Get to know me

What are your plans after high school?

 I'm currently not sure as my path may change and open new opportunities. For now, I have my mind set on hopefully graduating high school with my AA from Iowa Central then going on to Iowa for law school.

Tell us about some of your cultural experiences growing up in Fort Dodge. (These would be any plays, musicals, singing, dancing, speech)

I've always been involved with dance since I was two. I began at the old Hollingsworth for a couple years then switched over to United All Stars. I've been involved in a few musicals and plays with Stage Door Productions and the Hawkeye Community Theater. I've also participated in a couple at the middle school. I've always enjoyed singing; I went to McSweeneys' School of Performing Arts for one year. I was in choir with the school for many years but had recently dropped it in order to further pursue my education. I’ve also started my own photography page this summer. It is something I’ve always loved and done for fun, but now I have a place and background for it.

What is the biggest challenge for you when performing?

I'd say my biggest challenge when performing is going against myself. I hate the idea of failing. There are little times in life that feel worse than walking off the stage disappointed in yourself knowing you could have done better. Beating yourself up over a performance that no one is going to remember in a month. Another thing I struggle with is allowing myself to open up and truly feel everything going on around me. These are things I've hidden from the world and myself at times. Letting myself be vulnerable is something I don't do too well with. Yet in those moments are the times that mean the most to me that I want to fully absorb and take in.

Will the arts, music/dance/theater be a part of your life in 25 years? If so, in what ways?

As much as I love dance, the chances of me pursuing it in my future are slim to none. The dance world has grown so much and is very competitive. The opportunity to dance at college would be lovely but there's nowhere to go with it after that (for me personally). I wouldn't want to distract myself from my education too much either. If the offer arises, there may be a possibility. 

Who is your biggest role model and why?

I look up to so many people around me for many reasons. One huge person in my life is Mrs. Katie Moser. I will always look at her like a mom. She cares about every single person around her and always has their best interest. She makes people better versions of themselves. I can go to her all broken and beaten down feeling absolutely hopeless and she finds a way to make everything better. Most people are lucky to have her as a teacher, but I was lucky enough to have her in my life since elementary. With Mrs. Moser, all I have to do is stand in front of her and she sees everything I am and everything I stand for. There is just a level of seeing where she looks at me and gets me. I don’t think she will ever truly know just how much she means to me. 

What is your favorite style of dance and why?

I enjoy all styles of dance for different reasons. Hip-hop is just my thing though; it's a style with so much freedom. I've continued working on new skills and tricks that you don't see too often. If I ever stumble upon a video with something unique I just send it to Coach Shalynn and we give it a try. The amount of confidence and excitement I get from learning a new trick and nailing it on the first try is a feeling that can't be matched.

Do you get nervous before a performance? If so, what do you do to handle your nerves before you hit the stage?

I typically don't get nervous before a competition anymore but I can when it comes to state. State is a whole new level that I never expected to be competing at. A lot of times you just have to breathe and take it in. Sometimes you'll see me in the wing jumping around shaking everything off while other times you may see me huddled up with my team. In our circles we may be saying a prayer or just trying to encourage one another. Performing on the Wells Fargo floor is a feeling I could never get enough of. Walking through the same tunnels as major celebrities and performing in front of an audience that large is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime.

You’re on a deserted island…..you can have 3 items with you. What would you pick to take and why?

I would bring a fully charged satellite phone, a navigation device, and plenty of food and water. I would use the first two items to call a helicopter or boat to get me a way out. Then while waiting I would have food and water to keep me alive.

Walk us through a day in the life of Olivia Daniel.

I start my day by waking up around 6 AM and getting ready for school. I am at school from 8 AM till 3 PM. Most days I have practice at United for at least 30 minutes to 4 hours. This can start as soon as 3:30 and go as late as 10. Once I get home I'll eat dinner, get any homework I may have done, and get ready for bed. The late night practices may seem draining at times but I know one day I will miss them and do anything to get them back.