This week, I was able to speak with Alisa Laraway who is the owner and director of Alisa’s Dance Academy in Austin, Texas. Alisa believes that one of the things that make her studio stand out over some other studios is the true love she personally gives to all of her students. Alisa explains, “At the studio we are a true family and care about everyone.” As the owner and Director she gives her personal touch to everything and is very involved in all aspects of the studio. She motivates her students with one single word “Believe”. She states that “when you stop believing in yourself and your goals than nothing will come, but when you believeanything is possible.”
 |
| Pictured: Caroline Cullers |
Some of the teams she has competing are Austin’s Dance Elite, which is in its 18th season, and Gravity Dance Company, which is in its 5th season. Both teams have won numerous overall awards. They have held three consecutive years the title of Senior Grand National Champion at Starbound National Talent Competition and currently hold the 2013 Teen and Production National Champion title for the Mid America Finals at Showstopper Dance Competition. Alisa’s favorite dance competition to go to is Showstopper.
Two dancers that have been dancing at Alisa’s Dance Academy for a number of years is Ellie Edwards and Caroline Cullers. Ellie Edwards is 16 years old and has won multiple 1st place overalls for her solos and is a national overall winner. She has been dancing at the studio for 6 years. Caroline Cullers is 12 years old and has won multiple 1st place overalls for her solos and is a national overall winner as well and was crowned 2013 Junior Miss Starbound. She has been dancing at the studio for 8 years.
In Alisa’s opinion, good dance clothing must be age appropriate and must be cohesive to the song choice and story of the movement of the dance. She believes some items a dancer should always carry are black dance shorts, ballet shoes, tights, jazz shoes, and a black leotard. Her dancers should always be prepared for the unexpected.
 |
| Pictured: Ellie Edwards |
When asked about some of the biggest mistakes she has seen dancer’s make, she replied, “the biggest mistakes I see dancers make when competing is being so incredibly hard on themselves after they come off the stage, sometimes to the point of tears.” Alisa believes it’s never good to watch the dance prior, it always gets her dancers so nervous when they really should just focus on themselves and their dance.
Alisa’s goals for this year with her students are the same as always, “technique, technique, technique, love and have fun!” The advice she would give to any new students at her studio is to work hard, focus, take lots of ballet, believe in yourself and never give up what you love!
I wish you and your studio good luck this season Alisa and can’t wait to hear about what awards you bring home next!
If you have experience with Alisa’s Dance Academy or Alisa Laraway please leave a comment below about your experience!
By Cyndi Marziani
