At simply 16 years outdated, Anaya Jones has quite a bit on her plate—and it’s not simply her subsequent English paper. In 2024, she was topped Tremaine Dance Conference’s Freestyler of the 12 months and took residence a number of first-place trophies at varied competitions together with her self-choreographed hip hop solo. This previous summer season, she turned a member of the KĀOS Dance Conference’s KĀOS Squad and signed to Bloc, a high expertise company.
Dance Spirit caught up with Jones to ask her about how she began her dance profession, her signature fashion, and the recommendation she’d give her youthful self.
How did you begin your dance coaching?
I’m initially from Miami, however now I dwell in Naples, Florida. I started dancing once I was 3 and began on a contest workforce once I was 6. My cousins have been in dance lessons, and I watched them someday and got here residence and couldn’t cease dancing. My mother enrolled me in hip hop, however then I used to be so fascinated with how everybody was shifting (and having a lot enjoyable) that I wished to have enjoyable too. So I added jazz, ballet, and faucet.
Now, I compete with my workforce in faucet, jazz, up to date, and generally ballet and ballroom. I additionally choreographed my very own hip-hop solo final yr and once more this yr.
What are some highlights of your dance journey up to now?
The general development I had this summer season in L.A. is a spotlight. At their occasion in Miami, I certified for the prospect to audition for the KĀOS Squad, so my mother and I went to Los Angeles for 2 weeks. Once I was there, one of many brokers from Bloc noticed me at school, requested my identify, and gave my mother her card. I used to be so stunned and completely happy that she was from Bloc, as a result of they have been on the high of my dream company checklist.
What’s one signature aspect you embrace in your choreography?
Once I was youthful, I taught myself to flip, and my present studio (Elite Dance Heart) helped me to scrub up my methods.
What recommendation would you give to your youthful self?
My lecturers preach to me quite a bit to have extra confidence in myself, as a result of I’m a great dancer however are likely to lack confidence generally. Once I was youthful, I used to be bullied quite a bit in class. Dance was my secure house. I’d inform my youthful self to maintain pushing, be extra assured, and by no means quit.
What are your dance bag necessities?
My headphones, as a result of once I’m backstage I’m all the time listening to both my dance’s music or calm music, like Mac DeMarco, that makes me really feel like I’m floating on air.
What would you do when you weren’t a dancer?
I’d in all probability do monitor, as a result of I like to be athletic. I’d be a monitor star, hopefully!
Any dream dance jobs?
I might undoubtedly like to go on excursions, get into commercials, get into films which have dance scenes. I’d like to do a music video someday. I actually wish to work with Parris Goebel and Robbie Blue. Then, I’d wish to change into a dance trainer to encourage children.
Fave foods and drinks?
Tacos, and Dr. Pepper!
What’s your favourite dance outfit?
At all times dishevelled garments. I’ve these dishevelled crimson pants from City Outfitters, and a crop high.
