Welcome to the JJGirl Spotlight, a series featuring the smart, talented, fearless young faces of Jo+Jax.
Today, meet 16-year-old Alexandra “Ali” Deucher! Ali trains at and competes with her studio, The Dance Club, in her hometown of Orem, UT, where she’s been a rising star since she was super young. Most recently, Ali won the National Teen Outstanding Dancer title at New York City Dance Alliance — and we have a feeling that’s just the beginning for this small-but-mighty dancer. Read on to learn more about Ali — and to find out why she keeps a tennis ball in her dance bag.
Favorite dance styles: Contemporary and hip hop
Favorite choreographers: “Joey Dowling-Fakhrieh, because she’s so versatile with her choreography and movement. It’s so fun to perform her work because the audience never knows what’s coming next. And Martha Nichols, because her combinations are always a challenge. They’re always fast and groovy.”
Dance idols: “Jacalyn Tatro, because the way she moves is insane. [Heart eyes] Alexia Meyer, because she makes everything her own without throwing away key details. And Jen Pendleton, not only because she’s an incredible mover and choreographer, but also because she’s a humble, amazing friend.”
Dream role: “My dream job would be to choreograph around the country and maybe teach with a convention. I’ve always dreamed of being a person someone looks up to in that way.”
Favorite school subject: “Fitness and health. I’m very interested and involved in those two things outside of school, and I love learning about the body and how to make it better so I can work out and dance better — hopefully forever.”
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cake batter
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? “Pancakes!”
Favorite book: The Divergent series
Favorite movies: Pitch Perfect and Big Hero 6
Must-see TV: Modern Family and CSI
If you could perform a duet with anyone, who would it be? “I’d perform with Jacalyn Tatro, and the routine would be choreographed by Joey Dowling, of course.”
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? “I would go to Africa or India to see all of the exotic animals that live there. I love animals!”
If your life were a movie, who would you cast in it? “Jennifer Lawrence would play me, Angelina Jolie would play my best friend, and Dave Franco would play my love interest.”
What’s the weirdest thing in your dance bag? “A tennis ball. You never know when you’ll need to roll out those calves!”
Favorite way to hit the stage: “I like solos and large groups. With solos, you only have to worry about your own strengths and weaknesses. But dancing with large groups is so fun. The energy is high and you’re just out having a good time with all your friends.”
Favorite Jo+Jax: “I love the Bandit Shorts because they fit my body so well, and the Coco Pants because they stretch and they come in grey, my favorite. The Astro Uni is the perfect example of full coverage with a little bit of flare, and the Charlie Bag comes to New York City Dance Alliance with me every weekend. It has so many pockets and can hold so many essentials.”
Meet the rest of the JJGirls!