Jessica Linder

What companies/classes are you currently in?

Currently I am a member of Senior Cats and Tap Cats.

When did you start at Center Stage?

I started at Center Stage when I was two years old.

Do you remember your first dance routine?

I believe my first dance routine was a Winnie the Pooh tap dance.

What was your Center Stage journey?

From ages 2 to 7 I took recreational classes a few times a week, then in fourth grade I started in jazz company.  I started in Jr. Cougars, and went all the way up through Jr. Cat 3s.  Along the way I joined Tap Cats, then became a Senior Cat Apprentice.  I am now a Tap Cat 1 and a Senior Cat. 

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

Being a part of Center Stage has 100% been worth all of the energy and time I’ve spent there because it has honestly been a huge part in shaping me as a person.  Being at Center Stage has given me the ability to explore who I am as a dancer because of how diverse the curriculum is, which greatly encourages artistic freedom.  Center Stage has also introduced me to so many amazing teachers and people in the dance world, along with giving me lifelong friends.  I can confidently say my time at Center Stage has more than made up for any “sacrifices” I’ve had to make. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being part of a Center Stage dynasty?

In my opinion the great thing about being a part of the Center Stage dynasty is that it means you are forever a part of a family.  Even after I graduate, I know CS will always be a place I can come back to and still call home. Therefore, I believe the only real disadvantage of being part of such a family community is that I will miss it so much once I graduate.

Do you do other outside-of-school activities?

Besides dance I volunteer and I have a job.

Though you do many different disciplines at Center Stage, ballet seems to be your ‘thing.’  Why?

I have always been drawn to ballet from a young age for many reasons, but I would say the main reason is because it's challenging.  I know technically speaking, all styles of dance are hard, but I’ve always admired how in ballet it is near impossible to be perfect at even the easiest steps, which makes the style not only physically, but mentally difficult.  There is so much to think about during each step, which is why I love to go back to the basics and take advantage of participating in any younger ballet classes I assist or teach.  I’ve also always loved the artistry behind ballet.  After years of watching professional dancers (live or just videos) I’ve realized how much artistry can elevate a performance, or even just combinations in class.  Artistry is something I’ve made a constant effort to work on in every ballet class for years now, and although it does make class harder, because you still have to focus on technique, in the end it makes class more rewarding. 

If you could have the power of teleportation, where would you go and why?

If I could teleport anywhere I would definitely go to London only because I’ve always wanted to see the Royal Ballet live.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

I have never been big on fashion, and if anything I’m most into the styles that are on trend now so I don’t have a desire to bring back any fashion trend honestly.

If you could see anyone in history perform live (dancer/actor/singer/band), who would you see?

If I could see anyone in history perform live I would definitely pick George Balanchine.  I know he wasn’t necessarily known for his dancing, rather than his choreography, but I feel as though it would be inspiring to watch such a choreographic genius perform rather than be the choreographer for once. 

If you were a season, what season would you be?

If I were a season, I think I would probably fall. 

What should be the title of your memoir or self-help book?

“Stop Being Dramatic and Get Over It” :)

If you could be best friends with anyone in history or literature, who would it be?

I wouldn’t necessarily want to be best friends with him, but out of all people in history I would want to meet George Washington. 

If you were building your dream house with unlimited funds, what unexpected thing would be a part of it?

Honestly if I could put anything in a house I would just want a huge empty room.  I know it sounds strange but after dancing on Zoom in my cramped basement for months, an empty room to just move in sounds like a privilege:)

If you could donate a million dollars to any charity, what charity would it be?

If I could donate a million dollars to any charity I would donate to American Red Cross.

Do you see yourself living your adult life in a city, country or suburb?

I definitely see myself living in the city, at least in my early adult life.  

What’s next?

I plan on going to college, hopefully in NYC.  Although I am not committed anywhere yet, I plan on studying neuroscience along with dancing on the side and maybe joining a small group or company for fun.  

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In ten years I see myself living in the city, maybe just out of med school, still dancing in my free time.

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

I will 100% definitely come back to Center Stage.