The Student Lens: The Mae Interview

 

Hello Everyone, and welcome back to the Student Lens. Today, I will be talking with Mae, who has been a student at Elemental Studios for a while now, and I am excited to be able to interview her and talk about her experience with coming to Elemental Studios. I hope you guys are just as excited as I am to get to know Mae, so let's dive in, shall we?

Mae has loved dance for as long as she can remember. As a kid, she took the classic tap and ballet classes-but her real training came from dancing along with music videos in her bedroom throughout middle school and high school. That self-taught fire eventually led her to pursue dance more seriously in college, where she joined classes, made the dance team, and eventually became the team captain. From there, she was recruited into Esme Dance, performing at Denver Pride, local events, and their annual showcases.

Her style has always been rooted in emotion-expressed through jazz, contemporary, and lyrical movement. After years of dancing and working behind the chair, her body started to feel the wear and tear. She made the difficult decision to take a step back from dance and focus on growing as a hairstylist. 

Today, she is a master stylist and manager at Pangaea Salon, specializing in texture and color. She also does a lot of freelance hair styling with local designers, and working with hair has taken her to both New York and Denver Fashion Week. 

Now that she is physically stronger, she has realized how much she needs dance for her mental health. She is learning to move without fear, giving herself grace, and slowly connecting with this part of herself. She is incredibly grateful to be a part of such a powerful, inspiring, and supportive dance community at Elemental Studios. 

So, let's get into the interview. 

1. How did you find out about Elemental Studios?

Mae: "One of my best friends invited me to take a class with her. She thought it would be good for me---especially for my mental health---and she was right!"

2. What was your first class at Elemental Studios, and what was that experience like for you?

Mae: "Bad Bish Sexy Heels was my first class, and it was everything. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way and reminded me how empowering movement can be."

3. What do you look forward to the most when you come to Elemental Studios?

Mae: "It's my escape from the outside world---a chance to play, move, and challenge myself. Dancing here helps me build confidence and reconnect with what my body is capable of."

4. Do you have any favorite classes at the moment? If you do, what are they, and who teaches those classes?

Mae: "I'm loving Bad Bish Heels, Femme Funk, Commercial Pop, Reggaeton, and Contemporary. I can't pick just one---they each bring something different and fun to the table."

5. What is a fun fact about yourself that you would love for us to know about you?

Mae: "I used to dance professionally back in the day---contemporary, jazz, and lyrical were my go-tos!"

6. Who is a dancer or choreographer who has inspired you in your dance journey?

Mae: "Beyonce, of course. Her drive, discipline, and passion are endlessly inspiring---on and off stage."

7. What is your advice for any new students who want to come to Elemental Studios for the first time?

Mae: "Give yourself grace and have fun. You're not competing with anyone else---just growing from the dancer you were last class."

8. Do you have any hobbies outside of dance that you like to do?

Mae: "Hair is my main creative outlet. I specialize in bold, unique styles and colors---especially for photoshoots and editorial work."

9. What made you fall in love with dance?

Mae: "Dance has always been my escape. It lets me disconnect from the world and reconnect with myself."

10. Do you have any dance goals for yourself?

Mae: "To stop being afraid of my body, move with confidence, and let go enough to truly flow with the music."

Thank you to Mae for interviewing with me and taking the time to showcase yourself and your journey through this interview. If you would like to support and follow Mae, make sure to follow Mae on her personal Instagram @weedfairy7100420 and also follow her hair Instagram at @passionate_hairstylist to check out her hair art and book your appointment to get your hair slayed at the link in that page's bio.