In the latest installment of our Dazzler Profile series, The Costume Gallery team caught up with Layla Goodwin of Langhorne, PA
“I love dance because it gives you a way to express yourself or a character without words, through movement.” -- Layla Goodwin
Layla Goodwin was only a small child when she was first introduced to dance in a Mommy & Me class, but she was not too young to discover her true passion in life.
Now, at 12 years old, Layla has a clear vision for her future: She wants to dance professionally. In fact, she has her eye on a few specific roles.
“My goal is to be Sugar Plum Fairy and Dew Drop in the Mid-Atlantic Dance Theater Nutcracker,” says Layla, a 7th grader from Langhorne, PA, who regularly models for our Costume Gallery catalog. “I also want to be in NYCDA’s TOP 12 some year.”
We asked Layla to look forward, but also to reflect back on her early years as a dancer and how that experience shaped the young lady she is today. She, like millions of dancers across the globe, has been keeping her passion alive during the COVID-19 pandemic by participating in Zoom dance classes with Jovo Dance, her home studio. We’re so grateful she took some time away from rehearsals to share her dazzling personality with our community!
Here’s what we learned about Layla:
What is your first recital memory?
My first recital was a long time ago. I remember I was doing a dance called “When I Grow Up,” and it was choreographed by my dance teacher and studio owner Mrs. Liz. We wore a pink and black costume with white pearls. It was a ballet dance, and during the dance, we sang the song. I remember I saw my dance teachers doing the dance in wings of the stage.
Do you remember your favorite costume of all time?
My favorite costume I ever wore was to a dance called RunAround Sue. It was a Costume Gallery costume, and it was black and royal blue with a bunch of polka dots.
Who are your biggest mentors in dance, and what impact did they have on you?
My biggest mentor is my dance teacher and studio owner, Scott Jovovich. He has been in multiple Broadway shows, and he is also a part of the NYCDA faculty. He has made an impact on me as a dancer because he makes me do a dance move or a dance until I do it right. He keeps me determined to master different steps, even when I want to give up. He has also taught me very valuable lessons and advice, and I am so grateful to have that type of knowledge.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a dancer during the pandemic?
I think the biggest struggle about this time is being by yourself. It can get really boring sometimes when you are in your basement alone for 7 hours.
How has your outlook changed in the past year?
I think that we should be more grateful for everything, especially technology. Without Zoom, Google Meets, Facetime and House Party, this all would not be possible.
As a Dazzler, you are a role model for your peers. What do you think it means to be an “Influencer”?
I think being an Influencer means being somebody that other people look up to. You set examples.
What message do you want to send to other dancers who look up to you?
Be humble. You could be the best dancer in the whole world, but be super bratty, and you will not get any jobs. Nobody will want to work with you. So BE and STAY HUMBLE. 💜
We’re so excited to have Layla on our Dazzler Squad as we move into a new season, and we can’t wait to share our next Dazzler Profile with you! Stay tuned to our blog throughout the fall as we continue to introduce our adorable influencers!
