they co-wrote together soon

same visions."

told us. "We pitched it to Brat and I

called Influence, a twisty mystery

got to watch the show being built

that takes place in the fiercely

from the ground up. Now I get to

competitive world of Internet

ADJUSTING HER CROWN

MAKING AN INFLUENCE

work on casting, storylines, and

stars. The book is expected out

Lilia is also an executive producer

aesthetics!" A little initiative goes

this summer, so add it to your

on Brat TV’s Crown Lake. Written

a long way!

summer reading list!

As for working with Sara Shepard,

While we can barely wait for the

Lilia feels so lucky. "She was one

arrival of this soon-to-be bestseller,

of my idols as a kid, so getting to

we’ll be so busy watching all of the

learn from her and write with her

other amazing things Lilia’s doing,

is a dream come true," Lilia told us.

the time will fly right by!

by Sara Shepard, writer of Pretty

"She’s a wonderful mentor and has

One of Lilia's big dreams is to use her platform to inspire and empower girls to go into career paths that aren't typically encouraged for girls and women, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

"I think sometimes women are put into a box of what we can and can’t do," Lilia said, "and it’s important to show young girls that this box was constructed by the people who are afraid of all the things that women can do."

If Lilia wasn't in the entertainment industry, she might even be in a STEM field herself. "I actually wanted to be a forensic scientist," she revealed. "I always loved true crime, and I was always really interested in science as a kid!"

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E BROADWAY STAR & DANCE MOMS ICON

EXCLUSIVE D VIDEO! E

GO BEHIND THE 'GRAM WITH GIANINA! DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"

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Photos: Lee Gumbs and Shared from Instagram • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Gianina Paolantonio Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer

A

t just fourteen years old,

“They taught me everything that I

made it on the show! “I was with

Gianina Paolantonio

know now! It was so different from

one of my best friends from home

has accomplished many

competitive dance.” Being out of

when we saw the post, and we

of the goals young dancers set

her element in singing and dancing

were freaking out!” Gianina told us.

for themselves. She showed

wasn’t the only challenge, though.

off her kicks with the NY

Being in a big production meant

While filming Dance Moms has

Knicks, brought her A-game

Gianina was treated similarly to the

been an incredible experience for

to Broadway, danced with the

adults in the production with long

Gianina, there have certainly been

iconic Mariah Carey, and scored

hours in rehearsals—many times

challenges. “It’s so hard to focus

herself a role on Dance Moms.

with her mom having to wait in

when there are people arguing

The best part? We sat down with

the hallway. “I was really nervous

or yelling,” she explained. “I’m

Gianina at our Showstopper

in the beginning,” Gianina told us.

also very protective of my mom.

Magazine photo shoot and got

“We only had six weeks to learn the

If someone is hurting my mom’s

the inside scoop on it all!

whole show, and rehearsals were

feelings, you’re hurting mine too.”

from 9 AM to 9 PM every day. The

At this moment in our interview,

hardest part was leaving my mom

Gianina’s mom chimed in and

While Gianina didn’t take dance

and dad for that long at nine years

said, “That’s why these kids are

too seriously when she was young,

old!” While it was challenging, it’s

amazing, though. They’re able to

that quickly changed after her

a role she’ll always remember,

handle all of that and still perform

first solo at just five years old. She

and it ended up being a bonding

like professionals.” Luckily for

made the decision then and there

experience for her and her mom.

Gianina, she finds that stress and

that she loved dance and wanted

“I performed 550 times over 18

anxiety are actually driving factors

to keep doing it. Four years later,

months, and my mom saw the show

for her success. “The pressure

her mom took her to NYC to

about 250 times,” Gianina said. “My

actually makes me stronger,” she

audition for Broadway and the

mom knew ALL the songs, and we

told us. “I like to have a bunch of

NY Knicks City Kids dance team.

used to sing them together!”

competition and a lot on the line!”

SHINING BRIGHT ON BROADWAY

“Both of them picked me, and I was lucky enough to be able to do both!” Gianina told us.

TAKING OVER ON TV

HER VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Gianina’s audition for Dance Moms

In the future, Gianina hopes to

wasn’t the typical process as she

keep doing what she loves—

Any stage is scary, but Broadway is

was actually recommended for

dancing. “I just love that with

another story, especially for a nine-

the show, and they called her!

dance, you can tell a story without

year-old! “When I first got the role

She still had to go through Skype

even speaking,” she said. She also

in Matilda, I wasn’t the best singer

interviews, though, and like most of

hopes to pursue more acting with

in the world,” Gianina revealed.

the dancers on this latest season of

dreams of being on a Disney show.

Dance Moms, she didn’t

It doesn’t sound too far-fetched for

know until she saw the

someone who has accomplished

Instagram post that she

as much as Gianina has!

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Photos/Content: Provided by Dancers • Design: Holly Childs

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W

e had the incredible

dance and was able to channel

contemporary dance, which

opportunity to get an

her hyperactivity into something

meant I began focusing less on all

exclusive interview from

that would become her passion.

of the other styles of dance."

dancer Tia Wenkman about how

"When I found dance, I felt

she found her love of ballet, her

completely in my element," Tia

Once she realized her true

experience moving to London to

told us. "I was the most focused

passion was ballet, where did

train at the Royal Ballet School,

kid in class."

she start? After a ballet-focused

and how she overcame a nearly devastating injury.

summer intensive, she begged her Now, she uses her love of

parents for more training. "That

movement for something bigger

eventually led to my move to

than just getting out her energy.

Arizona at age 12," Tia explained.

"I love being able to express

This is where she started

Dancers love to move—for Tia,

myself through movement," Tia

her training at Master Ballet

her love of being active originally

said. "I love to connect with the

Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona.

caused her a lot of issues in

audience." Now that Tia has found

And so began Tia’s journey into

school. "At school, I had a

her focus, she has also found

pursuing ballet!

FINDING HER FOCUS

hard time," Tia explained. "I

her passion. "My favorite style

struggled with my

of dance is classical ballet,"

studies, and I couldn’t

she told us. "At about the age

focus because I

of 10, after performing in a

While most times hard work pays

professional production of The

off, it can also lead to some less

was an extremely hyperactive child."

Luckily, Tia found

Nutcracker, I fell completely in love with classical ballet and theatrical performance.

That’s when I decided to focus more on ballet and

OVERCOMING AN INJURY

pleasant results. For Tia, this was a life-altering injury in 2018.

Photography: Eva Nys • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Tia Wenkman

"I haven’t talked much about it

was able to pop it back into

School. "It was all really exciting,"

publicly," Tia shared, "but I feel

place before heading to the ER.

she explained. "But it takes a lot

it’s part of my healing process

However, after an MRI, I found

of time and effort to prepare for

to be open about it and to bring

out I had a significant tear to a

a big move like this, especially

awareness to others that might be

ligament in my knee." Although it

because I’m a minor. I needed to

going through something similar."

felt like a huge setback, Tia was

find a guardian in the UK, apply

Tia had just finished competing in

determined to recover. "After

for visas, arrange for travel,

China, the 5th major competition

a few days and with tons of

and mentally prepare myself to

for her that year, and she was

support, I had a plan of action

leave my friends and family for

completely exhausted. “I needed

to deal with the injury head-on,"

long periods of time. It was a bit

a break," Tia said. “But I really

Tia explained. Throwing herself

overwhelming, but I was ready for

wanted to jump into my role as

into physical therapy, after tons

a big change and to take on a new

Sugar Plum Fairy for the Phoenix

of hard work and dedication

challenge! I’m so happy I did it,

Ballet Nutcracker, so I didn’t allow

from what she calls her "dream

and I’m absolutely loving London!"

my body to rest after competition

team," she was able to perform

season."

two shows in The Nutcracker.

Like all of Tia’s accomplishments,

"Setbacks can make you even

though, studying at The Royal

Her desire to keep pushing

stronger," Tia said. "You can

School hasn't come without hard

eventually cost her, though.

achieve what your mind believes

work! "The biggest challenge

"During class, I was attempting to

if you don’t ever give up!"

for me [at The Royal Ballet

land a leap, and I felt something wrong happen to my knee,"

School] has been the LIFE IN LONDON

Tia explained. "I sat in disbelief

academics," Tia explained. "I’m

and in pain. I had dislocated my

Recently, Tia moved to London

doing really

kneecap. Luckily, my teacher

to study with the Royal Ballet

well, though,

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BEHIND THE SCENES and I just received a merit for

Recently, Tia performed in a

outstanding work! I think the

Bob Sinclair music video for

artistic teaching is amazing at

his song "I Believe." "It was

Royal, and I feel like I’m being

actually a ton of fun and

challenged and growing into a

a challenge," Tia said. "[I]t

better dancer every day. I feel

definitely left me exhausted

extremely lucky to be part of

both mentally and physically.

such an amazing school with outstanding teachers, academics, and opportunities."

It was worth every second though!" So what did the process look like?

Well, it sure wasn’t

THE KEY TO SUCCESS

a short filming day!

"I think I danced and

With so much success at such a young age, we asked Tia to share with us a piece of advice she’d like

did improvisation for about eight hours," Tia recalled.

