Young and In Charge

Say hello to one the first gendance Ambassadors, one of our favorite teen idols and stylish lil’ maven, Peanut Pollino. Find out how this dancer/opera singer is now a teacher… at just fifteen years old. She wrote you the Ambassador trend note below:

“Hey gendance readers! This summer was a whirlwind. I went to Pulse LA and NY to perform in Cris Judd's and Tucker Barkley's Protégé pieces. In California, I took as many classes as possible at Debbie Reynolds, Millennium, and The Edge. I also saw my best friend, Kayla Radomski, in the midst of her SYTYCD madness. Back in NY, I stayed with my big sister Kelly MacGregor and we attended the Pulse NY finale. In August, I was back in CA, to attend Monsters LA Intensive and saw MOHH show. This year's cast was so good. I also took class, class, and more class! I didn't want this summer to end. I handed out my gendance Ambassador cards and spread the love on the west coast, (which were very well received, btw.)

When school was back in session, another door opened up. My ballet teacher recommended me to a studio that needed a hip hop teacher. My friend and I went, showed them some choreo and were hired on the spot. Now we teach hip hop every Saturday at a studio that’s been in business since 1968. I even taught my first master class last week.

How did I do it? Conventions helped me observe how professionals teach, how they keep students’ attention, and how they encourage them. Plus, the choreographers I've worked with have rubbed off on me. Sometimes my combos are in the style of one of my fave choreographers.

I didn't view myself as a teacher, but my ballet teacher had faith in me, so I decided I'd give it a try. Even though I’m young, I’m confident that I’m qualified to teach hip hop. I love helping people and seeing how my students are improving already.

I'm lucky to have an amazing life. Thanks for letting me express myself. GFF all the way.”

~Peanut, gendance Ambassador