This “star” is Berklee Bound

Claire Howell, a 19-year-old New York native, is about to join the prestigious Berklee ranks. She’s performed with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey. During her senior year of high school, she decided to take her singing seriously. “I always sang in church and at home. My mother is a classical singer, so she influenced me.”

Music’s always been part of her life. Besides dance, Claire played the flute and is currently learning piano. (Genius!) While studying music management at Manhattanville College, Claire decided to turn it up a notch. She auditioned for Berklee College of Music, the elite conservatory for contemporary music, to pursue singing and songwriting. But when she gets famous, she’ll always be a dancer. “I hope I can be one of those artists who show that dancing isn’t always cute; it has its grimy moments as well.”

Claire loves to write. “I’m inspired by everything from the sun, to how I’m feeling, to watching people. Sometimes I go to a park and just look at nature.”

Her biggest challenge? “Getting people to understand that I don’t just do one thing. I really want people to know I do many things. I haven’t seen a lot of artists who come from a background like mine.”

Moral of the Story: “Above all, be known for staying true to yourself.”- Claire Howell

A side note for all you gendancers... Claire was an intern at EB & A in 2007 where she helped work on the beginning process of what you’re reading now. That’s right. She kept it top secret while we worked away at the gendance launch way back when. Look at us now, Claire! Keep going!