Sarah Surabian

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I am currently in Senior Cat’s Company, Hip-Hop Company, Tap Cats, and Hoofers.
When did you start at Center Stage?

I started at Center Stage when I was 8 years old, so 2014.
Do you remember your first dance routine?

My first routine was a tap dance to Surfin’ USA with Miss Pam. 

What was your Center Stage journey?

At first, I couldn’t see myself being flexible or a ballerina, so I started out in recreational tap classes with Miss Pam. After a few years, I auditioned for Junior Tap Cats and competed two dances for a year. After that year and some ballet/jazz classes, I realized that I wanted to try out for the Junior Cats Company. I wanted to feel the rush of competition and push myself to become better in all aspects of dance. Since then I haven’t looked back.

When you were growing up at Center Stage, who did you look up to?

I definitely looked up to the Senior Cats when I was a Junior Cat and Apprentice. The Senior Cats were amazing in my eyes and having them as role models pushed me very hard to become better. I wanted to be just as good as them.

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

I wouldn’t have sacrificed time and energy if I didn’t love what I was doing. Dance does take a lot out of me and there are days I feel exhausted. But just like any passion, I always had to push through. As the years went on, it became easier to see that all that energy and hard work result in an amazing outcome. There is nothing more rewarding to me than stepping off the stage feeling amazing about a dance that took months to put together.
Do you do other outside of school activities?

I am on my school's dance team and have been for three years. I am also a part of Rho Kappa (History Honors Society).
What’s your favorite movie and why?

I LOVE this question. My favorite movie is The 10 Things I Hate About You. It is super funny and I like how it intertwines two different love stories. I also have a soft spot for rom-coms:)

What makes you angry?

I usually get angry when I feel really good about a test and then find out I did absolutely awful on it.

What’s one thing that can make your day instantly better?

Every single day, no matter what time I get home from school, my dog is always waiting for me. It always makes my day.

What’s your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is summer! I love warm weather and going to the beach and not having the stress of school. Also, summer intensives at dance were one of my favorite parts of the year, so I am VERY sad about missing out on those from now on.

What lesson have you learned in life that you would like to impart to the world?

I have learned that you are better because of your failures. The times where you’ve failed or almost gave up have only made you a better you. They happened for a reason and they are the reason you should keep going. Success would not have happened if it wasn’t for our failures.

What’s your favorite family tradition?

My favorite family tradition is having Mexican food on Christmas. This was first started by my grandparents when we would go to their house on Christmas. After my Nana passed a few years ago, we still kept the tradition going and used her recipes every year.

When you were growing up, were you a Disney princess kind of gal? If so, which princess did you identify with? If not, what kind of dress-up did you play?

I absolutely was a Disney princess girl. I couldn’t really relate to any of the princesses, but I still loved them. I think I had almost every princess costume from Snow White, Jasmine, Cinderella, Belle, etc.

What’s next?

This fall I will be going to the University of Delaware and majoring in Elementary Education. I will also be continuing to dance there. 
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully I am teaching in my very own classroom and making a decent salary.  

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

I don’t think I could ever permanently leave Center Stage. I am definitely going to visit and watch the shows, as I'm not going to be super far away. I am also not opposed to the idea of coming back to teach someday, whether that be a few classes or with little kids. But I love my Center Stage family and won’t be going anywhere;)