This past March, I had an incredible time photographing dancers in Las Vegas.  Those of you who follow my photography may not know that before I was a photographer, I was a professional dancer.  Dance has always been my passion!   I continue to occasionally teach and choreograph, but my life as a performer took a back seat when I became a mom and began my serious journey into photography.   My first child was born in Las Vegas, and my husband and I lived there for 8 years, but I haven't been back since moving to my home state of Michigan over 4 years ago!  It was so fun to to go back for a few days and revisit my old stomping grounds.  Not to mention, the weather was perfect!   This gorgeous afternoon, we headed to Red Rock Canyon National Park for some environmental dance portraits.  I am so excited to be offering dance sessions this year, and to combine my two loves.  I also look forward to traveling a lot more to capture dancers all over the country!  

First up in my Las Vegas dance series is Isabel!  After our session, I discovered that I had performed professionally with her dance teachers, Kevin and Samantha!  Scroll down to read my interview with this fabulous young dancer.  Boy, does she have a bright future ahead of her!   

Dancer Profile:

Name

Isabel (Izzy) Reynoso

Age

15

1.  When did you start dancing? Age 4

2.  How did you get your start?  What made you want to dance?

    My mom enrolled me in a basic combo class with my twin brother.

3.  What type(s) of dance do you do?  What is your favorite?

    Between school and my studio, I do contemporary, jazz, modern, ballet, pointe and tap.  Contemporary is my favorite type of dance to perform.

4.  Where do you currently dance?

    I dance with Innovation Dance Company in Las Vegas, and I attend Las Vegas Academy of the Arts as a dance major.

5.  Is there any type of dance that you don't do know that you would like to try in the future?

    Hip Hop. I would love to use this to try and improve my style.

6.  What moves you?  What do you love about dancing?

    For me, dance is a form of expression that let's me channel my emotions in a non-verbal way.

7.  What are the greatest challenges you have faced as a dancer?

    Gaining self-confidence and believing in myself.

8.  Who/what  inspires you? 

    All different types of dancers. I love watching someone who's really passionate about dance and is hard-working.

9.  Do you have any dance role models? I have so many, but a few are Misty Copeland, Hayden Hopkins, and my teachers Samantha Hunt and Kevin Leon.

10.  What has been your greatest accomplishment as a dancer?

    Winning our national championships last summer and growing 

    each day as a dancer.

11.  Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

    I do a full stretch and warm up, and I run over my routine 

    about a billion times in my head.

12.  What do you do on a day off for fun and relaxation?

    I hang out with my friends, read or go shopping.

13.  What is your favorite non-dance activity?

    Bike riding or spending time with my family and friends

14.  What are your goals for the next year?

    My goals for next year are to continue to improve my technique and 

    become more consistent.

15.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

    I hope to graduate from college and be living on the east coast.

16.  What would be your dream job?  If you could pick anywhere in the world to perform, where would that be?

    I would love to perform in a show in New York on Broadway.

17.  Any words of advice to younger dancers?

    Always believe in yourself. You will learn and experience so much more if  you have confidence in what you can achieve.

18.  What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

    I have a twin brother.

19.  What's your favorite food?

    Macaroni and cheese.

20.  What would be your personal theme song?

    Firework by Katy Perry.

21.  Any favorite quotes to live by?

    "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." E.E. Cummings

Coming soon....Las Vegas Dance Shoot Part 2!