"Bob and the director

to give to other teens. "Believe in

of the video really just

yourself, and focus on your goals,

wanted to capture how

not what everyone else is doing,"

I interpreted the song

Tia said. "Stay in your moment,

with movement, so they

and be proud of your progress.

gave me full artistic

Don’t compare someone else’s

freedom, and there was

progress to yours. We all have our

no choreographer for the

own paths and goals; some just

video. It was a challenge,

get there faster than others. In the

but I feel I was able to tell a

end, we’ll all end up where we’re

story. I’m really happy with

supposed to be."

Tia's very aware that success isn't the same for everyone, though, and a lot has to fall into place

how it turned out!"

If you’ve ever wondered how some music videos are cast, in some cases—like in

for it to happen. "There are so

this video with Tia, there’s no

many things that have to align

audition required! "The artist,

to support your dream—your

Bob Sinclair, was actually

location, training, opportunities,

on Instagram, and a video

mentors, and support (financial

came across the Instagram

and emotional)," Tia explained.

explore page that I did with

"It's certainly not an easy road,

Bluewater Dancewear and

and I recognize that everyone

Eva Nys Photography," Tia

has different experiences on their journey. As for me, I really hope to continue with the momentum that I have had in the last few

revealed. "He really liked my movement quality and had his agent reach out to me to see if I was interested. He

years. I am so very grateful

thought I’d be the perfect

to my mentors and family for

dancer for his new song, ‘I

supporting me through it all and

Believe.’ I’m just so glad he

helping me do what I love."

believed in me!"

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L

os Angeles is home to some

of Lilia Buckingham too, and

of the best food, fashion,

we even tagged along on her

dance classes, and fun a

shopping trip recently to get

teen dancer could ever dream

her exclusive Showstopper Shop

of! If you’re heading to the West

Talk interview in this edition!

Coast anytime soon (or just want to daydream about the places

Not feeling like thrifting or

you could go if you did), this

vintage shopping? No worries!

Dancer's Guide to LA is for you!

There are plenty of malls all

We asked the LA-loving, leo-

around the Los Angeles area.

designing, all-around-fabulous

One of our favorites is The

Christy Lyn Huebner to give us

Grove—a mall with tons of stores,

the inside scoop (and yes, we’re

pop-up shops, and even a fun

talking ice cream!) on all the hot

farmers' market.

PICTURE PERFECT

If you’re down for DIYs and

If you went to LA and

cheap finds, the LA Fashion

didn’t take a picture

spots to hit in the City of Angels.

Photos/Quotes: Christy Lyn Huebner • Writing/Design: Holly Childs

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

District might be more up your

on a mural wall, were

First and arguably most

alley (literally). Santee Alley has

you even really there?

important, the fashion finds in LA

amazing finds for accessories,

Um, of course, but those

are nearly limitless. Depending

fabric, rhinestones, and styles for

cute pics are worth the

on your style, there are a few

those who want to look bougie

excursion! One of Christy

places you might want to check

on a budget.

Lyn’s favorite places to

out while you’re on the West Coast. One of Christy’s favorites?

get Instagrammable wall GET YOUR GAME ON

A thrift store called Wasteland

pictures is on Melrose Ave. From the Paul

on Melrose Ave. "They have the

If you are competitive (like so

Smith pink wall (where

hottest LA finds and an even

many dancers are!), you might

we photographed

better price," Christy Lyn shared.

want to get your game on while

Dylan Conrique for

you’re on the West Coast. Head

Showstopper Magazine)

Love a good vintage find?

on over to the Santa Monica Pier

to the Collette Miller

We’ve got you covered. Be sure

where you can compete against

wings wall, from the

to check out Melrose Trading

your friends in arcade-style

“Girls Tour” wall to the

Post on Sundays when they

games, ride the roller coaster,

crochet rainbows wall,

have an open-air market with a

and, of course, take cute pics on

there are so many

huge variety of vendors selling

the pier. Then, knock your day

windows of opportunity

antiques, vintage clothing,

out of the park by heading over

to get a cute wall pic! Be

collectibles, records, and even

to Dodger Stadium to see an

sure to tag us in yours

new (and extremely trendy)

iconic baseball game and cheer

so we can give it a like

looks. It’s a fashion favorite

on the LA Dodgers.

(@goshowstopper)!

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THE LAND OF DISNEY

Angels. Hike your way up to the Hollywood sign and see it from

One place you definitely can’t

a whole new view. Be sure to

miss if you’re in Los Angeles

bring a bottle of water and,

is Disneyland! We host three

of course, something to take

regional events there every

pictures with when you get to

year as well as our West Coast

the top!

Finals, so we know a thing or two about the magic that

BEHIND THE SCREENS

lives all around Disneyland in Anaheim, CA (just an hour or

LA and Hollywood are also

so outside of LA). Grab your

home to some of your favorite

Mickey ears (or get a sparkly

TV shows. You can take a

pair there), and spend the day

studio tour or even score tickets

surrounded by friends, fun,

to see a live taping of shows

and incredible food!

like Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and

SHAKE THINGS UP

America’s Got Talent. Be sure to plan ahead to make sure you

Speaking of food and Disney, if

have the best chance of getting

you’re heading to Disney for the

into the live taping!

day, don’t miss Black Tap Crazy Shakes in Downtown Disney, a

SWEET DREAMS

favorite of frequent Disney-goer Christy Lyn and the best place to

What’s a trip to LA without

get a picture-perfect milkshake.

sampling some incredible pastries? While you’ll find

Not heading to Disney but still

dozens of French-inspired

want to shake things up with

pastry shops throughout the

a milkshake? Head on over to

city, Christy Lyn recommends

Shake Shack on Hollywood Blvd.

Magnolia Bakery on Third Street

It’s Christy Lyn’s second favorite

for any dancer with a sweet

shake spot and much closer to

tooth. Open late and located

downtown Los Angeles.

in Bloomingdales, it’s a great place to cure that cupcake

TAKE A HIKE, HOLLYWOOD STYLE

craving after a day of shopping!

While we don’t recommend this

Wherever you go in Los Angeles,

hike post-milkshake, it is a can’t-

you're guaranteed to have an

miss attraction in the City of

amazing time! Happy traveling!

Don't miss out on taking a dance class while you're in Los Angeles. You'll dance alongside some of your favorite dancers and learn from incredibly talented instructors in the process. Christy Lyn recommends Millennium Dance Complex and Playground LA for any dancer who wants to take a drop-in class!

34 B

WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM

Misty Copeland has carved her

"I MAY NOT BE THERE YET,

"ALL YOU CAN DO IS BE

own path in the ballet world

BUT I AM CLOSER THAN I

YOUR BEST SELF."

with absolute grace, and she

WAS YESTERDAY."

Photography: Nyra Lang • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Misty Copeland • Hair Stylist: Jeff Francis • Makeup Artist: Victor Henao • Wardrobe Stylist: Maleeka Moss

has become a role model for

In the world we live in today,

many dancers. Here are a few

Like a grand jeté, you don't start

where dance videos and social

quotes from Misty to inspire and

with the big, impressive leap.

media are easily accessible, it

empower you this year.

There are many steps leading up

can be incredibly difficult not

to that moment that allow you to

to compare yourself to other

"DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT.

leap farther and higher than you

dancers. It's an easy thing to

DECLARE IT TO THE WORLD.

could in one jump. It's important

do, but it's also a potentially

SEE YOURSELF WINNING."

to recognize that although you

dangerous one.

might not be where you want to It's easy to get caught up in all

be yet, you are one step closer

While looking up to other

that we want to accomplish as

to getting there with every move

dancers and using them to guide

dancers and creative artists. One

you make—as long as those

your path can be a great thing

of the most important things you

moves are aligned with your

to do, comparison can cause us

can do, though, is to be decisive.

major goals.

to feel bad about our own paths.

Deciding what you want to

We're all on our own journeys.

achieve makes it that much

So always remember to

Yours may be different than

more likely that you will actually

appreciate where you are in this

that of others. So while you may

achieve it!

moment. Recognize the small

hope to be the best, it's most

accomplishments, and always

important to be your best—the

keep your eyes on the prize.

best version of you possible.

"SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF

"BELONGING SHOULDN'T

AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN."

MEAN YOU ARE LIKE

"WITHOUT MY MENTORS, THERE IS NO MISTY." While Misty carved her own path in the ballet world, she

EVERYONE ELSE."

attributes a lot of her success to

Misty has positioned herself as a

those who taught, inspired, and

role model in the industry and has

From our group of friends to our

supported her in her journey. It's

led the way for many dancers of

dance team, we all want to feel

important to find your mentors

color who aspire to be where she

like we belong. It's easy, though,

early on and learn from them.

is today. Her success didn't come

to begin adjusting ourselves

Look to your parents, your

easy, though, and although she

to feel accepted. We begin

dance teachers, or even dancers

became the first African American

adapting to who we're around

just slightly older than you for

ballerina to be promoted to

to blend in more. But, as the

mentorship!

principal dancer in the America

saying goes, why blend in when

Ballet Theatre, she faced a lot of

we were born to stand out?

"START UNKNOWN,

adversity along the way.

FINISH UNFORGETTABLE."

