At simply 16 years previous, Anaya Jones has loads on her plate—and it’s not simply her subsequent English paper. In 2024, she was topped Tremaine Dance Conference’s Freestyler of the Yr and took house a number of first-place trophies at numerous competitions together with her self-choreographed hip hop solo. This previous summer season, she turned a member of the KĀOS Dance Convention’s KĀOS Squad and signed to Bloc, a prime expertise company.
Dance Spirit caught up with Jones to ask her about how she began her dance profession, her signature type, and the recommendation she’d give her youthful self.
How did you begin your dance coaching?
I’m initially from Miami, however now I reside in Naples, Florida. I started dancing after I was 3 and began on a contest workforce after I was 6. My cousins have been in dance lessons, and I watched them at some point and got here house and couldn’t cease dancing. My mother enrolled me in hip hop, however then I used to be so focused on how everybody was transferring (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, modern, 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 to date?
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 title, and gave my mother her card. I used to be so shocked and glad that she was from Bloc, as a result of they have been on the prime of my dream company listing.
What’s one signature aspect you embody in your choreography?
Once I was youthful, I taught myself to flip, and my present studio (Elite Dance Middle) helped me to wash up my methods.
What recommendation would you give to your youthful self?
My lecturers preach to me loads to have extra confidence in myself, as a result of I’m a great dancer however are inclined to lack confidence generally. Once I was youthful, I used to be bullied loads at school. Dance was my protected area. I’d inform my youthful self to maintain pushing, be extra assured, and by no means surrender.
What are your dance bag necessities?
My headphones, as a result of after I’m backstage I’m at all times 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 should you weren’t a dancer?
I’d most likely do monitor, as a result of I like to be athletic. I’d be a monitor star, hopefully!
Any dream dance jobs?
I’d undoubtedly like to go on excursions, get into commercials, get into films which have dance scenes. I’d like to do a music video at some point. I actually wish to work with Parris Goebel and Robbie Blue. Then, I’d wish to turn into a dance instructor to encourage youngsters.
Fave food and drinks?
Tacos, and Dr. Pepper!
What’s your favourite dance outfit?
All the time dishevelled garments. I’ve these dishevelled crimson pants from City Outfitters, and a crop prime.
