Name: Kennedy Hale
School: Festus High School
Talent: Dance
How long have you been performing and what inspired you to start?
My mom signed me up for dance at the age of 3, but I wouldn’t say I began truly “performing” until around 8. That is when I learned my first contemporary solo and realized that dance is so much more than just completing a series of steps. I love using my emotions to connect with an audience and take them on a journey. This is what inspires me to dance!
How are you preparing for finals? Are you doing anything differently from your usual practices?
I am preparing for finals not only through my regular practices but by adapting my performance to stand out on the huge Fox stage. I’m making my sure my movements are dynamic and can be seen from anywhere in the house!
What will performing on the Fox stage mean to you?
It is a huge honor to dance on the Fox stage because of its history of phenomenal performers that have graced the stage over the years. To have the incredible opportunity to perform my solo that means so much to me at the Fabulous Fox Theater, well, I can only imagine that the moment will be nothing short of magical, and a memory that I will cherish!
Is there someone you look up to and draw influence from for your talent?
Yes! Definitely my solo choreographer and dance teacher, Ashley Claybrook. I can remember going to her shows when I was little and I knew I wanted to dance just like her one day! Her artistry and versatility as a dancer have definitely helped shape the dancer that I am today. Not only that, but her advice and support has given me the courage to always be my authentic self both in dance and in life. I’m grateful to have her as my teacher, role model, and inspiration.
What has been the highlight of your performance career?
I would say the highlight of my career so far, was being chosen to assist at a dance convention in Kansas. I was responsible for learning the choreography and then demonstrating and teaching the steps to different groups of dancers. It was a fun, rewarding experience that gave me a little taste of what it might be like to be a teacher on a convention tour one day.
What do you hope to learn from your experience?
I hope my experiences from Teen Talent will help make me a well-rounded performer. I have never worked with a production team and I’m already learning so much about what goes into putting on a show of this caliber. I hope to learn about sound, lighting, and all the things that go on behind the scenes. I know these experiences will be useful in my dance career no matter what life path I choose!