The best way to feel a true Despite the obstacles she faced,

sense of belonging is to just be

We all start somewhere. Misty

Misty didn't quit. She stuck with

unapologetically you. Express

Copeland herself was at one

what she believed in and let her

your true passions, stick to your

point unknown. She was new

values guide her towards the

values, and never be afraid of

to dance and new to ballet.

career she has today. So what do

not being accepted. When you

With hard work, passion, and

you value and hope to achieve?

find a group of people that

determination, however, Misty

Let your values and goals guide

accepts you when you're being

went from being unknown to

you along your journey, no matter

completely yourself, it's there

being unforgettable.

the obstacles.

that you truly belong. @GOSHOWSTOPPER

B 35

H

arlow Stone has been dancing since she was just three years old when her top bun was

bigger than her head (but not bigger than her enthusiasm). We came across Harlow at one of our conventions, thanks to her stand-out top bun and great dance moves.

Since then, we’ve gotten to watch her amazing growth as a dancer and model.

We recently sat down to reminisce about her journey and her goals for the future.

DANCING QUEEN Dancing for just over six years, Harlow has already discovered her favorite

genres of dance—ballet and

Harlow though. She maintained

contemporary, because they

a positive perspective, even

make her work hard and allow

when she didn’t book a part she

her to showcase her flexibility.

wanted. "It’s not life-changing

With her incredibly confident

if you don’t get the gig," Harlow

presence, it’s no surprise that

explained. "You have to just go

Harlow’s favorite part about

on with your day and realize

competing in dance is performing

there is always another gig. . . in

on stage. Her second favorite

fact, there are a bunch more!"

part? Awards—so she can go get the award and give her studio a

Her favorite part about

shout out, of course! Born for the

modeling so far? "I love

spotlight, it was only a matter

meeting new friends," Harlow

of time before Harlow made her

said. "I also love trying out new

way to the world of modeling.

companies and designers! I especially love European lines."

MODEL BEHAVIOR

Harlow has been shooting with Euro Club for the last year, a

Unlike most models, Harlow

European Couture company out

didn’t originally live in a major

of NYC. All the European chic

city like NYC or LA, so traveling

without all the long European

for auditions and gigs was extra

travel. #WinWin!

challenging. This didn’t stop FUTURE SO BRIGHT After a little taste of Europe, Harlow is yearning for more.

In the near future, she hopes to travel to Paris for Fashion Week and get a Tommy Hilfiger casting! Big dreams, maybe even bigger than that top bun! All we know is we can’t wait to see what she does next!

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO!

SEE WHAT'S INSIDE HARLOW'S DANCE BAG! DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"

E SHOWSTOPPER TOP SCORE WINNER

C

rystal Huang has

So what

attended our West Coast

got her to

Showstopper Finals for

decide she

many years, a few times taking

loved dance

home that coveted first overall

more than

trophy. So we knew we had

everything

to sit down and get the inside

else? Ballet.

scoop on how she discovered

“When I switched

her passion for ballet.

homeschools, they had a ballet program

ONE BUSY GIRL

every day from 1:303:30 PM, and that’s

Crystal didn’t always love

when I realized I loved it!”

dance wholeheartedly—mainly

Crystal told us.

because she was always so incredibly busy. “When I

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

was younger, I wasn’t that into dance because I had

With talent like Crystal's, it is

gymnastics, ice skating, and

hard to imagine that she’d be

swimming,” Crystal explained.

nervous before going on stage,

“But once I realized I loved it, I

but, believe it or not, she used

dropped everything for dance.”

to be really afraid of it. “When I

38 B

WWW.GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM

was little, I was so scared to go on

TRAVELING QUEEN

my favorite thing about competing

Crystal has done her fair share

is that experience of going on

of traveling, and while we

stage! The more I compete, the

asked her to narrow it down to

If you could

more confident I get.”

her favorite place, she couldn’t

collaborate with any

choose between her top four.

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Crystal Huang • Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer

Where do you most want to travel next?

stage,” Crystal explained. “Now,

Royal Ballet in Paris.

other dancer, who would it be?

While the stage fright has mainly dissipated, Crystal does still get a

1. TAIWAN — “I fell asleep on the

little performance anxiety from

plane when I was four or five

time to time. “Whenever we get

years old, and I woke up and

be Kayla Mac since

to the dressing room with like

had ramen and ice cream in

she is a contemporary

30 minutes to spare, I’m really

front of me. I was so happy; I still

ballerina, she does

nervous,” Crystal told us. “I need

remember it!”

contemporary on

I have a couple people. My first would

pointe, and I really

time to stretch! If I stretch for one to two hours, I’m completely fine

2. SAN DIEGO — “I tried octopus,

and won’t be nervous.”

and it wasn’t fried or anything, and it was so good.”

ADVICE FOR DANCERS

want to do that when I’m older. My second is Lucy Vallely, because I love how

3. BOSTON — “I went there for a Despite the nerves that come

competition and the view was

with competing, Crystal thinks it’s

so pretty. I could see everything

something every dancer should

from my window—the ocean, the

experience. “Every dancer should

boats, and the buildings.”

she moves, and she’s so good!

What is one of your short-term goals?

I want to be giving

experience competitions,” Crystal told us. “Dancers should always

4. DISNEYLAND — “I go

try to get different feedback and

to Disneyland Hotel for

always keep learning.” As for her

Showstopper Regionals and

advice while performing? She’s

Finals every year, but I’ve never

I want Julian Thorn,

got you covered there, too. “Don’t

been to Disneyland! I’ve always

the host, to announce,

look down when you compete—

been so busy competing, so I

always give the judges eye

need to go ASAP!”

out the Showstopper Crystal awards because I’m Crystal.

"Everyone...this is Crystal and she will be giving out the

contact—they like that. Have fun!

Crystal awards!"

And even if you forget a move (or

If she wasn’t so destined

your whole routine), don’t make

for dance success, we’d say

a face or run off, just improv and

Crystal would have quite a

catch on when you remember—or

promising career as a traveling

even improv until the end!”

foodie blogger. We can't

you see yourself

What are your career goals, and what do

possibly imagine a dance

doing in the future?

Above all, Crystal is all about

world that isn't graced by

I want to be a

#practice, but she doesn’t quite

Crystal's talent, though!

dance teacher, choreographer, and

think it makes perfect as the

someone who inspires

saying goes. “Practice makes

We're so excited to see what

better, not perfect.” Crystal

Crystal does next in her dance

people. I want to

explained. “It’s nearly impossible

journey, and in the meantime,

teach at conventions

to make something perfect, but

we'll be watching her dance her

the more you practice, the more

way across the Showstopper

give good critiques to

confident you’ll be!”

stage in Anaheim, California!

the little dancers.

or be a judge and

E SHOWSTOPPER EXCLUSIVE

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Sean Lew

If you follow dance, it’s

That love for dance stayed with

With such moving pieces,

almost a given that you know

him and remains with him today.

we had to know where his

Sean Lew. An awe-inspiring

"The feeling I get from dancing

inspiration comes from.

dancer, a thought-provoking

is really the best part," Sean

"Life experiences," Sean told

choreographer, and an

explained. "It’s unexplainable, and

us. "Typically when I think

aspiring filmmaker, Sean has

you can only explain it through

of a piece, it’s inspired by

brought an innovative spin

the way you move." He hopes to

something I’ve encountered

to the dance world that has

share the feeling he gets when

before and I’ve felt the need

changed the face of dance in

he dances to help, inspire, and

to share with other people.

an almost Picasso-like fashion.

connect others. "The influence you

I don’t always share what’s

We sat down with Sean at our

can have on others is huge," Sean

going on in my life with

Showstopper Magazine photo

said. "Whenever I’m dancing, I feel

people—and dancing is a way

shoot and got an exclusive

a lot of pressure to make sure I’m

to do that."

look at how he got his start,

doing it to change people’s lives

the importance of consistent

and make them feel something."

learning, hidden talents, and

As far as his proudest moment, it was when he

his upcoming film.

ON WORKS IN PROGRESS

ON PASSION

Already an incredible dancer,

understood the actual impact

released "Wrong Words."

"It was the first time I fully

it was no surprise to us that

dance has on people’s lives,"

When Sean first started

Sean Lew became an incredible

Sean told us. "It gave me

dancing, he knew right away

choreographer as well, always

another reason to keep

that he had a genuine passion

keeping in mind the story he wants

pushing as a dancer, as an

for it, but he wasn’t always

to tell. "I started choreographing

artist, and as a human."

the incredible dancer he is

because it allowed me to discover

today. "I was terrible," Sean

what my own thumbprint of

recalled, laughing. "It’s funny

style was," Sean explained to us.

because I would be this over-

"I overthink, which makes me

While most dancers have

characteristic person and

overanalyze everything I do, but

attended master classes in

completely over-exaggerate.

in terms of my pieces, I genuinely

their careers, you’ll likely

But I was just glad to be

aim to have a beginning and an

never attend one with

around other people who

end to every piece. I want people

Sean Lew as the teacher.

loved the same thing I loved."

to connect with it."

