Dancing like a star

January 16, 2007

Katrina Moise of Dix Hills dances the rumba with partner Michael Rodriguez at the Caribbean Dancesport Classic competition in Puerto Rico in November 2006. (Photo by Charles Merritt)

Like many little girls on Long Island, Katrina Moise began taking dance lessons at age 6. Now 16, the Dix Hills resident is an accomplished ballroom dancer who competes nationally in adult categories. At a 29-number competition in Puerto Rico in November, Moise placed first in 26 and won a $250 scholarship. She plans to compete in the New York Dance Festival on Feb. 24 at Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan. Last year, she won 36 of 39 events there.

Today she is a junior at Half Hollow Hills East High School and is among a select group of dance students at the BOCES Cultural Arts Center in Syosset. In conversations with Newsday in 2006 and more recently, Moise talks about her passion for ballroom dancing.

When did you become interested in ballroom dancing?

I started taking ballet, tap and jazz lessons when I was 6, and I saw my teachers doing ballroom dances. Right away, I said, "I want to do that." So I got involved in ballroom when I was 10.

How did your friends react?

At 10, I wasn't the most athletic. I was really wimpy so I wasn't involved in sports. My friends always thought [her ballroom dancing] was interesting. ... I did a performance at my school, and everyone went crazy. Kids said they didn't know I could dance that way. Even my principal was in shock! It was pretty cool. I was so excited. I really was like the star.

How did you end up competing at Roseland Ballroom?

My dance coach, Michael Rodriguez from the Fit to Dance company, set it all up. I don't have a partner yet, so I dance with my coach. There were hundreds of people there, from age 5 all the way up to senior citizens. We entered 39 dances and won 36 first places. We also won two seconds and one third. And I won top junior for the second consecutive year. I'd have to say it was my biggest victory.

What do you enjoy most about competing?

It's fun having everyone watch you and showing off. Sometimes I can be shy when I first get on the dance floor. I worry, "Is my dress OK? Is my hair OK?" and I start shaking. But then the adrenaline starts up, and the music starts, and I start dancing and forget about everything. The most fun part is that my mom and my little brother, Kevin, come, and my brother yells out my name. He's so cute.

What are your favorite dances?

I mostly dance the International Latin style. My favorites are the cha-cha and the samba.

What are your costumes like?

My costumes are Latin style. They're a little revealing, but that's the style. It goes with the dance. I just hope I don't ever get a costume malfunction!

Now you're teaching fifth-graders?

I started in October 2006, volunteering at Paumanok and Vanderbilt elementary schools. I am very happy to be able to share my passion of dancing with the kids. ... When I first started I thought, 'I'm a kid myself, how can I teach children?' But it's pretty exciting. They're going through the same things I went through when I was learning to dance. ... I know many of them very well and I feel like an older sister to them. ... I attend the June Claire Dance Studio in North Babylon, where I student-teach ballet and also study ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop.

How do you do so much and have a social life?

It's just a balance of time. Sometimes I do homework during off periods, and then I come home, finish homework, go to dance class, come home, do the dishes and help around the house. Then I go to sleep and do it all over again. I enjoy it. I don't mind. When I win ribbons, it's all worthwhile. I get to hang out with friends on the weekends. ... In the morning I take my academic classes [at Half Hollow Hills East] and in the afternoon I attend the Cultural Arts Center, where I attend their dance program. I auditioned for and was selected for two companies - modern and jazz. I am really enjoying the experience at BOCES.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

One day I want to be a dancer. I want to be a Rockette or something special. I would love to be on Broadway. I also want to be a model, a lawyer and an English teacher.

Do you have any advice for people who are interested in ballroom dancing?

Get started right away. Don't be afraid to do it. Some people think they can't, but that's a lie. Everyone on the planet can dance. It's something we're born with. You just have to learn how to do it properly. And it doesn't matter how old you are. I see some ladies in their 70s, they're shaking their hips, they're working it. Just do it so you can see how fun it is.