In the latest installment of our Dazzler Profile series, The Costume Gallery team caught up with Caroline, Rachel and Elliana Quiner of Long Valley, NJ
Welcome to another edition of “Getting To Know The Dazzlers.” This time, we’re triply pleased to introduce three immensely talented sisters who have helped to make our Dazzler program a “family affair.” Meet the Quiners!
RACHEL
Rachel Quiner, who followed her three older sisters into the wonderful world of dance, is now the trendsetter for our Dazzler trio. Here’s what our Q&A session revealed about this 15-year-old star of the stage -- and screen -- who currently dances at American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.
What got you hooked on dance?
It’s fun, and I can express myself through movement.
Who are your biggest mentors in dance?
Suzi Taylor and Stacey Tookey.
What is your first recital memory?
Dancing on stage in a tap duet at age 4, doing “The Good Ship Lollipop.”
What was your favorite costume of all time?
I wore a pink tutu for a variation that I loved! I also loved my Radio City Clara nightgown.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a dancer during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Staying motivated. I miss seeing my friends.
How has your outlook on life changed in the last year?
I don’t take anything for granted.
What message do you want to send to other dancers who look up to you?
Work hard. Dream big.
CAROLINE
When she’s not at home practicing dance combos with her sisters, watching “Survivor” -- or making slime -- 13-year-old Caroline Quiner is an accomplished performer at ABT’s JKO School on Broadway in New York City. She has appeared on stage at Lincoln Center, wearing a gorgeous Le Corsaire tutu that she pinpoints as her favorite costume of all time. However, believe it or not, when her mom first signed her up for dance, she didn’t like it at first!
Here are a few more fun tidbits about Caroline:
What do you love most about dance?
I can express myself with dance.
Who are your biggest mentors in dance?
Harriet Clarke, my teacher at ABT.
What is your first recital memory?
Being an angel in “The Nutcracker.”
How have you integrated dance into your life during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I took a lot of ballet and contemporary classes online.
How has your outlook changed in the last year?
I used to dance in the city 5-6 days a week. Now, I am mainly at home dancing.
What are you looking forward to most about the school year?
Life being a little more normal again.
What do you think it means to be an “Influencer”?
Inspiring people with my life.
What message do you want to send to other dancers who look up to you?
Stay focused. Don’t give up.
ELLIANA
Not surprisingly, 11-year-old Elliana Quiner says she got started in dance because she wanted to be like her five older sisters. While she grew up with plenty of role models in the house, that blessing seemed like a bit of a curse when COVID-19 hit and regular in-person dance classes shifted to an online format.
The biggest challenge Elliana faced was “finding a space to dance with so many sisters!”
Today, we hold space for Elliana to share a little bit more about her adorable personality. Here’s what she told us in her Q&A:
What got you hooked on dance?
I love to perform!
Who are your biggest mentors in dance and what impact have they had on you?
Ms. Cynthia Harvey, for teaching and believing in me at ABT.
What was your favorite costume of all time?
Whipped Cream Cupcake costume from ABT’s production.
How have you integrated dance into your life during the pandemic?
My ABT Zoom class, Dance Nationals and SAB’s Summer Intensive.
How has your outlook on life changed in the last year?
I learned how to take online classes and stay in shape at home.
What are you looking forward to most about the school year?
Taking some dance classes without all of my sisters. 😁
What message do you want to send to other dancers who look up to you?
Have fun in dance class, and take lots of ballet classes!
Many thanks to the Quiner family for giving us a peek into their impressive dance family! We couldn’t be happier to welcome them into our family. Remember to keep checking the Costume Gallery blog as our Dazzlers continue to tell their inspiring stories throughout the coming season!
