[ot-caption title=”Freshman Lauren Blostein is shown studying outside of the library between dance rehearsals. (via Liza Goldstone, freshman)”]

As the second oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the United States, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is one of the most attended and watched traditions of Thanksgiving in the United States. This year’s parade featured famous singer Tony Bennett, America’s Got Talent winner Grace Vanderwaal, and Pine Crest’s very own Lauren Blostein. Lauren is currently a freshman and a veteran dancer of the dance studio Dance Theater. In addition, she is also a member of their DTC dance team that frequently performs at Miami Heat games. This year Lauren performed with a group called, “The Spirit of American Dance Stars,” all of whom wore sparkling silver costumes and performed an equally dazzling jazz performance. In this interview, Lauren tells Type One more about herself and how dancing has shaped her life. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: How old were you when you started dancing? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: I was two and a half when I started dancing. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What’s your favorite genre of dance? Why? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: My favorite genres of dance are tap and ballet because the dances have always been a lot of fun for me to learn. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: Who’s your favorite dancer? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: My favorite dancers are Misty Copeland, Ricky Ubeda, and Travis Wall. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What enables you to display passion when you dance? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: Being able to tell a story through my movements. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: Why do you enjoy dancing? What’s your favorite thing about it? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: I enjoy dancing because I use it as an escape from the real world. My favorite things about it are my dance family and all the opportunities I get to perform. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What is your favorite memory with dancing? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: My favorite memory would be performing at my first big event, which was at a Dolphins game. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What is your favorite quote? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: My favorite quote is, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” I even have a painting in my room with crayons melted over a dancer holding an umbrella with the quote on it. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What is some important knowledge you’ve gained from dance? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: I’ve learned to not judge myself. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: How will you use dancing for the rest of high school? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: I don’t plan to ever stop dancing, and I will continue to express myself through my dancing over the next four years. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What is a goal you have? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: A goal I have is to not turn down any opportunities that come my way and to always perform as well as I can. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What is your biggest accomplishment? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: Getting the opportunity to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. It’s a family tradition to watch the parade every year on Thanksgiving Day, and it’s always been a dream of mine to perform in it. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What are three words to describe yourself? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: If I had to describe myself in three words I’d say that I’m humorous, fun, and talkative. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What do you hope people will take away from your dancing? [spacer height=”20px”]

Lauren: I hope I can make people feel something when I dance. [spacer height=”20px”]