Jackie Ascher

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I am a Jazz Cat and a Tap Cat.

When did you start at Center Stage?

I started Center Stage when I was a freshman in high school at 14 years old.

How is your Center Stage experience different from the studio where you started? Was it a difficult transition?

My Center Stage experience is definitely different than my experience at The Dance Carousel, which is where I started dance. When I first came to Center Stage, I was very surprised, and a little overwhelmed at how big the studio was compared to my old studio. However, I was able to to familiarize myself with all of the different rooms in the studio and adjust to my surroundings quickly!

You were already a dancer when you come to Center Stage, but acting was new to you. How has that been?

Acting has been so much fun; it is now one of my favorite classes that I take at Center Stage! At first when I learned that I was required to take acting to be in Tap Cats, I was a little nervous since I did not have much previous acting training. However, I soon learned to develop the same appreciation for acting that I have for dance.

This is a big time commitment. Why has it been worth all of the energy you’ve put into it and the sacrifices you’ve made?

Although dancing is such a big time commitment, it has definitely been worth it because I’ve learned so much through dance. Not only have I grown as a dancer throughout the years, dance has helped me to grow as a person. I’ve learned so many important life lessons such as how to be a leader, how to set goals for yourself and achieve them, and how to work as a team. Additionally, I have made so many great friendships in both Jazz Cats and Tap Cats that I cherish.

Do you do other outside of school activities?

Yes, I am a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honors Society, and English Honors Society in my school. I am additionally on my school dance team. I also volunteer at Temple Bnai Shalom every Sunday.

What’s your favorite movie and why?

My favorite movie would have to be The Parent Trap starring Lindsay Lohan. I’ve watched this movie way to many times and I never get tired of it! There are so many scenes in it that I love.

What are you irrationally afraid of?

I am super scared of centipedes and daddy long legs.

If you joined the circus, what would your circus act be?

My circus act would be the trapeze. I don’t know how to do it but it would be so much fun to learn!

Favorite food?

My favorite food is definitely sushi.

First celebrity crush?

Probably Zac Efron, who is basically almost everyone’s first celebrity crush!

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

I’m not really embarrassed by it, but I have a crazy obsession with The Office. I even dressed up as Dwight Schrute for a video in my brother’s Bar Mitzvah montage.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

I would probably be a panda because they are super cute and are my favorite animal (besides for dogs).

When do you remember laughing the hardest?

I remember laughing the hardest after being reunited with my best friend who moved to Ohio. It was our first time seeing each other after over a year. That night she was sleeping over my house and we waited until past two a.m. to go to sleep. There weren’t any blankets in my room so we were going to get them from the closet, but every time we tried to leave my room, my dog would start barking like crazy. We didn’t want my dog to wake up my parents or my brother, so we decided to sleep in pillow cases in my room. That night was filled with so much laughter and it was so great seeing my best friend after so long.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?

I would have dinner with Audrey Hepburn because she was such an inspiring icon for girls in society. She had such an amazing fashion sense!

What’s next?

In college, I plan to double major in both marketing and fashion merchandising and retailing.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself being a buyer or a manager for a big fashion company. Also, it would be a dream to attend New York Fashion Week.

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. I’ve made so many amazing memories here that are extremely valuable to me.