​Nationals Spotlight: Spicey & Bella J.

Nationals Debut

Name: Isabella “Spicey” R.
 
Age: 10
 
Congratulations on qualifying for Nationals for the first time! What an amazing achievement—how does it feel to see all your hard work in the studio and at competitions pay off? What does achieving this goal mean to you?
 
 It feels really good and it just means I am doing very well.
 
This past year must have been one of progress for you, what have your learned about yourself as a dancer in that time?
 
That I am capable of more than I think I am.
 
What are you most looking forward to about going to Nationals?
 
I am most looking forward to just being there as a dancer and dancing my best.
 
What’s your favorite dance to compete in? Which do you think is your strongest?
 
I like dancing my Slip Jig the best.  I think my strongest dance is my Set.
 
What have you missed the most about competing more regularly? (And what have you definitely NOT missed about competing?)
 
What I have missed most about competing is having a good time with my mom and bringing home a nice award.  The thing I have not missed is having to do my wig.
 
What’s your proudest dance achievement so far? Any future dance goals you’re setting for yourself?
 
My proudest dance achievement is probably earning my solo dress and being invited to nationals.  My future goals are earning my buckles and going to Worlds. 
 
Have you ever visited Phoenix before? Any plans while you’re there beyond dancing?
 
No, and my plans are to have a good time with my Mom and Godmother and buy a cactus. 
 
What advice would you give dancers just starting to compete?
 
Never be nervous and always have a proud smile on your face.  Sometimes it's not your turn to win.

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Nationals Veteran

Name: Isabella "Bella" J.
 
Age: 14
​
Congratulations on qualifying for Nationals! It’s been so long since the last major in November of 2019—what are you most looking forward to this year?
 
I am looking forward to traveling. 
 
You must have changed so much since November 2019! What have you learned over the last year and a half about yourself as a dancer?
 
I have learned that you can dance anywhere. 
 
What past National competition was your favorite? Why?
 
My favorite nationals was Orlando because I got to go to Disney.
 
What have you missed the most about competing? (And what have you definitely NOT missed about competing?)
 
I have missed being able to see my friends. I haven’t missed having to do my hair.
 
What’s your proudest dance achievement so far? Any future dance goals you’re setting for yourself?
 
My proudest achievement was recalling at Oireachtas 2019. I’d like to recall at nationals.
 
What’s your favorite dance to compete in? Which do you think is your strongest?
 
My set is my favorite dance to compete in. I feel that my set is the strongest.
 
Have you ever visited Phoenix before? Any plans while you’re there beyond dancing?
 
No I have never visited Phoenix before. My family and I plan to go to the Grand Canyon and do other touristy things!
 
As someone who’s been to Nationals before, what’s your advice to dancers competing there for the first time?
 
My advice is don’t be nervous it’s just another day dancing. 

This post is part of a series. Take a look at our last Nationals Spotlight with Maggie S. and Collen W., here. Also: check out the blog every Monday and Thursday for more posts about Irish history, dance culture, community news, and spotlights on our dancers, staff, and families—among other fun projects! And don’t forget to dance along with us on both Facebook and Instagram.

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