Alexa Lobosco: Miss Dance of the United States
Every year the United States Tournament of Dance, a dance competition that has been running annually for nearly 37 years, awards the title of “Miss Dance of the United States” to one talented young dancer.
This year, that young woman was Alexa Lobosco, a lifelong dancer and honors student who, when she isn’t dancing, spends her time as captain of her high school cheerleading team and as a diabetes-awareness advocate. In her interview with Dance Informa, Lobosco reveals why she dances and what it means to take on the role of Miss Dance of the United States.
Tell us a little bit about your background and training. I started dancing at the age of two at Performing Arts Academy in Pompton Lakes, NJ. Joining the competition company at the age of six, I have been privileged to be trained by outstanding teachers in a wide range of genres. My core training comes from Dawn Laviola Schaub, my studio director, lyrical teacher and outstanding choreographer, and Yulia Yakopon, my ballet teacher who was a prima ballerina in the Bolshoi Ballet. I trained with them for the past 12 years. For contemporary, acro, tap, and jazz I have trained with Kasey Castellano, Joelle Cosentino, Alicia Monaco, Chris Lee, Derek Yanford, Katy Speadsburry and Meghan Frayne.
How did you come to participate in the Miss Dance of the United States competition, and what has earning the title meant to you? I began participating in competitions at the age of seven. I must admit that United States Tournament of Dance is unlike any other competition. USTD is like a family reunion at competition. All of the dancers support each other no matter what studio they belong to. USTD is a place where dancers demonstrate what they can do, and learn and grow from watching the amazing talent that is at all USTD events. I am so honored to have received the prestigious title of Miss Dance of the United States. To be Miss Dance it is not enough to be just a great dancer. Miss Dance must possess humanitarian qualities and be a role model for the younger dancers that look up to her. Through charity work and special events, the prestige of Miss Dance is unlike any other title.
As Miss Dance of the United States, you will spend the next year supporting your official charity platform – Juvenile Diabetes. How will you be involved in this cause and why is this important to you? Diabetes has affected my family and friends in many ways. My grandfather and close friend Shannon were both diagnosed with diabetes. Both of them have suffered major complications due to their battle against diabetes. When someone is diagnosed with diabetes, many assume that he or she takes their insulin and goes about life just like the rest of us. This is a false assumption. Diabetes comes with many struggles and obstacles. Diabetes patients are constantly trying to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, which is sometimes very challenging. Insulin in not a cure for diabetes, it only helps keep diabetes under control. Diabetes can result in heart disease, strokes, comas, retinopathy, amputated limbs and kidney disease. My goal is to spread awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and fundraise to support Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation efforts in reaching a diabetes-free life.
Tell us about your role as spokesperson for Relativity Film School’s dance program. I am honored to have won Relativity School’s scholarship to Relativity Workshops and to be their spokesperson through USTD. I believe that the Relativity School Commercial Dance program is an amazing innovation. With Relativity School’s partnership with MSA they offer exclusive programs that can be great opportunities for dancers. Being a representative of USTD, I am helping spread knowledge of Relativity School’s amazing programs to the talented dancers at USTD!
You’ve recently been named a Capezio Athlete. What role does Capezio and their products play in your life? Capezio is definitely my go-to store for all of my dance necessities, from tights and shoes, to sweats and street dance wear. What I love most about Capezio is its diverse selections for all genres of dance. Anything I need for dance I can pick up at Capezio. I can get hip-hop gear, great leotards, perfect pointe shoes and half-tops and dance shorts for contemporary classes!
Why do you love dance? I love dance because I can express myself without even saying a word. Performing is definitely my favorite part of dancing because I love to entertain people. Being on stage is so comfortable for me and it has really become my favorite place. After putting in so many hours every day, working on technique and choreography, it is so rewarding to show it off to everyone in the audience.
Any plans for the future? Being a senior in high school I recently began exploring my options for the future. I aspire to have a career in the commercial dance industry and to continue my dance training while attending a four-year college. Photos courtesy of Alexa Lobosco. By Katherine Moore of Dance Informa, and is featured on the Capezio website. You can find the original article at http://dancenews.capezio.com/dance-news/alexa-lobosco-miss-dance-united-states/.