Workshops, on the other

ON WORKSHOPS

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

B 41

hand? He’s all for them. "I just

ON THE FILM

don’t like the word master," Sean explained. "It’s so

Three years ago, Sean had

demanding, and I feel like it

another innovative idea,

means you have nothing else

one that, when he shared

to learn. I don’t consider myself

it, captivated the Internet,

a master, and I probably never

and many helped him raise

will. I’m still learning and will

funding for the project. "The

always continue to learn.

purpose of the film is to give

Knowing you have more to

people a new perspective of

learn is absolutely essential.

dance," Sean explained. "It’s

Workshops are a

an unspoken narrative and

better way to say,

based on lessons I’ve learned

'this is a safe space to

throughout my entire life. Life

just learn and be okay

is built around balance—and

with learning, failure, and trial and error.'"

ON THE INDUSTRY

that’s a sneak preview at what the film is about."

As far as the cast of the film, he hasn’t quite released names

As someone who has danced

yet, but the way he talked

in many areas of the industry,

about them has us on the edge

we were curious to see what

of our seat. "I’m doing the film

Sean thought were some of the

with people who have not only

biggest industry challenges.

impacted the dance world but

"For me, the most challenging

who have greatly impacted

part about the dance industry

my life. I wanted to work not

is the pressure," Sean told

only with great dancers but

us. "It does take a toll on you

great humans." Will we see

physically and mentally. In

the incredible Kaycee Rice

the end, though, you have to

in the film (who Sean met at

remind yourself why you do it

Showstopper at just ten years

and keep going."

old)? Only time will tell!

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

B 43

I

f there’s anything

MEET OLIVIA

brighter than Olivia Tarchick’s fabulous

Olivia has been dancing

yellow pants, it’s her

since she was just two

future. We recently had a

years old, an even

chance to catch up with

earlier start than most

her and talk about why she

dancers. She first started

dances, what it’s like being

dancing because her

THEME SONG TO HER LIFE:

a dancewear model, and

mom decided that

Most definitely, my theme

what she considers the keys

Olivia, being an only

song would be "Don’t

child, would benefit

Stop Believin'" by Journey.

to success.

from interacting with other kids before

You should never stop believing in your dreams,

school started. She soon

and you should always

discovered that dance

hold on to that feeling

was her passion and has

of what you’re most

continued to pursue her

passionate about within

dance dreams ever since.

OLIVIA’S 3 REASONS

your heart!

ALL-TIME FAV SNACK: One of my all-time

All dancers have a

favorite snacks is

reason why they do

homemade popcorn with

what they do

melted butter or cheese.

and for Olivia,

I sprinkle it with salt and add hot sauce.

3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE HER: If I had to describe my personality in

she actually

three words, I would

has three

use compassionate,

reasons why she

organized, and most

dances. "Dancing

definitely determined.

takes me into my own world," Olivia

GO-TO DANCE MOVE:

explained. "It helps

My go-to dance move is a

me be free of any

tilt in any form or position.

stress and anxiety.

Engaging in a piece or trying to portray a specific theme

FAV INSTAGRAM PHOTO: Lee Gumbs took one where I was standing on a four-and-a-half-foot

requires my full

pole with only the ball of

attention, so I’m

my left foot. The picture

not distracted by my other thoughts.

was extremely hard to execute, but we were able to get the timing perfect!

I'm able to feel free from

own taste in style. "My

"As for my success, it’s an

anything else I have going on.

favorite place is probably

ongoing journey, but I believe

Secondly, I absolutely love

Urban Outfitters," Olivia told

the more experiences you can

to see the final product after

us. "Everything you could

participate in, the better you

going through the grueling

possibly need for fashion, you

will be for any project. It’s so

process of learning the

can find there!" As for her

important to be open-minded

correct sequence." Olivia’s

wardrobe staple? Leotards, of

and take risks."

third reason is one that many

course. "To me, leos represent

Showstopper dancers can

who I am and what my daily

relate to—loving the spotlight!

routine primarily consists of,

"I love being on stage and

which is dance instruction

While Olivia has plans for

in the warmth of the lights,"

and perfecting my craft,"

college, she has no plans of

Olivia told us. "That and the

Olivia explained.

leaving dance behind. "My

energy of the other dancers on stage with me gives me an

goal is to finish college being KEYS TO SUCCESS

indescribable feeling!"

well-rounded in every aspect of dance I’ve been trained

We were so impressed

in," Olivia said. "After college,

with how mature Olivia’s

I hope to get a promising,

viewpoint was on life and

successful job that allows me

Olivia is also a model for dance

dance that we had to find

to showcase my talent and

photographers and dancewear

out what she considered

dance ability! I just hope to

companies. She recently

the keys to success. "A

have multiple opportunities

worked with Jo + Jax, a brand

dancer has to have a strong

to perform that allow me to

familiar to many dancers. "I

work ethic, passion for

follow my passions. My goal is

love what they stand for, so I

dance, and perseverance to

to follow my heart, always do

proudly market their brand,"

overcome the obstacles and

my best in every endeavor, and

Olivia said. Since she models

hardships. You have to have

not ever let any obstacle stop

for a few companies, we

the dedication that dance

me in the pursuit of my

were curious about Olivia’s

requires," Olivia shared.

dreams or goals."

FROM DANCE TO MODELING

Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Olivia Tarchick

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

T

riple-threat Jade Chynoweth has taken the dancing, acting,

and modeling world by storm, especially over the past few years. She’s quickly becoming an icon, with absolutely no signs of slowing down. We had the pleasure of getting an exclusive interview with Jade, who addresses everything from dance to filming the movie 300: Rise of an Empire, and from working with incredible artists like Halsey and Rihanna to her future plans.

DANCE & INSPIRATION

WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTERESTED IN DANCE? I started dancing ever since I could walk. My mom danced in high school, and my aunt owned a studio. Dance has been in my life since I can remember!

WHAT DO YOU THINK IT TAKES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL DANCER? I believe you have to be good at it all. The more styles under your belt, the better. You need to be able to mimic choreography and styles exactly but also know when to put your stamp and authenticity into it.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DANCE MOVE FOR AN AUDITION? If I’m in any audition and I’m trying to catch people’s attention, my go-to move would be the backward worm. It’s exactly like it sounds: the worm but done on my back.

STEP UP: HIGH WATER & 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE E HOW ABOUT YOUR GO-TO MOVE

and go through sword fighting

FOR A DANCE CLASS?

training. I also love Zach Snyder and his vision. He is so involved

Any sort of hip isolation!

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS?

HELMET REQUIRED!

in all of his movies, and he really brings your performance to life.

I went through daily, 6-hour

Peter Mensah, my scene partner,

rehearsals for a week to

was also a dream. It felt good

prepare for my sword fight in

My parents are for sure at the top.

to have people believe in my

300: Rise of an Empire. Sword

They’ve demonstrated hard work

acting abilities and give me an

fighting is an art, and there are

to the max but most importantly

opportunity to showcase them in

many technicalities that you

inspired me to stay driven and be a

such an amazing movie.

need to learn and hit to make

good, humble person. They’re two

it look authentic! My favorite

of the most selfless people I’ve ever

WHAT IS YOUR ALL-TIME

met. I have many role models. . .

FAVORITE MOVIE?

my brothers, my friends, many

memory had to be the fact that the cameraman for this scene actually had to wear a

activists, actors, and dancers. It’s so

It's a tie between Lord of the

hard to say just one.

Rings and Troy.

HER LOVE OF ACTING

WHAT DANCER OR ACTOR

helmet because we kept hitting him with the swords!

FAV PASSPORT STAMP

INSPIRES YOU? HOW DID YOU START ACTING?

I’ve got to say my favorite place Scarlett Johansson. She has a

I actually started acting because of

natural performance and career

my love for performing and telling

that I’d love to have for myself.

stories through dance. Ever since

I loved being immersed into the culture and actually rode bikes throughout the main city

I was a kid, I’d pretend I was in

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE

and saw the true beauty of the

movies being a warrior princess. I

ACTRESS/ACTOR TO WORK WITH

canals and nature.

love to take on different characters;

AND WHY?

GET OUT!

I love to make people feel things.

Photography: Emily Sandifer • Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Jade Chynoweth

I’ve traveled to is Amsterdam.

Seeing myself on the big screen has

My favorite actor to work with has

always been the dream!

to be Carlito Olivero. The reason

My favorite thing to

being is that we had to develop a

do is to be outdoors.

real-life relationship to make our

Hiking, beach life, and

on-screen love relationship even

traveling. Anywhere

My very first acting audition was

more authentic. It was so fun to

outside is where I’m

for Disney, I believe. My first dance

be able to play off of someone’s

happiest.

audition was for the 2012 Video

energy and really just vibe with

Music Awards.

someone on screen. I’ve never felt

YOUR FIRST AUDITION?

more comfortable in a scene than CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR

with him. He’s a phenomenal actor.

EXPERIENCE WORKING ON 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE? EMPIRE ?

WORKING WITH HALSEY

This was so cool! Being a part of a

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE

franchise that I grew up watching

PERFORMANCE THUS FAR?

with my brothers and dad was kind of surreal. I loved that I

My favorite performance

was able to play a physical role

definitely has to be my duet

with Halsey on the 2019 Billboard

demanding jobs I’ve ever done. To

you are and what your standards

Awards. I think the fact that she

be around people of all shapes,

are. Being a good person is what

respected my craft enough to put

sizes, ethnicities, and gender

matters most.

me on stage with her as an equal

identifications was pure beauty. I

made me feel so honored. Not only

was so inspired by everyone and

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR

is this a major accomplishment in

overall in awe that I danced for

YOUR DANCING/ACTING CAREER

my life, but I feel like it paves the

freaking RIHANNA!! Still fangirling.

IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

and share a bigger role with more

WAS THERE AN AUDITION

I hope to be a lead in many

attention during performances. I

PROCESS?

cinemas and hopefully be able to

way for dancers to be more valued

be a movie heroine and perform

love the song and LOVE Halsey— dance partners for life.

I happened to be directly asked by the Fenty Show

all of my own stunts. Also, I want to have a side business that

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING

choreographer, Parris

I’m passionate about that

AND PERFORMING WITH HALSEY?

Goebel. She asked my

allows me to really

availability and asked

make a difference in

She is immensely talented,

me to send her photos

genuine, a visionary, a true artist,

to go through a final

and an overall amazing person.

confirmation by

To me that’s what matters most—

Rihanna herself.

being a good human being. I believe it reflects someone’s true

WHAT WAS IT LIKE

character to see how they act

WORKING WITH

when the cameras aren’t on and

RIHANNA?

they are grinding in rehearsals.

She made me feel like part of the

She’s an

gang and went over and above

overall

to make sure I was being treated

boss.

with the utmost respect. I can

She

truly call her an amazing friend.

created magic and

YOUR FAVORITE HALSEY SONG?

gave women and dancers a

My favorite Halsey song has to

platform that we

be "Without Me." It’s not only a

could only dream of.

vulnerable, honest, and beautiful

She’s a true visionary.

song, but it means something to me every time I hear it.

HER VIEW ON SUCCESS

WORKING WITH RIHANNA

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO GIRLS

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WORKING

WHO WANT TO FOLLOW IN

ON THE SAVAGE X FENTY 2019

YOUR FOOTSTEPS? FOOTSTEPS?

FASHION WEEK SHOW? SHOW? Be persistent. Don’t let no’s, Wow. What an amazing

people, or any obstacles stop you.

experience. It was one of the

Work hard, stay focused, and stay

most liberating and physically

grounded. Never lose sight of who

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I

f watching dance videos

speed at which students learn.

wall; it’s the talent that dances

is your thing, we know

“The level and speed of today’s

in front of it. With Sean Lew,

you recognize this iconic

youth learning choreography is

Kaycee Rice, Charlize Glass,

dance studio. Millennium

entirely different,” Jin explained.

Bailey Sok, and Gabe de

Dance Complex has become

“They can duplicate steps so

Guzman (just to name a few),

one of the most recognized

much faster nowadays.”

the amount of talent that

dance studios in the world because of the popularity of

dances at MDC is enough to A LOT TO OFFER

Photographer: Aaron Williams • Other Photos From Dancers' Instagrams • Design/Writing: Holly Childs

their dancers, their instructors,

create palpable magic inside the studio.

and their videos. Despite this

While Los Angeles is known for

popularity, though, MDC prides

commercial work, meaning

So how do those iconic videos

itself on the fact that it remains

hip hop and jazz-funk are

affect the atmosphere in

notably grounded, welcoming,

popular choices at MDC, they

the studio? It’s simple—they

and dedicated to the highest

offer classes in all styles of

don’t. “Filming a class is a

level of instruction. We chatted

dance —ballet, contemporary,

really smooth transition,” Jin

with Jin, Vice President of

tap, and jazz. The wide offering

explained. “The choreographer

Operations at MDC, to get the

of classes means many

usually pairs dancers to go in

inside scoop on what a day in

dancers can participate in the

different groups at the end

the MDC studio looks like, how

experience that is Millennium

of class and just films it!” As

the studio has changed over the

Dance Complex, and it's the

for how they create such

years, and what advice they

studio’s mission to help those

captivating videos, they leave

have for dancers who want to

dancers feel welcomed.

us with two pieces of advice

shine in front of the camera.

“We want to offer the dance

for dancers looking to film the

community a home away

next viral dance video: “Stay

from home,” Jin said. “We

engaged with the camera, and

want to create an environment

if you miss a step, play it off!”

HISTORY IN THE MAKING Millennium Dance Complex

everyone feels comfortable in,

was founded almost three

where there is no judgment,

If you find yourself in Los

decades ago, in 1992, in the Arts

and they are able to be here to

Angeles in the near future, we

District of Los Angeles. While

just perfect their craft.”

highly recommend you drop by

a lot has changed since then, the most notable thing they

Millennium Dance Complex for VIDEO CLASSES: KEEPING IT REEL

feel has changed has been the

a class in whatever genre you choose. They’re all bound to be

The now-famous red wall that

incredibly welcoming, eye-

shows the saying “Unity in

opening, and inspiring.

Diversity” is easily recognizable among the hundreds of thousands of dance videos on the Internet today. But what stands out the most in those videos isn’t that famous red

“RESPECT THE DANCE, RESPECT ITS DANCERS, AND RESPECT YOURSELF” — MDC

ASPIRING ARTIST & DANCE MOMS QUEEN E

A Shocking Reveal

While getting a role on

We’re dazzled by Dance Moms’

Kamryn shared with us that the

Dance Moms is many young

Kamryn Smith every time

usual process for auditioning

dancers' dream, it’s not all

we get to see her on TV, but

for Dance Moms involves three

trophies and TV screens. One

recently we had the chance

or four Skype interviews, and

of the most challenging parts

to see Kamryn shine at our

if you make it through those,

for Kamryn was learning the

Showstopper Magazine photo

you get to go to Los Angeles,

dances so quickly. And while

shoot. She told us all about her

California to formally audition. "I

it was a challenge, it was one

favorite show-stopping routine,

went to LA and was part of the

Kamryn welcomed with open

the audition process of Dance

top 20, but I didn’t get picked,"

arms. "Learning a dance

Moms, and what her goals are

Kamryn shared. "But then I saw

really fast made me better,"

for the future.

the video that Abby posted

Kamryn explained. "It made

Starr ting Young Sta

online, and I found out I got

me have to work harder!"

picked. I thought I hadn’t made it

When Kamryn was just two

we are all thankful for since we

Her 2020 Vision

years old, she saw a dance

now get to see Kamryn’s bubbly

Kamryn’s eyes are on the

video on TV and asked her

personality on TV!

prize and she has some

mom if she could start taking Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Kamryn Smith Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer

Facing Challenges

classes. Her mom found a class for her that same day, and the rest is history! Despite her initial nerves at starting dance, Kamryn quickly thrived, especially in her favorite genres—contemporary and jazz. While she’s competed so many times since her absolute favorite routine was one she performed at Showstopper when she was just 5 years old. She placed third overall at our West Coast Finals (an incredibly challenging feat!) and celebrated with a walk over to Disneyland, like most of our West Coast attendees love to do!

and was so excited!" It's a choice

"

The best advice I can give to other dancers is to just work hard.

major goals in mind. Her ultimate goal? Dancing with Beyoncé (welcome to the club, girl!). While she dreams of dancing next to Queen Bey, Kamryn plans to focus on becoming an artist or a choreographer. "Whatever happens," Kamryn tells us, "I hope to still be dancing!"

EXCLUSIVE D VIDEO! E

E

SEE WHAT'S IN KAMRYN SMITH'S DANCE BAG!

DOWNLOAD THE SHOWSTOPPER APP & HEAD TO "MAGAZINE EXTRAS"

D

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Photography: Gail Bowman • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Autumn Miller • Hair & Makeup Artist: Katie Weaver Fashion • Wardrobe Stylist: Amanda Aultz

STARRED IN IMAGINE DRAGONS' "BAD LIAR" VIDEO E A LEARNING PROCESS

Iconic dancer and

appreciate it," Autumn told us.

Showstopper alumni Autumn

"But now our connection is so

Miller has long been known

much closer, and we work so

Being in the dance

for her incredible dance

well together!" While it was

industry for over a

technique, and now she’s

family history that piqued

decade, Autumn has

using it as an instructor at

her interest, it was her love of

learned quite a bit

The Brea Space, a newly

dance that kept her going. "I

about dance itself and

founded dance studio in

dance because it makes me

also about the dance

Orange County, California.

happy," Autumn explained. "I

industry. "I’ve learned

We had the pleasure

get to do it with my family and

how to have great social

of getting an exclusive

share it with the world!"

skills," Autumn told us.

interview with Autumn

"It’s so important to

where she talked about

know how to teach and

everything from her dance

network with other

background to what it’s like

dancers and teachers."

having a huge Instagram following and what her plans are for the future.

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER Autumn Miller first gained an interest in dance because

"I appreciate dance more and more as I get older."

As for how she herself has grown as a dancer, she’s grown more appreciative of the art of it all. "I appreciate dance more and more as I get older," Autumn said. "I

of her mother, Krista,

Now, Autumn teaches at The

now use it to relate to real-

who is a former dancer.

