Ashten Procaccini

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I am currently in CATS, Hoofers, and pre-professional acting. 

When did you start at Center Stage?

I started dancing at Center Stage when I was 3 years old, so 2010.

Do you remember your first dance routine?

I was 4 years old when I did my first dance routine. I don’t remember what it was called but it was a kangaroo dance with Katrinka. We had these little kangaroo outfits with a tail, it was so cute. 

What was your Center Stage journey?

My Center Stage journey has been one of many stories. I have formed lifelong friendships while also learning more about myself as a person. My life would not look the same if I was not a Center Stage dancer. Dance has taught me the value of hard work and dedication. Center Stage has given me my closest friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Even though there have been ups and downs along my journey, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. 

Why has it been worth all of the energy you’ve put in to it and the sacrifices you’ve made?

The feeling of family at Center Stage makes it all worth it. Of course there will always be hard times between people but I never doubted that we all didn’t have each other's backs. The friendships I have formed made it impossible for me to ever think about leaving. We truly have created a family and these people will be my family forever. 

Do you do other extracurricular activities?

I am an active member of my school community. I am the vice president of the Italian Honor Society and I am a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society, History Honor Society, FBLA, Key Club, Peer-to-Peer, and Sources of Strength. These clubs are all based in community service, making its members important role models in the community. 

 Who are your role models?  Whose life and values, either from your personal life or famous people, would you like to emulate?

My role model is my mother. Even though we argue sometimes, she has never made me doubt the truly amazing and strong woman that she is. When she has her mind set on something, you best believe that she will get it done. She is always doing things for other people and even if I don’t always show it, I appreciate everything she has done for me. My life would not be the same without my mother supporting and loving me through every step of the way. 

If you could get rid of one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would get rid of animal cruelty. I love animals more than anything in this world and it hurts my heart when they aren’t treated like the precious angels that they are. I look at my dog and I just think of how humans don’t deserve the unconditional love of animals. Their adorable faces just make your heart melt whenever you look at them. I am a person that will always say, “look, there is a dog” at every single dog we see on the street. 

If you won Power Ball, how would it change your life?

If I won the Power Ball I would save some for college tuition and a future home, but at the same time a large portion of it would be dedicated to opening my future hotel and traveling the world. Traveling is a top priority for me and having the Power Ball money would allow me to experience the different people and cultures around the world. Having the money would also help me kick start my sustainable hotel company. I would then use the profits from the business to travel even more when I’m older. 

What makes you laugh?

My boyfriend makes me laugh and when Sarah P’s face turns bright red and distorts. My boyfriend never fails to put a smile on my face, so much so that my cheeks start hurting after I'm with him. Sarah P’s face just looks so bizarre that you can’t help but laugh. 

Tell us about your experiences in the cast of the big shows: What was your first? Which was your favorite role?  Was there ever a disaster nearly averted?

The work put into being in the Gala show is definitely not little. It takes hours of hard work to create the seamless show. I have to admit, I’m not always a fan of the 7 hour rehearsal, but the finished product is definitely worth it. This is my third year doing the Gala show and my favorite role was probably last year. I was this rich girl from New Jersey who was a little stuck up. I always enjoy playing slightly mean characters. There was a disaster but it was not averted. At the show last year, when we were doing Anxiety, I had a quick change and I brought a prop on stage. I couldn’t find the box for the life of me and I hadn’t finished putting my shoes on when I heard the music starting. I ended up doing the whole dance with only one tap shoe on and no box. No one actually noticed so it ended being okay - the show must go on. 

If they were to make a movie about your life, who would you like to see play you?  What genre would the movie be?

I would like to see Madelyn Cline play me, not just because she’s gorgeous but because she is incredibly talented. Madelyn has played a variety of roles and does each of them perfectly. I think the genre would be drama. My life is similar to a classic movie about the high school experience. It would be a drama because small things have big responses, but that’s the life of a teenage girl. 

Would your British accent allow you to pass for British in a restaurant in New York? In London?

I hope my British accent would allow me to pass as an actual British person, considering I have done it in a bunch of different plays. I think my accent is pretty good and could definitely fool a stranger. I’m sure I would say the wrong thing, but an American wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference. 

What’s next?

I am attending the University of Central Florida with a double Hospitality Management and Business Administration major. I also am going to study abroad in Europe and learn different aspects of the hotel industry. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be working on opening my own hotel. Realistically, I will be a manager at an already existing hotel. I could see myself moving to Florida permanently and working at the Disney hotels. At UCF, I plan on working at the Animal Kingdom hotel. 

Will you come back to visit Center Stage, or are you gone for good when you’re out the door?

I will definitely be coming back. I plan on seeing the Nutcracker and the gala show. I also wanna surprise people and just drop in randomly.