Vanessa Brussel

What companies/classes are you currently in?

As of 2022, I am a member of the Senior CATS company as well as the Hip Hop Company and the Elite Hip Hop Group.

When did you start at Center Stage?

I started taking dance classes at Center Stage when I was 3 years old at the studio that was previously located in Marlboro. So if you do the math, this is my 14th year dancing at Center Stage. 

Do you remember your first dance routine?

I do not have the best memory for these things, but I do recall the first dance I did that I can remember was a tap dance with Mrs. Pam. I was dressed up as a penguin and I definitely enjoyed that moment on stage for the first time.

What was your Center Stage journey?

I started dancing in light of my sister’s enrollment as a dancer at Center State. I sat in on one of her classes and had decided that dancing was something I wanted to pursue. My sister only danced for one year until moving on to other wonderful things, while I on the other hand had decided to stick with it. Throughout my years at Center Stage I have improved tremendously from when I first started as a Cub with Sue Garahn. I have had so much support and encouragement throughout these past 13 years. Being a member of the Center Stage community is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. 

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

Personally, Center Stage is similar to a second home. I have always felt safe and welcome at the studio. I dance along with people I have grown up with for most of my life and I have made some pretty amazing bonds with my fellow dancers as well as my teachers. Dance has also been a “get-away” space for me at times. When I am dealing with a stressful day or something personally that takes a toll on me, Center Stage has also been a place where I can distract myself by focusing on improving and bettering myself as a dancer. I am also surrounded by wonderful people who have always been a lending hand when I am in need. When it comes to sacrifices…being part of a community comes with a certain understanding. When making the commitment to be involved within the Center Stage community, taking into consideration the sacrifices you might have to make in order to attend rehearsals and classes is an important step. From a student perspective, though, it is definitely worth it and pays off in the end. Hard work always results in achievement. 

What other outside activities do you do?

Other than dance, I tend to do personal activities. One major part of my life is exercise. I have an interest in working out. However, lots of my time is spent binging Netflix shows, reading romance novels, and journaling about my life on a weekly basis. 

Assisting has been a major part of your time at Center State. What do you enjoy about working with young kids? What are the hard parts?

Working with young kids has been a gift when it comes to Center Stage. One of my favorite things about assisting was not only getting to be an example and a role model for younger dancers, but also getting to know a lot of them personally. There is something special about getting to help a young dancer improve their skills. I enjoy the fact that as an assistant I become a part of these young dancer’s lives. 

What’s your favorite board game/party game? If you could compile a group to play it with, living or dead, real or fiction, who would you be playing?

One of my favorite games to play is charades. As a dancer I find it difficult to sit down, so playing a game like charades is overall exciting for me since I get to move around. If I had to choose a group to play with, I would choose Harry Styles, my little cousin who holds a special place in my heart, and some of my friends from school.

What do you think is the most important quality to look for in a friend?

I believe the people you choose to become friends with should be loyal and trustworthy. I also think these people should be kind to not only you but the people around you as well. And finally I believe you should be friends with someone primarily because you want to be friends with someone. Not because they look or act a certain way, but because you two share a bond/connection. I think we take too much for granted nowadays and that we should look for people who we click with and can rely on. 

What personal trait do you have that you are most proud of?

I think of myself to be extremely optimistic, especially when life can seem very negative. This trait helps me so much in looking at the bright side of life and the positive sides of a day's hard work and what not. Many of my achievements have been accomplished primarily because of my optimism and I am proud to be someone who doesn’t let the hard things in life knock her down.

Who are your role models and why?

My role models include my entire immediate family. My mom and dad are fabulous people who have given me amazing opportunities in life to thrive and live a life where I can pursue my dreams. My sister and my brother both have their separate traits that I look up to. My family is one of the most important things to me. I also have great respect for each of my grandparents and look up to their accomplishments in life. 

Are you glad your little brother is following in your footsteps, or do you wish he’s bugger off?

To start, I am so very proud of my brother. As of 2022 he has improved so much since he became a dancer and he has put in so much hard work and dedication into it as well. I am glad he found inspiration in me to start dancing because I believe it has done wonders for him. I catch myself tearing up every now and then watching him dance.

If you were made queen of the world tomorrow, what would be your first edict?

The first thing I would do is find every country that needed help whether it is lack of money or food and donate to everyone in need. I think equality should be more prominent in the world today.

Would you like to be famous? What would you be famous for?

I would not enjoy being famous. Although I do enjoy attention, a lot of it can be overwhelming. But, if I were to be famous I would like to be famous for helping lots of people.

If they made a move of your life, who should play you?

I would like to be played by Alexis Bledel, the actress who played Rory in Gilmore Girls.

What next?

I am about to start applying to colleges. I hope to pursue a career in Physical Therapy and help people as much as I possibly can. I would also like to become a Doctor and get my PhD. I want to stay close to home when I go to college. In college, I want to keep pursuing dance, whether as a minor or if I am accepted into a dance team/company.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself living my last year in an apartment and in the process of purchasing a house. I see myself with my DPT and working in a hospital almost everyday; meeting new people, making new connections, and helping multiple people each and every day.

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

As I said before, Center Stage is similar to a second home. If I stay close enough, I would like to keep teaching on weekends and if not, definitely come back during the summer. It will definitely be hard to move at the end of the year, but that makes the time I have left at Center Stage even more precious than before. I am excited to see what else this year has to offer and thankful for all the opportunities Center Stage has given me these past 14 years.