Jessica Starr is no stranger to Celebrity status. (She also has the coolest last name ever!) She’s worked on MTV shows and her workshop company houses a staff who’s performed and choreographed for Madonna, Janet, Michael, Prince, Hannah Montana... Learn from a leader who knows what judges really wanna see.

When did you first fall in love with dance?
I can’t quite remember, but it must’ve been somewhere in between leaping through the aisles of the grocery store and spinning wildly anytime I heard music. My mom could tell from a very young age that I belonged on stage, so she put me in dance classes at the age of four.

What was the dance scene like where you grew up?
I was born in Rockford, Illinois but raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Although there were many amazing dance studios there, I only danced competitively for four years. High school dance companies were very serious where I grew up, so I invested all my time into the program at Mountain Pointe High School. I cultivated my style not only as a choreographer, but also as a teacher. I was able to explore my own creativity and develop my own techniques at a young age. I began choreographing at the age of 16.

Was it challenging to start so young?
I wasn’t your traditional competitive dancer, so I didn’t get my technique in line until I went to college. However, not going to a studio all my life allowed me to be innovative and imaginative, which I may not have been if I were dancing competitively every weekend. I’ve had a unique path as a dancer, and am thankful of every moment of it.

So, it’s kinda funny that you’re a competition judge now. 
Fate brought me to Celebrity. While visiting my family in Phoenix, I stopped by a local dance studio and started talking to this man; he was Drew Phillip, director of Celebrity Dance Competitions. We hit it off right away, so he asked me if I’d be interested in judging for his competition. I was thrilled at the opportunity and the rest is history! 

Any cool trends in 2010?
There are always trends in the competitive world… good and bad. Shows like SYTYCD motivate these trends, and studios get an idea of what’s happening in the professional realm. This year, a big trend is athletic floor work. I’m seeing choreographers get innovative with transitions and acrobatic moves executed on the floor. Another big trend is the use of concepts, which takes dance to that next level of storytelling through movement. I think it’s vital for every dancer to have an intention. You have to understand your purpose first in your mind before it can come out through your body. I always say when a brilliant dancer leaves the stage: I won’t remember how high they kicked or how many pirouettes they did, but I’ll remember how they made me feel. THAT is a PERFORMER!

What’s the best part about Celebrity?
We share the same beliefs about how the dance competition experience can contribute to a dancer’s personal growth. Not only should a dance competition be a chance for dancers to express themselves in front of an audience, but also to get feedback from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable professionals. I’m also extremely passionate about helping dancers pursue professional careers. Celebrity’s always giving scholarships to assist dancers with professional training. 

What are the Top 3 things to do to stand out on stage?
1) Be Confident. Pride in your art is key.  If you don’t believe in what you are presenting on stage, no one else will either.

2) Be Committed. Whether you’re doing a high energy hip-hop piece or portraying a bird, be fully committed to the role you’re playing on stage. Use this intention to inspire, move and entertain your audiences.

3) Be You. It’s important to know what makes you, YOU… what separates you from the rest of the dancers in the world. Embrace what makes you unique and use it stand out to your audience.

Thank you, Jessica, for your words of wisdom. You’re a true “Starr”. Wanna catch Jessica on the Celebrity tour? Check the dates here.