Brea Space, a dance studio

life stories and express my

It wasn’t always easy,

founded by her parents, where

natural emotions."

though, because Autumn

she gets to do what she loves all

was homeschooled, and

the time. "I'm so happy to have

therefore, her mom was

made so many new friends

her school teacher and her

and connections," she said. "I’ve

Her love of dance, her hard

dance teacher. "It was hard

connected with so many teachers

work, and her natural talent

for me as a 13-year-old to

and dancers who inspire me!"

IMAGINE THAT

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have gotten her far in the

no matter what, I have to

dance world, and just last

do what matters to me, and

year, Autumn had the lead

one person’s opinion doesn’t

role in Imagine Dragons'

change that."

"Bad Liar" music video, an experience she’ll never forget.

Despite feeling the pressure to

"Working with them was so

be a role model, Autumn likes

much fun," Autumn recalled.

to focus on the positives when

"I got to meet them all, and

it comes to having such a huge

they were so nice."

following. "I think it’s so cool and inspiring to know how

It wasn’t without hard work,

many kids follow and look up

however, and the shoot went

to me," Autumn said. "It always

well through the night. "I

keeps me going!"

started filming at like 9 PM," she said. "We wrapped at 3 AM, which was crazy!"

If you’re wondering who choreographed the amazing moves in her video, it was actually Autumn herself.

Imagine Dragons came across Autumn’s profile on Instagram and reached out to

"I FEEL LIKE I'm LIVING MY DREAM CAREER...

her to see if she’d do the video —no audition necessary! "Most of my moves were improv," Autumn said. "I made a lot of the tricks and turns up on the spot so it was a really fun experience!"

THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE I SEE MY FUTURE!"

INSTA-FAMOUS AUTUMN’S FUTURE VISION With almost one and a half million followers at just

As for Autumn’s future, she

eighteen years old, it can be

just wants to keep doing the

a challenge to be seen by so

things that make make her

many people on social media

happy. "I feel like I’m living

at all times. "It’s definitely

my dream career dancing

a lot of pressure," Autumn

and teaching," Autumn told

stated. "I think that is one of

us. "I don’t want to stop doing

the most difficult parts for

what I’m doing—this is exactly

me. I try to remember that

where I see my future!"

If you had to describe your style in a few words, what would you say?

Trendy and fun What is your all time favorite song to dance to?

"Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith Outside of dance, what are some of your favorite hobbies?

I like to rollerblade, go swimming, go shopping, and make cookies.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

I think being dropped on stage in a lift!

Autumn's Five Favorite Emojis

What’s the best advice you could give to other teens?

Stay positive and be YOU! The energy you bring into the room is what you will get out of it.

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We met up with Gavin Morales at

how many followers you

our Showstopper Magazine photo

have or how many likes

shoot and were immediately

your social media posts

drawn in by his contagious,

get,” Gavin explained.

vivacious personality. An

“It’s all about truly

immensely talented dancer and a

expressing yourself. Dance has

competitor at Showstopper more

taught me to not care what other

times than we can count, we were

people think—just be free.”

so excited to sit down with Gavin to hear all about his wild journey into

While Gavin has already accomplished so much in his

TV TALENT

the dance world.

dance journey, he has even wilder dreams for his future. He

A few years ago, Gavin

hopes to make it into the Top

accomplished a goal that

10 on the regular version of So

many dancers only dream of

You Think You Can Dance (so he

achieving—performing on The Ellen

can tour the world), become a

dance after copying the moves his

DeGeneres Show. "It was a huge

professional dancer and dance

sister was performing outside her

accomplishment," Gavin said. "I

teacher, and eventually open

class one day. Her teacher went

was blown away when I got the

up his own dance studio. He has

up to his parents and said, "You

call to be on the show." So how did

big dreams for sure, but with

need to get him into dance class!"

it all go down? "I had to do a Skype

talent like Gavin’s, we

And so his journey began.

interview, and they told me I was

don’t think his

going to be on the show," Gavin

dreams are so

recounted. "I was freaking out!"

wild after all.

NATURAL ABILITY Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Dancer: Gavin Morales Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer

WILD DREAMS

Gavin first became interested in

With Gavin’s natural ability also came natural confidence, which actually hindered him in the

Although he thought he was just

beginning. "When I first started, I

going to do a small performance,

thought I knew everything about

he actually performed an entire

dance, but I actually knew nothing,"

solo and even did an interview

Gavin recalled. "I went into the

with Ellen afterward. "She even

room incredibly confident and left

got us four backstage passes to

very confused...but determined."

see Britney Spears in concert," Gavin said. "I got to meet

Now, Gavin is well-versed in

Britney and dance with

all things dance and uses it to

her dancers. It was an

express himself. "It’s not about

amazing experience!"

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Photos: Julianna D (Ryan Buggle Photo) and shared from Instagram • Writing/Design: Holly Childs

D

ancer and model, Sammy

find the meaning in your

Bulstrode may be a

movements, listen to the

self-proclaimed tomboy,

music, and just dance it

but when she’s not spending

all out!”

her days out in nature reading books or playing basketball,

While she discovered

she’s in the studio working on

her love of dance at

dancing and modeling and

a young age it has

dreaming up some seriously

been hard work that

big #goals.

helped her reach the success that she

PASSION AND INSPIRATION

has today. “Dance has taught me to

Sammy, like many dancers,

keep working hard

found her passion for dance

and to never give

by seeing a sibling doing it and

up,” Sammy said.

loving it. “My sister was the

“Even in the hardest

first one in my family to start

times in dance —if you

dancing,” Sammy explained.

keep forgetting the

“Whenever she would go to class, I would go in there and just dance on the side. I just knew it was what I wanted to do. I started when I was four years old and just progressed from there!”

Despite her absolute clarity in knowing she loved dance, Sammy isn’t able to quite narrow down her favorite genre —she loves them all!

“It’s all great,” Sammy told us. “Dance, in general, is amazing! I love that you can express yourself through the movements and through the ups and downs. You can really

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DANCER & MODEL E choreography, if you just want to

#MODELLIFE

give up because you feel like you can’t do it anymore—it’s taught

More recently, Sammy has

me you have to keep going and

made her way into the modeling

with hard work, you will be able

world and signed with the

to achieve your goals!”

company LA Models. One of her first gigs was modeling for Tillys,

EXCITING EXPERIENCES

where you can find huge posters of her now! “It’s surreal,” Sammy

Speaking of #goals, Sammy

told us. “I went to Tillys last night,

has achieved her fair share of

and I saw my poster, and I was

those! She got to perform on

in awe!” She also works with

stage with a little artist you

other clothing companies like

might have heard of—Justin

Fashion Nova for their new kids/

Bieber. “It was my actual first

teen clothing line.

tour experience,” Sammy told us. “It was in front of thousands

BIG GOALS

of people and definitely my proudest moment.”

With all she has going on, it’s hard to imagine she has time to

Sammy is no stranger to big

think about her next steps, but

performances and long nights,

her busy schedule isn’t stopping

though. She also got to perform

her from dreaming big! Her

at the Kids Choice Awards with

upcoming goals? To go on tour

John Cena and the Backpack

with a big artist (preferably

Kid and film a music video with

Beyoncé), being in a big artist’s

Rich the Kid. “The shoot was

music video, or becoming a

from 10 PM to 6 AM in a grocery

well-known choreographer that

store, and they shut down the

has classes everyone wants

whole store!” Sammy told us.

to go to! Sammy also wants to

“I wasn’t tired, though; I was so

help teach choreography to kids

awake. I was doing cartwheels

around the world and help them

to keep me up, and it was so

break into the industry. Dream

much fun!”

big, achieve big, Sammy!

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Photo (left): Shutterstock • Photos (right): Provided by dancers • Writing/Design: Holly Childs

E EXCLUSIVE QUIZ!

Writing: Veronica Good • Design: Holly Childs

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Photography: Lee Gumbs • Writing: Hayley Mac • Design: Holly Childs • Dancers: Kamryn Smith, Crystal Huang, Harlow Stone Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Roberts • Hair Stylist: Rachel Ross • Makeup Artist: Laura Schaffer

@GOSHOWSTOPPER

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E EXCLUSIVE BOOK FEATURE

I

s there anything we love more than

dancers and dogs? We vote no! Which is why the new dance photography book, Dancers and Dogs, is a total win-win as far as coffee table books go! We had a quick

"Ballet

chat with the creators of the

is often

book, Kelly and Ian Kreidech, and

seen as

fetched the inside scoop on where

stuffy

they got the idea for this picture-

or always

pawfect book.

depicted as serious,"

A VISION

Kelly explained, "and we feel

In early 2017, Kelly had a

this project

seemingly strange idea. "I looked

helps people see

at Ian and asked, 'What if we did

the lighter side of

pictures of dancers...with dogs,'"

dancers." We love the

Kelly said. "Ian looked at me like I

idea of showcasing the

was crazy. But I told him we had

silly side of dancers that

to do it—I had a vision."

most ballet photo shoots don’t capture.

HAVING FUN WITH IT K9 TRAINING Kelly and Ian wanted to capture pictures that were clean and elegant but still sweet, light-hearted, and funny.

