Audrey Williams
Online Sports Editor
Junior Ada Lukic proves that dance is far more time consuming and challenging than just spinning around in a circle.
Lukic began dancing recreationally 12 years ago but it wasn’t until recently that she decide dance was something she wanted to pursue further. Lukic spent two years on the competition team at Dance One in Redondo Beach. Lukic says Dance One really set the foundation for her love for dance.
“Most little girls have the dream of becoming a ballerina at some point,” Lukic said. “I just happen to be some of the few that don’t let that go.”
While on the competition team, Lukic gained experience in performing not only group numbers, but solos as well. The team attended competitions such as Starbound, Star Systems and Spotlight. Lukic was lucky enough to receive first overall for the majority of her competitive career thus far.
“Competition is a great way to get good at something,” Lukic said. “Dance competitions allowed me to see what other skills people had and allowed me to pick them up.”
Lukic currently dances and takes class at Westside ballet in Santa Monica. Unlike Dance One, it is known to be less recreational and focus on just ballet instead of other styles as well.
“About two years ago I began to pursue ballet,” Lukic said. “I had heard about Westside and as soon as I went, I loved it and I’ve been going ever since.”
As well as changing dance studios, Lukic also chose to spend her summer dancing. She auditioned for the Rock school of dance in Philadelphia and was offered the opportunity to dance there year round. Unfortunately, Lukic was unable to accept.
“Attending the Rock really helped me as a dancer,” Lukic said. “It really proved to me that dance was what I want to pursue.”
This year Lukic has auditioned for multiple summer intensives. These include Houston Ballet, Miami Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Harid Ballet, Chicago ballet, English National Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet and the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
“This summer I think I’m going to attended the Pacific Northwest intensive,” Lukic. “The audition process is stressful but to be able to go to the intensive that I want it makes it worth it.”
After high school, Lukic plans on continuing her ballet career. She hopes on becoming an apprentice or core member of a decent company. One company she has been seriously considering is the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
“The ballet world is very competitive,” Lukic said. “Obviously the dream is to become a principal dancer but sometimes that is unrealistic. For the time being I just plan on improving myself and my skill to the point where I can continue to dance on in the future at a company.”
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