Spotlight on Cara!

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who is following this blog for following this blog!  Secondly I would like to thanks several of my friends who offered to contribute their expertise to help make this blog more informative.  I sent out a questionnaire, and they kindly filled out their answers.  The first person I would like to spotlight is Cara.

Cara is an inspiration to everyone she meets.  A multi-talented, intelligent, kind, beautiful young lady who truly embodies the "never give up" attitude. You would be hard pressed to find someone who genuinely loves performing as much as she does.  She is also a true role model on how to always be supportive of friends and cast mates.  She has performed with several ballet companies, in a production of Cabaret, and as a solo dancer at the Met Opera!   You can see her in "Great Performances" production of Thais starring Renee Fleming!    She is currently performing in the Vegas Spectacular JUBILEE! much to the dismay of all who miss her presence in New York.  Vegas is a lucky city!

Without further ado - here is her advice for dancers who are just beginning to discover the art form in which she is building her career.


M4M: What is your pursued career?:

Cara: Musical theatre performer (singer, dancer, actor,) dance focus, currently a female dancer in Jubilee! (Las Vegas)

M4M: What are your favorite forms and exercise and why?

Cara: Well, nothing can compare with a good dance class. If I'm having a rough day, class always perks me up. It's a great workout for mind and body, not to mention your creative side! I'm also addicted to pilates! I can feel the difference in my body when I'm out of pilates for too long. It just makes me feel centered and fit and prepared for my class or performance. Pilates is a great workout that is easy to adjust based on your fitness level or just how you're feeling that day.

M4M: What are you favorite classes in New York?

Cara: My fav classes in the city are:

 For Pilates, definitely Robin Powell's class at Steps! She is such a great and supportive teacher (as well as person, she helped me get the job I have now!) and her class will work you're whole body.

 Diana Laurenson's Musical Theatre Performance class at Steps and BDC (Broadway Dance Center) You actually learn Fosse rep from a true Fosse dancer. She works on your whole performance, even encouraging students to sing! She is super nice and takes a personal interest in all her students. Plus it's a joy just to watch her demonstrate!

 Dana Moore's Theatre Dance class at Steps. No one is more just plain cool than Dana, and her combos reflect that. She uses her own choreography, but it's in the Fosse style. I also love her warm up, it gets you all warmed up and feeling good for class (with great music).

 Crystal Chapman's Tap class She goes through everything step by step and it's amazing how much she can fit into one class. She's one of the best pull-back teachers in the city. She gives every student individual attention so even beginning tappers can make real progress.

Debbie Roshe's Jazz class She tought me to dance to counts (no small feat!) which is a very important skill for dance auditions. Her class is a mix of jazz , hip hop, and balroom, and she focuses on precision.***

Martha Chapman's ballet class at Dance New Amsterdam lot's of fun, great for beginning or intermediate ballet students, or more advanced dancers who want to focus on technique.

James Kinney's Theatre Dance class (subs at Steps and BDC) upbeat and fun with a great combo!

M4M: What do you do at home or on the road to stay in shape when you can't get to a gym?

Cara: I often give myself a little pilates mat at home. It's easy to do in a small space and a great workout.

(M4M note: Pilates will help you get an awesome bathing suit body like Cara's!)

M4M:  How do you approach a dance or movement audition?

Cara: First I always make sure that I look the part, so I wear something form fitting that somewhat reflects the show, but not over the top. I also make sure my hair and make-up look polished and nice. I also try to know what the style of choreography is going to be, so research the show or choreographer.

M4M: What advice would you have for non-dancers in a dance audition?

Cara: I think the most important thing to remember at a dance audition is not to overthink yourself. Don't be afraid or stressed. Stay calm and just think about learning the combo and performing it as taught. Also, don't have a Chorus Line moment of "Please God, I need this job!" There was an audition yesterday and there will be another tomorrow. This audition will not make or break you. Also, I swear casting teams can smell desperation! Last year, I had a job coming up but kept auditioning, and I got kept twice as much as I normally do! Why? I think because I wasn't psyching myself out thinking "I have to get this". Which is not to say act like you don't care. Have a nice smile and warm personality, but don't cram it down people's throats.

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We are hoping to feature Cara again in our blog in a FOSSE special!  She is truly amazing at FOSSE choreography and will be able to give you some amazing Fosse poses to work on at home.  She was recently features in a production of Cabaret where she stole the show!:)

***Muscles for Musicians note.  Debbie Roshe's class is amazing, but will probably be a little more than appropriately challenging for a beginner.