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The Kreidechs were dance photographers before, but how did they learn to get the, well,

ruff-to-capture images? "We

DON'T MISS OUT!

have learned a lot during this

Be sure to give them a follow on Instagram (@dancersanddogs) so

process," Kelly said. "We were not

While you may have missed this

you don’t miss out on their next

animal photographers when we

year's photo tour, this is far from

casting call—for you or for your

started out! But along the way we

their final project. They have even

fluffy friend!

have learned how to work on a

expressed interest in working with

dog's level, how to get dogs to do

other animals, including cats

certain actions, what kind of dogs

for all of you kitten-lovers

are even right for this project."

hoping for the

Photos: Provided by Kelly and Ian Kreidech • Writing/Design: Holly Childs

purr-fect book.

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A

n icon for decades, Jennifer

Jennifer switches up her

Lopez is a household name

workout often and does

for anyone interested in

everything from kickboxing

dancing, singing, entertainment,

to weight lifting depending on

GUILTY PLEASURE:

or fashion. Since it’s been a while

her mood or what role she’s

Reality TV

since we’ve seen Jennifer Lopez

preparing for. Although she

(she taught at Showstopper

keeps her workout filled with

Dance Conventions years back),

variety, she also keeps them

we were curious to catch up

short. As a singer, dancer,

on how the world-renowned

actress, model, and more, it’s

superstar spends her days.

hard for Jennifer to find much

Welcome to a day in the life of

time in the day to fit in consistent

Jennifer Lopez!

workouts, so she tends to keep

STARTED DANCING: At five years old TOTAL SHOWSTOPPER: J.Lo taught at Showstopper Dance Photos: Shutterstock and Getty Images • Writing/Design: Holly Childs • Quotes: People Magazine, US Weekly, Cosmpolitan Magazine, Hollywood Life, InStyle Magazine, Good House Keeping Magazine, Harpers Bazaar Magazine, Vogue Magazine, AZ Quotes, Medium, LibQuotes

Conventions with the Fly Girls.

them under an hour, no more.

ON THE GO

She says she’s “convinced that working out is part of what

FAV DIET SPLURGE: Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip ice cream, and cake

Jennifer starts her days early,

makes [her] so happy.”

especially now that she's a mom, and unless she’s already out of

THAT J. LO GLOW

the house for a job that day, she’s usually woken up by her kids.

After getting her workout in for

"They come in between 6:15 and

the day, there’s one thing J. Lo

FAV PAST-TIME:

6:45 AM. Then we get [them] ready

always does: "I always wash my

Decorating or flipping

for school," she shared. After that,

face after a workout. That helps

the whirlwind of a day usually

keep my pores clean and my

begins. Typically, she starts her

skin feeling healthy." We always

day with a workout, and after

wondered how she maintained

that, she's "usually off to a meeting

that J. Lo glow.

through magazines GO-TO BEAUTY PRODUCT: Själ’s Saphir

of some sort," she said.

Concentrate, a facial oil that not only contains

As far as other tips and tricks for WORKING OUT

aquamarine—the stone

maintaining that perfect glow?

Getting enough sleep, drinking

of eternal youth—

Dancers all know the importance

a ton of water, and not going

but also botanical

of consistency when it comes to

a single day without SPF. Her

fitting in fitness. Jennifer is no

favorite is L’Oreal's Bright Reveal

stranger to this, and she always

Brightening Day Moisturizer

retinol, soothing blue chamomile, and a biomarine complex. It’s

tries to fit in a workout. "Very

SPF 30, which she said she uses

$175 a pop, but can you

rarely will I skip my workout,"

every day because "you have to

put a price tag on that

Jennifer said. "Sometimes I work

protect your skin."

J. Lo glow?

too late the night before, and I’m like, 'Ugh, I can’t do this.' But

EATING HABITS

I tell myself, 'Just do it. It’s only an hour.'" As for when she works

In between the many jobs,

out? It’s almost always in the

meetings, and interviews that

morning. "I don’t like doing it

Jennifer has throughout the

later," Jennifer said. "It’s harder

day, she still makes sure she

to get there when I have my day

eats a healthy, wholesome

going already."

diet. She typically starts her @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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day with something sweet like

is something

a protein shake or oatmeal with

she needs

berries. She usually has a kale

to work

salad for lunch with pumpkin

on, but she

seeds, crumbled cheese, minced

trains herself

shallots, and a lemon juice-olive

every day to

oil dressing or a salmon salad with

be her most

zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli,

confident self.

and a "drizzle" of vinaigrette.

"Affirmations are so important.

One way she ensures she eats right

'I am youthful and

despite her busy schedule? Keeping

timeless.' I tell myself that

snacks on hand. "I always carry

every day, a few times a day!"

fruit and veggies with me to give

Jennifer said. To Jennifer,

me something to snack on between

confidence isn’t about

meals," Jennifer said.

external things

For dinner, she ends her day with lean protein, veggies, and brown rice or sweet potatoes.

She doesn’t deprive herself,

but all about how you feel internally about yourself.

though and "still eat[s] some

"Beauty is only skin deep,"

of the foods [she] love[s] but

she said. "I think what’s really

in moderation."

important is finding a balance of mind, body, and spirit. It all has

FINDING CONFIDENCE

to do with how you feel about yourself—it’s about projecting

For someone like Jennifer Lopez,

the attitude [that] I’m happy

it’s hard to imagine confidence

with who I am."

"The truth is nobody knows what’s best for you better than you do. You have to really sit still and ask yourself: What do I want?

Does this feel right? What should I do? I realized I had to go back and do what I had always done. Listening to my gut was just as important as listening to the advice of others, and only I knew what was best for me."

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EXCLUSIVE ACCESS LEARN ABOUT AUDITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR TV SHOWS, BROADWAY SHOWS, TOURS, & MORE ON OUR ONLINE MAGAZINE. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL SHOWSTOPPER APP OR HEAD TO GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM/MAGAZINE

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Photos: PB Teen, PR Shots • Design: Holly Childs

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Photos: Getty Images and Shutterstock • Design/Article Writing: Holly Childs • T/F Sidebar: Veronica Good Quotes: CMT, Time Magazine, Universal Pictures, Quote Catalog, Instagram, CBS Grammy Awards

Taylor Swift broke into the country music industry with songs like “Our Song” and “Teardrops on My Guitar,” and we haven’t been able to shake her off since. With seven studio albums, twenty-five Billboard Top 10 hits, and over 500 award nominations, Taylor has taken the music scene by storm.

GETTING HER START

Taylor knew music was her passion from a young age. By age ten, Taylor was already singing at local events and contests. By age eleven, she sang the national anthem at a Philadelphia 76ers game and decided to learn guitar right

around that time. Just one year later, at age twelve, Taylor began writing her own songs.

Soon her family recognized her passion and talent, and the Swift family moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee, near Nashville, to help Taylor further her career.

FEARLESS That same year Taylor was nominated for her first Grammy, and she put out her second album, Fearless. It helped her become the highest-selling country artist of that year. The album included hits like "Love Story" and "You Belong with

In 2006, Taylor released her first single, "Tim McGraw," which became a top 10 hit on country music charts. She went on to release her first self-titled debut album that October, which sold over 5 million copies. Just one year later, at eighteen years old, Taylor won the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award for Top New Female Vocalist.

Me," still iconic songs to this day. These earned her several awards in 2009, including Video of the Year, Female Video of the Year, and MTV Video Music Award’s Best Female Video. She was the first country music star to earn a VMA. Her acceptance speech, now infamous, included a memorable interruption from Kanye West, which went on to @GOSHOWSTOPPER

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affect Taylor throughout her career. It didn’t stop her, though. She is fearless, after all. In 2010, she became the youngest artist to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

If you follow Taylor, you know she loves cats (she

EVEN MORE SUCCESS

has three herself!), so it’s no surprise that she leapt at the

Taylor went on to release her album Speak

opportunity to play one in

Now in 2010, which debuted at number one

the live-action adaptation

on the Billboard 200 chart and sold more than 1 million copies in its first week. Two

of the famed Broadway musical Cats. Taylor plays

years later, she followed it up with the release

Bombalurina, a confident and

of Red, which featured "We Are Never Getting

mischievous cat.

Back Together," and, like Speak Now, also hit over 1 million in sales in its first week.

“I have cats. I’m obsessed with them!” Taylor said. “I love my

SHARING HER SUCCESS

cats so much that when a role came up in a movie called

In 2012, Taylor was ranked Forbes Magazine’s

Cats, I just thought like, I’ve

highest-paid celebrity under 30, with earnings

got to do this. This is my calling

of $57 million. Being so young, she could have

in life to do this for the ladies.”

kept the money to herself, but she decided

(And yes, by “ladies,” Taylor

to share it to help others. She funded the

means her two wonderful

Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country

cats—before she adopted

Music Hall of Fame in Nashville that has three classrooms, a space for exhibits for

Benjamin Button from her ME! video of course.)

children, and a learning lab. "Music education is such an important part of my life," Taylor

Although the movie opened

explained. "My life changed completely when I

to mixed reviews, Taylor

discovered writing my own songs and playing

doesn't regret a moment of

guitar, and that can’t all be taught to you in

it. "You have to commit to

school because there aren’t enough hours in

doing it only based on what

the day." She also continues to give back today

you think the experience will

to one of her favorite charities, the Red Cross.

be and if the experience will

A TURNING POINT

your life," she said. "I want to

teach you things that enrich have adventures, and I want In 2014, two years after the release of Red, Taylor took a different direction for the release of her album 1989. It was her most

to do things that I’m curious about." It sounds like in this case, curiosity helped Taylor

pop-sounding album so far and veered from

kill her new role. She even

her typical country sound. Her evolved sound

co-wrote an original song for

paid off with hits like "Shake it Off" and "Blank

the movie, "Beautiful Ghosts,"

Space," both chart-topping singles. That same

with Andrew Lloyd Webber,

year, she made history when she won another

which was nominated for a

Grammy for Album of the Year, becoming the

Golden Globe.

first woman to win the award twice.

