ABOUT ME!
I am a performer, activist, and a food connoisseur who’s constantly creating whether it’s a piece of choreography, a five course dinner, or a DIY arts and crafts project. I am a New Yorker through and through and my Croatian roots inform all of who I am. My fierce headstrong personality, passion for food, cooking abilities, and love of family can all be attributed to the heritage I am endlessly proud of.
I started out just like every other three-year-old girl on Long Island--in ballet, tap, and jazz classes. I was eager and excited to perform, always stretching and working to my fullest to become the best dancer I could be. This effervescence showed on stage. There I was in my pink bedazzled costume (shown below) dancing to “Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend,” not missing a single step.
As a kid, my father saw my musical abilities and strengthened them by playing me all kinds of music. From Vince Guaraldi's ""A Charlie Brown Christmas” to Aretha Franklin and The Beatles; hearing such a wide range of music, my voice took on such a powerful jazzy tone which I am so grateful for. My Jazz roots shape all the vocal and dance choices I make and allow me immense freedom through song and movement. I have recently been exploring the world of vernacular dance and educating myself on the true roots of Jazz dance. This exploration has allowed me groundedness and fluidity I had not felt before, as well as given me the knowledge and power to disrupt racism within dance spaces. I will now use that power to spread the warm spirit of true Jazz dance.
The year 2020 was when I really became enveloped in social justice and advocacy. Activism and the arts overlap in many ways. I believe Art can heal even the most battered of souls, and communities of people who have suffered trauma can regain their strength through art. I truly hope to become the kind of artist never afraid to question institutions and challenge public policy in order to create a more inclusive and safe space for all performers.
