Erin Novobilsky

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I am currently a Jazzcat, Ocean Tap Cat, and I am on the Hip-Hop competition team. I also take ballet classes with Anne and Tara.

When did you start at Center Stage?

I started dancing at Center Stage in 2014 when I was in 4th grade. 

Do you remember your first dance routine?

Yes, my first dance routine was when I was 4 and it was called “Ain’t I Sweet” (and I think it was tap).

What was your Center Stage journey?

I came to Center Stage from a different studio and immediately loved the teachers, other dancers, and just the environment in general. I did not compete my first year, but the year after I started competing in tap and jazz. I started just in Ocean and then I continued to take more classes and I became a Jazzcat. I took classes in Ocean, Marlboro, and East Brunswick. I became an Ocean Tap Cat and still am now and I am also in the Ocean Hoofers dance. 

You’ve pretty much made the rounds of Center Stage studios: Ocean, Marlboro, East Brunswick.  How did your experience differ at the three locations?

My experience has been different at the three locations because of the teachers, staff and also the size of them. Ocean was the first studio I went to and so it was always the one I felt most connected to. I was only at Marlboro one day a week when I took classes there, so I was never that close to the staff. This year I have spent more time at the East Brunswick studio this year and since I have become closer with other dancers in Cats and also the staff, it feels very similar to Ocean. I have had positive experiences at all of them, especially because I have always been able to take classes with the amazing Tori at all of them.

Do you do other outside of school activities?

Outside of school, dance is my main activity. I volunteer in my town and as part of being an officer for National Honor Society. In school, I am a varsity field hockey player in the fall and cheerleader in winter. I am also in a few different clubs and am going to be participating in my school's spring musical.

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

I think that growing up near the shore has been different than it would be in other parts of New Jersey because I feel like I always have something to do and I don’t think I would be close friends with some people if it wasn’t for the beach. I live a bike ride away from the beach and me and one of my best friends began biking there together in 8th grade. Since then, it is where we always end up at all times of the day and I am very lucky to live so close to it. My friend group first formed from summer bike rides to the beach in 8th grade and has only grown since then. I also wouldn’t have my job at the Crepe Shop on the boardwalk if it wasn’t for living so close!

Your graduating class’s high school experience has been profoundly affected by COVID.  How do you think that experience changed you as a person?

I think that my experience through high school with COVID has changed me as a person because I think it made me enjoy and appreciate everything more, especially the small things. I realized I took things for granted like dancing without a mask because I never thought I would go through a time of needing to dance with one. I think that my goals and also my priorities changed because I was able to see what mattered to me and interested me the most.

You have lived your teen years with a jam-packed schedule.  What’s your favorite lazy down-time activity?  Tell us how you would spend an ideal day that pops up with nothing on your schedule.

My favorite lazy down-time activity would probably just be watching TV (probably Criminal Minds). If I have a day with nothing on my schedule, I would ideally spend time with my friends either going out to eat, going to the beach and boardwalk, or even just staying in to watch movies and bake.

What’s the best book you ever read?

The best book I ever read I think would have to be one that I recently finished called Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I think that it had so many lessons in it and it really impacted me and made me talk about it for days.

What’s your favorite animated movie and why?

My favorite animated movie is Frozen because I love the music from both the first and second one and they are always just so entertaining to me because of the storyline and characters.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

I don’t remember who was my very first celebrity crush, but Justin Bieber definitely had to have been one of the firsts. 

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

I used to watch Dance Moms all the time which I think could be considered embarrassing, but I still think it is very entertaining. 

What’s next?

I am planning on attending college in the fall, but I’m still waiting for some college decisions to come out before deciding on a school. I hope to major in Environmental Studies with a concentration in either policy or science with possibly a minor in Spanish.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself graduated from graduate school and working in a position where I am able to perform research and create new laws and policies to help the environment.

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

I will definitely come back to visit Center Stage. Center Stage has always been a second home to me with teachers and students that I know will always be there for me and I am so lucky to have had that during my middle and high school years. It was definitely something that got me through any hard times and so I will never be gone for good :)