Turquoise Cupid
What companies/classes are you currently in?
I am currently in Senior CATs, Tap CATs, pre-professional Acting and I take voice lessons.
When did you start at Center Stage?
I know it’s hard to believe but my Centerstage Journey only began 6 years ago which is weird because it feels like I’ve been here forever.
Do you remember your first dance routine?
My first dances here were classics like Rock and Roll are Here to Stay and Unspeakable Joy. My first dance ever was when I was 3 years old, and I had a tap dance to Superstition by Stevie Wonder. I loved that dance so much I can probably still perform snippets of it to this day.
What was your Center Stage journey?
When I came here, my first year was as a Junior Cat 3, I then moved on to become a CAT and a year later I began Tap Cats. Somewhere in the middle there George convinced me to take on voice considering my dream of dancing on Broadway.
Why has it been worth all of the energy you’ve put into it and the sacrifices you’ve made?
Before coming here I was a very shy and cautious dancer but because of all of the classes and intensives I am exposed to a lot more and I can easily go into any audition room and feel 100% confident whether its a pointe, tap, musical theatre, or contemporary role. Without all of the time I spent there is no way I would be at the level of confidence and talent that I am today.
Was there a period in your life when you were embarrassed about having a name different from everybody else? At what point did you fully embrace its fabulousness?
Ever since I can remember, I have always loved my name. My parents definitely knew what they were doing when they picked out my name because no other name would suit me better, I love being an unforgettable presence and having a name like Turquoise Cupid is definitely unforgettable. Fun Fact: I have actually met two other Turquoise’s
Who are your role models? Whose life and values, either from your personal life or famous people, would you like to emulate?
Without a doubt Beyonce has been a role model for me since I could talk and as the years go on, I am more in awe of her talent and her hard work. I would love to be to be admired and respected as much as Beyonce is. Of course, my mommy is also an amazing role model of mine. She always knows how to handle any situation with ease, and I aspire to be just like her when I grow up. Hi mommy :)
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
See this shouldn’t be that hard but it is. If I had to choose, I guess one meal would include cheesy baked mac and cheese, bubble tea as a beverage, ice cream as a snack, and vanilla bean cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory as a dessert.
If you could hang out with any cartoon character, who would you choose?
I don’t really watch that many cartoons so my options are limited but I would love to hang out with “Toph” from Avatar the last Airbender because she is so cool, has a fierce attitude and I feel like our personalities would match.
What’s one thing (book/movie/play/TV show/song, etc.) that you’re passionate about and that everyone should experience?
If you know me, you would know I am very passionate about the MCU Franchise and I try to get every single person I know to watch all 23 of the movies. I’ve watched some movies before, but I recently watched all of them and they are SO good when you know what is going on in the other movies. There is a whirlwind of emotions from fear to laughter to crying and it is the perfect franchise for anyone to watch.
What makes you laugh?
Honestly, it is really easy to make me laugh because I think everything is funny, but I honestly just laugh the most with my friends. My girls are hilarious.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Hi, My Name is Turquoise like the Color. No explanation needed.
What would your dream house be like?
My dream house would have a lot of comfy chairs and/or beds to watch tv, read or crochet in. There will also be a conversation pit, and a funky matching kitchen (to eat all my ice cream in).
If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future?
I would love to go back to the 70’s to experience the music, the outfits, the hair (especially the afros) and the culture of that time period.
What’s next?
College WOOHOO!
I just committed to Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts for Dance and am planning to major in dance performance.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Definitely in New York and anywhere in the world pursuing my dance career as a lead member in a Contemporary Ballet or Modern dance company. I also see myself on Broadway, in films, television and of course becoming one of Beyonce’s dancers or one of her choreographers. Lastly, I would really like to influence young dancers the same way so many have influenced me.
Will you come back to visit Center Stage, or are you gone for good when you’re out the door?
Of course!!! Center Stage is my home away from home and I love and respect everyone here too much to never come back.