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So what made her steer so far away from her typical country sound? She listened to her gut and surrounded herself with people who supported her and her decisions.

"Someday when you get where you’re going," Taylor said, "you’ll look around and know it was you and the people who love you who put you there. And that will be the

True or False?

Taylor competed on

Dancing with the Stars.

True or False?

Lover was originally going to

greatest feeling in the world."

be called Night Light.

Three years later, Taylor came out with a

True or False?

chart-topping album with a totally new sound (and a whole new look). Reputation,

Taylor used Ellen DeGeneres

released in August of 2017, went on to sell

as an Easter egg twice for

over 1 million copies in its first four days, and became the top-selling album of the year.

SO MUCH LOVE

the Lover album.

True or False?

Taylor spent four months in more edgy turn, Taylor’s next album, Lover, veered in the exact opposite direction—full of color, love, and fun. After teasing the release of her first single for weeks, Taylor debuted a duet with Brendon Urie of Panic!

At the Disco, titled "ME!" A few months later, we got another taste of the colorful album with the hit single "You Need to Calm Down," paired with another colorful music video that hinted of the album to come.

MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM If you still feel like you don’t have enough Taylor in your life (we feel that way too!), you’ll be happy to hear she’ll be hosting Lover Fest this summer, which, if you’re US-based, you can catch in Los Angeles, CA or Foxborough, MA. While it’s not a typical tour, Taylor feels the festival-vibe perfectly represents the fun that her Lover album embodies. "I want to celebrate the album and perform it live with you in a way that feels authentic to the music," Taylor said. We'll definitely be grabbing our tickets, and we can't wait to see what Taylor does next!

“cat school” for the movie musical Cats.

True or False?

Taylor has 6 cats, all

named after her albums.

True or False?

The music video for “Shake it Off” featured professional dancers AND Taylor’s fans.

The Answers

#1 (False) Taylor didn’t compete on DWTS but performed in seasons 9, 11, and 15. | #2 (False) Lover was originally going to be called Daylight. | #3 (True) Taylor used Ellen DeGeneres as an Easter egg for both her “You Need to Calm Down” music video and the song “Cruel Summer.” | #4 (True) Taylor went to “cat school” for her role in Cats. "I had to go to cat school to learn how to move and behave,” Taylor said of her experience.

“I was meant to go for three days and I stayed for four months! I had much more fun than anyone else." | #5 (False) Taylor has three cats: Meredith Grey Swift, Olivia Benson Swift, and Benjamin Button Swift (They appear on her TCA Icon Award surfboard). | #6 (True) Taylor had fans write in for their chance to be featured in her “Shake it Off” music video.

In the same way that Reputation took a

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Aquarius

PISCES

ARIES

(1/20-2/18)

(2/19-3/20)

(3/21-4/19)

If there’s anything

Better start stretching, Pisces!

Time to take it from hip hop to

bigger than your goals,

This year you’re not only

contemporary, Aries. You’re

Aquarius, it’s your

going to have to call upon

going to have to take it slow

imagination! Use that

your flexibility for dance,

when it comes to creating

to your advantage this

but also when it comes to

your goal list this year. That

year, especially when

achieving your goals. Be sure

doesn’t mean you won’t

putting together your

to create your “2020 vision”

quickly accomplish them; it

“2020 vision.” Dream up

goal list as soon as you can

just means that, as an Aries,

your wildest dreams, and

because you’ll have to be a

you can be a little over-

then narrow down what

little more adaptable than

enthusiastic. But be sure

you feel is reasonable to

most this year to achieve

to take time to narrow

accomplish before

them. Don’t worry, though,

down which goals are most

year-end.

you’ve got this!

important to you.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

(7/22-8/22)

(8/23-9/22)

(9/23-10/22)

When it comes to reaching

While you’re bound to

You’ve got big dreams

a goal this year, you might

achieve a lot this year,

this year, Libra, and that

hit a bump in the road

as a Virgo, you’re also

means you’re going to

that causes you to lose

probably going to aim to

have to get creative in

confidence (and even lose

be perfect in all of those

how you accomplish

focus). Call upon your Leo-

accomplishments. While it’s

them. Make a plan,

confidence, and make a list

important to aim high, it’s

consider the areas

of all the things that make

also important to recognize

where you’ll need to be

you fabulous. It will be a

when you’re being overly

flexible, and approach

good reminder of why you

critical and take some

your “2020 vision” with

shine and help you to get

time out to celebrate your

a careful strategy and a

your eyes back on the prize.

victories! You earned it!

lot of grace.

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*for entertainment purposes only

CELEB BIRTHDAYS Sofia Carson April 10th

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

(4/20-5/20)

(5/21-6/20)

(6/21-7/22)

It’s no surprise if you’ve

Time to turn up that

You’re going to have to

already created your goal

Gemini charm! You’re

make some sacrifices

list, Taurus. That full-focus

going to need to call upon

this year to achieve your

mentality means you almost

your naturally chatty

goals. With dreams so big,

always have crystal clear

nature this year to make

it’s going to be hard to

"2020 vision." With such

a connection that will

maintain your usual social

determination, though, can

help you accomplish your

life. You’re going to have

come some stubbornness.

goals. Ask questions at

to call upon your natural

Take a few minutes this month

conventions, speak up in

devotion to stay focused on

to run your goals by a friend

class, and you might just

achieving those goals, even

or family member, and get

find some amazing advice

if it means occasionally

their thoughts on what you’re

or an incredible mentor in

missing out on that Friday

aiming to achieve this year.

the process!

night football game.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

(10/23-11/21)

(11/22-12/21)

(12/22-1/19)

You approach your goals

What’s a Sagittarius goal

Time to #treatyourself,

with so much intensity that

without a little adventure?

Capricorn! If you don’t have

Hayley LeBlanc

it might be best for you to

When you’re making your

a planner for 2020, it’s time

September 2nd

set a few really big goals so

“2020 vision” goal list, be

to get one! You’re naturally

you can channel that focus

sure to look for ways you

ambitious, so it’s important

Asher Angel

in the best possible way. Be

can accomplish them in

that you find a way to get

sure to leave time mid-year

a different environment

your thoughts and goals in

Ruby Rose Turner

for a totally unexpected

than you usually do. Have

one place. This organization

October 16th

opportunity that is going to

an opportunity to take a

will pay off mid-year when

September 6th

Sky Katz December 12th

pop up. It’s going to be a little

class in a different town,

you’ll feel a little more

out of your comfort zone,

state, or country? Make it

overwhelmed than normal.

though, so you’ll have to call

happen! Your travel-loving

Be sure to get that goal list

on your Scorpio fearlessness.

heart will thank you!

down on paper ASAP!

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Photos: Shutterstock • Design: Holly Childs

Photo: Shutterstock and Instagram • Writing/Design: Holly Childs

ACROSS 1

Tia Wenkman’s favorite style of dance is ______.

5

Millennium Dance Complex was founded in the LA ____ District.

9

Gavin Morales got backstage passes from Ellen DeGeneres to see _______ ______.

11 13

DOWN 2

If you go to this store, you might see a huge poster of Sammy Bulstrode.

3

This coveted trophy is the highest one you can win at Showstopper.

4

J. Lo taught at Showstopper Conventions as part of the ___ _____.

Sean Lew met Kaycee Rice at a Showstopper competition when he was just ___ years old.

6

Jade Chynoweth’s go-to audition move is the backward ____.

The title of Lilia Buckingham’s new book (being released Summer 2020) is: ________.

7

A fur-ociously cute photography book created by Kelly and Ian Kreidech.

8

Gianina played this role in the Broadway musical Matilda (2 words).

Lilia Buckingham wants to inspire more girls and women to go into ____ fields.

14

Taylor Louderman plays the iconic character ______George on a very pink Broadway show.

10

15

Harlow Stone’s dance role model is _____ _____, who also teaches at Showstopper Conventions.

12

Complete this Misty Copeland Quote: “_________ shouldn’t mean you are like everyone else.”

17

Elliana Walmsley is currently learning this dance genre.

16

Olivia Tarchick’s favorite wardrobe staples are her ________.

20

Taylor Swift spent four months in ___ school preparing for her new musical movie role.

17

Kamryn Smith’s biggest goal is to dance with this superstar.

18

Complete this quote from Crystal Huang: “Practice makes _____, not perfect.”

19

Autumn Miller’s parents started a dance studio (where Autumn now teaches) called The ____ Space.

21

If you go to LA, you can’t miss _______ Avenue filled with Instagrammable murals.

HINT: Use articles in this magazine to find the answers!

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