Andrea Castañón - Champion of the Prague Dance Festival

Andrea Castañón, senior at the Oxford International School, recently displayed her talents and dance prowess at the Prague Dance Festival. Here, she was able to achieve first place with her dance academy. Andrea was kind enough to give The Source an insight into her love of dance, from the beginning to most recently.

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Question: Could you tell me when and where you started to dance?

Andrea: I started dancing at the age of four in a dance academy called Terpsicore. Even though it doesn’t exist anymore, I still have very fond memories of my time there.

Question: What inspired you to dance?

Andrea: When I started to dance, I was very little, but what truly motivated me was seeing all the dancers and ballerinas on videos and on television. Seeing them be able to move in such a captivating and beautiful way caught my eye.

Question: Tell me about your most recent performance.

Andrea: My most recent performance was this past July at the Prague Dance Festival, where I got to meet other dancers and teachers from different countries. We had the pleasure of winning first place. It was a very memorable experience, and I would do it all over again.

Question: Do you feel a sense of pressure while performing? And if so, does it motivate or hinder you?

Andrea: I do feel pressure when I get on stage, but when I go out, I feel like that pressure washes away. I can truly be myself and feel free.

Question: What is your favorite dance style?

Andrea: I love all dance styles, but I feel like my favorite will always be ballet because that was the first dance style I did when I was little. My second favorite, though, is contemporary dance, since I feel free.

Question: What advice can you give to starting or aspiring dancers?

Andrea: I would say that my best advice is to do it for yourself and not for others. It’s a very disciplined and time consuming sport, but when you find the love and passion for it, it will become so much fun and a lot easier.