Welcome to the JJGirl Spotlight, a series featuring the smart, talented, fearless young faces of Jo+Jax.
Today, meet 12-year-old Makenna Noelle Miller, from Leesburg, VA! Makenna trains at and competes with her studio, Loudon School of Ballet, and was named 2nd runner-up Mini Outstanding Dancer at New York City Dance Alliance Nationals. She’s a powerhouse performer with an infectious smile — one look at her Instagram and we bet you’ll find yourself smiling, too! Learn more about Makenna here.
Favorite dance style: Contemporary
Favorite teachers: “Jess Hendricks and Scott Jovovich, because they’ve taught me to believe in myself and to embrace my weaknesses, and they always push me beyond my limits.”
Favorite choreographers: Suzi Taylor, Joey Dowling, Stacey Tookey, Dusty Button
Dance idol: “Sarah Pippin, because she’s a beautiful dancer, and her stage presence is amazing.”
Dream role: Clara in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Favorite school subject: “History! I love learning about ancient civilizations. Ancient Egypt is my favorite.”
Favorite ice cream flavor: Caramel sea salt
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? “Tacos or frozen yogurt”
Favorite book: “Any book from the Harry Potter series or the Hunger Games series”
Favorite movie: The Harry Potter movies
Must-see TV: The Amazing Race
If you could perform a duet with anyone, who would it be? “I’d perform a duet with Tate McRae, choreographed by Joey Dowling.”
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? “Italy, Greece, or Egypt, so I could see all the places I’ve read about in history class.”
What’s the weirdest thing in your dance bag? “My foot clicker. Everyone asks me what it is. You put your toes on it and pull them back to help strengthen your arch.”
Favorite way to hit the stage: “I like solos because it’s my own dance, personalized for me. But I do really love large groups, because they’re so much fun. Everyone motivates each other and feeds off each other’s energy. It’s also less nerve-racking!”
Favorite Jo+Jax: “Any of the jumpers! They’re the most comfortable things ever.”
Meet the rest of the JJGirls!