Danni Horowitz

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I have been a Jazzcats for the past 5 years

When did you start at Center Stage?

2010

Do you remember your first dance routine?

Yes

What was your Center Stage journey?

I began at the Ocean studio the first year it opened and joined the company two years later when it was created. As the Ocean studio expanded, my dance education and experience has surpassed my expectations. I eventually made my way to Jazz Cats, where I traveled to Marlboro once a week to take part in my first production. I immediately fell in love with this company and being a part of something special. Now I am in Ocean and East Brunswick, where I have been able to grow and learn even more. I am so grateful for my experiences with Center Stage. 

Though you’ve been trekking to East Brunswick for a while, most of your time has been at the Ocean studio.  Can you describe how Ocean feels different than other studios?

Despite my split time between Ocean and East Brunswick, the Ocean studio will always feel like home. I started at the Ocean studio at the age of six with one class once a week. When they started the company team two years later, I knew I wanted to become more involved and enhance my dance career. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to go to East Brunswick, but the Ocean Studio will always be home.

How has growing up near the shore been different than you think it would be in other parts of New Jersey?  Are you a beach baby? 

Growing up near the shore has definitely played a huge part in my life. I live five minutes away from the beach and always have. My family and friends have been going to the beach since I was born and still continues to be a place of comfort. Last summer I worked as a beach lifeguard at Loch Arbour. I still continue to go to the beach on a weekly basis with my friends and I plan to always live near the shore.

Who and/or what kept you sane during the early, intense part of quarantine?

During quarantine, the thing that kept me sane was actually my family. Despite our dysfunction, I am very lucky to say me and my family are extremely close. We spent every night together either watching movies or playing games. I valued this time with my family because once I leave for college I will not see them as much. 

Do you do other outside of school activities?

Outside of school I am involved in many activities. I am co-captain of the fall Varsity Cheer Team, I am president of the Varsity Club, I am a Class Officer, and an active member of several other clubs as well.

What’s your favorite movie and why?

One of my all time favorite movies is The Breakfast Club because it is about high school and coming together despite what appear to be differences on the outside.

If you could snap your fingers and be expert at something, what would it be?

If I could snap my fingers and be an expert in something it would be understanding people so I could help others and make an impact on the world.

If you could travel forward or back in time to live, what year would it be?

If I could I could travel to a place in time to live it would be the sixties and seventies because the music was better, the clothes were better, and everyone was nicer.

If you could donate a million dollars to charity, what cause would you choose?

If I could donate a million dollars to a charity it would be Save A Life Uganda because it is a charity my family and I have been involved with for a very long time.

When they make a movie out of your life, who would you like to see play you?

If they made a movie about me, I would love to see me being played by Miley Cyrus because I love her music and her energy.

What’s next?

  The next step for me is to attend college and finalize my major. Right now, I want to study fashion merchandising and work for a large brand in NYC.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years I hope to be married, or heading in that direction, working a solid job, and will have traveled a large portion of the world. 

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

I will definitely be back to visit Center Stage. It has been my home for the past 11 years and will always hold a special place in my heart.