Diana Bendit

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I am currently a Sr. Cat and a Sr. Tap Cat 1. 

When did you start at Center Stage?

I started 10 years ago at the Marlboro studio. I took my very first ballet class at 6 years old with Lainie. 

Do you remember your first dance routine?

I only remember bits and pieces but I do remember the costume having a red skirt that was bigger than me. The dance itself was based on the ballet “Carmen.”

What was your Center Stage journey?

I started at the Marlboro studio, and for my first 3 years I was not in company. I started jazz company as a Jaguar, then moved to Sr. Cougars, became a Jr. Cat for two years, and then fully transitioned to being a part of the East Brunswick studio when I became a Sr. Cat Apprentice. I started tap company as a Tap Kid, then a Jr. Tap Cat, and am currently a Sr. Tap Cat. This year is my fourth year in the CATS company and fifth year in Tap Cats. 

Which was your favorite Nationals, and why?  What happened there?

My favorite nationals was Hershey 2019 because we got to compete with my two favorite numbers of all time: It’s Raining Men and Rush Hour. But besides that we got to eat a lot of chocolate and I think everyone knows about my obsession with Hershey bars!

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

It is such a rewarding feeling in the end. You look back on the last few years and you say to yourself “I cannot believe I have come this far.” I don’t mean this solely in the sense of dance ability; I feel I have learned so much about myself as a person and grew throughout my time at CS. Plus, I have made friends that I know will be with me for the rest of my life.  

What other outside of school activities do you do?

Dance follows me everywhere I go, which is why I am on the Varsity dance team at my high school. In addition, I am president of the National Honor Society and Model United Nations chapters at my high school, as well as a member of the Spanish Honor Society and Youth and Government. When I have free time, which is not very often, I volunteer for organizations such as NJ R.I.S.E., C.A.R.E. NJ, and the YMCA. 

What’s your favorite movie and why?

My favorite movie is definitely Halloweentown. Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year and this movie reminds me of how happy I feel every time Fall rolls around. It’s just a great movie to watch under a cozy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate in your hand!

First celebrity crush?

Probably Zac Efron from his “High School Musical” days but in all honesty, I think I’ve had a crush on Shawn Mendes as long as I can remember. 

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Definitely a night owl. I am most productive at night and can stay up later than a normal person should, and feel wide awake. But I wish you luck trying to get me out of bed in the morning for school. 

TV Show you're embarrassed to admit you used to watch?

As embarrassing as it is, “90 Day Fiancé” used to be my guilty pleasure. The show itself is awful, but you just get so sucked into the lives of these individuals, you feel a need to know what’s going to happen next. It’s a really good show to fall asleep to incase you’re in need of a nap. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“Your academic intelligence does not define who you are as a person.” Especially today, many teenagers are so worried about their grades and academics and do not allow themselves to live their lives to the fullest because they are worrying about when their next test is. I think it is important to remember that 10 years from now, that Spanish test you failed won’t matter, but your character and judgement will. 

Who are five people that you really look up to?

I look up to my sister, my brother-in-law, both of my parents, and my grandpa. All of these people worked hard to become successful, including my parents and grandpa who came to this country with nothing, and are now living the lives they always dreamed of. 

What do you wish you knew how to do that you can’t right now?  

I wish I knew how to write in cursive. As small as it sounds, it’s a skill I never learned and would be useful for note-taking but no matter how many times I try, I can’t seem to get the hang of it. 

What’s next?

I am currently in the process of applying to colleges and multiple 7-year medical programs. The goal is to get accepted into a school where I can do a 3-year Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry, and then 4 years of medical school. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I am hoping to be done with medical school and in the midst of residency. 

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

I am already looking forward to coming back to visit! This place has been here for me for ten years of my life and there is no way I am leaving it that easy.