Edina High School is full of amazing athletes that excel in their arena of sport. Recently, I asked Edina’s own sophomore Emilia Kokoszka a few questions about her sport, competitive dance.
1. How old were you when you first began dance lessons?
“I started dancing ballet, tap, and jazz when I was in kindergarten, and a couple of years ago I started ballroom.”
2. What first got you interested in dance and what has kept you interested?
“I was watching “America’s Ballroom Challenge” on PBS and was amazed by the flexibility and fluidity of movement that the dancers were capable of. I’ve continued dancing because I enjoy the challenge of constantly improving and pushing myself to my limits.”
3. What is your favorite style of dance to perform?
“My latin dance is Rumba because it’s considered the girl’s dance and I am able to show my flexibility and freedom of expression.”
4. Where and how often do you practice?
“I dance at a studio in Southdale called “Dance with Us America”. When I don’t have a competition, I practice 3-5 times a week for 2-5 hours. Before a competition, I’ll be there everyday for a week or two.”
5. What is one thing that you would like people to know about your sport?
“Ballroom dancing is much more difficult than many people believe it to be. Many people think of it to just be glamorous activity, but the glamour is minuscule aspect of it all. You have to constantly train and improve your endurance, strength, speed, and flexibility and prepare to embarrass yourself once in awhile.”
