Welcome to the JJGirl Spotlight, a new series featuring the smart, talented, fearless young faces of Jo+Jax.
First up is 16-year-old Kaeli Ware from Herndon, VA. Kaeli competes with her studio, Studio Bleu Dance Center, has trained at American Ballet Theatre, is a Wilhemena Model, and performed on Debbie Allen’s Brothers of the Knight tour. Next up for this bendy beauty? “I have something really exciting coming up, so make sure you keep up with my Instagram to see what it is,” she says.
Favorite dance style: Ballet
Favorite teacher: Desmond Richardson. “He’s an amazing choreographer, and his classes are always so inspiring.”
Dance idol: American Ballet Theatre principal Misty Copeland. “She’s such an inspiration to me not only because she’s an amazing ballerina, but also because she’s changing the face of ballet for African American ballerinas. I had the chance to dance with her while I was in the training program at ABT, and she was always so nice and supportive of me.”
Dream dance company: American Ballet Theatre
Favorite school subject: Math! “I don’t really know why I like it so much, but I’ve always been pretty good at it.”
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mac and cheese
Favorite book: The Fault in Our Stars
Must-see TV: Grey’s Anatomy and Friends
Favorite movie: Rat Race. “It’s really funny, so if you haven’t seen it yet, you should totally watch it!”
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? “Paris or Rome. They both look so beautiful — and have really good food!”
If your life were a movie, who would you cast in it? “I would play myself and my best friends would play themselves, too — I don’t think anyone could be as weird and crazy as we are! And Zac Efron would be my boyfriend.”
Weirdest things in your dance bag: “A toothbrush and toothpaste”
Favorite way to hit the stage: “I love solos, but I also love duos or trios, and I like groups because I get to dance with my friends.”
Favorite Jo+Jax: “I can’t choose! Everything is so comfortable and cute. I especially love the Rompers and the Bra Tops.”