[ot-caption title=”Junior Lindsey Robertson executes a back walkover. (via Rachel Rutstein, Junior)”]

Type One sat down with Lindsey Robertston this week to discuss her dancing career. The junior at Pine Crest has dedicated the majority of her life to dance. The road to her success has had its ups and downs but has helped mold her into who she is today. Lindsey opens up to Type One about her experiences, challenges, and much more.

T1: How old were you when you started dancing?

Lindsey: I started dancing when I was 2 years old.

T1: What’s your favorite genre of dance? Why?

Lindsey: Classical ballet, because it’s really the basis for all the other types of dance and I like being able to have a strict type of movement… Also, it looks really pretty.

T1: Are you taking classes related to dance?

Lindsey: I take ballet, pointe, and participate in Dance Etcetera. Also, I am trying out for “Showcase”. “Showcase” is an event at Pine Crest where you choose a piece learned off the Internet or choreographed on your own and then audition in front of the dance teachers. The top piece is chosen to perform in front of Founder’s Council.

T1: What is your favorite thing about dance?

Lindsey: I have a really short attention span and ballet gives me a chance to exercise and move and be creative all at once. It’s really a de-stressor for me. If I’ve had a bad day I can go into the dance room and be free.

T1: What is your favorite memory in your dance career?

Lindsey: My favorite memory would have to be the first piece I ever choreographed, “Trapped”. This was the first time I was able to show people I could do things other than dance. It allowed me to show everyone my creativity.

T1: What is your favorite piece you’ve danced in?

Lindsey: The Arabian Princess from Cinderella. It really played to all my strengths, which is a lot of flexibility. This piece was also the first time I was able to partner with someone which was a big milestone for me.

T1: What is your favorite quote? Why?

Lindsey: “Dance like no one is watching”. I actually have stage fright. I can dance in front of the entire high school and not care a bit because I can’t see them. They’re all just a sea of black to me. But the second I have to stand up in front of people that I can actually see, I freeze up.

T1: What are three words to describe yourself?

Lindsey: Energetic, creative, and impatient

T1: What is some important knowledge you have gained from dance?

Lindsey: Dancing is not as easy as it looks. A ballerina’s job is to make things look easy. Everyone makes fun of it but there’s a lot going on behind the scene. I’ll look at a piece and think, “Oh I can do that” but it doesn’t work out at all. It takes practice. That’s my biggest takeaway from dance. Everything takes practice.

T1: How would you describe your creative process?

Lindsey: The first thing I do when choreographing starts when I hear a song. I immediately think, “Oh this turn can go perfectly there, etc.” and slowly it becomes a whole dance. Next I see what people I would want in it and it gradually becomes a whole piece.

T1: What is your biggest challenge?

Lindsey: I just went to the doctor and they told me I have slight hip dysplasia, a labrum tear in my hip, and I have shallow hip sockets. For a dancer that can be detrimental.

T1: How will you use art for the rest of your high school/career?

Lindsey: When I go to college I want to minor in it or do a club activity because, like I said, it’s my de-stressor. It gives me a chance to be creative. Also, I’ve been doing it for so long that I can’t think of anything else I’d want to do.

T1: Are you currently working on anything?

Lindsey: I am in the process of choreographing a piece for the second half of Dance Etcetera. We’re doing a few variations from the ballet Paquita. I am also preparing for the Upper School ballet A Christmas Carol.

T1: What do you hope people will take away from your work?

Lindsey: I don’t really know. I just dance to dance. I like to show people what I can do.