I ask the two if since being a part of an environment like DADA, have they looked at the dance industry differently and what they not only expect from it but demand from it at well especially given the limiting ways that the dance industry decides who should be the faces of dance. Kayden immediately responds yes. “I look at ballet companies and I mostly see thin, white women that are the faces of the ballet industry. And then I see people that teach at DADA like Lauren Anderson and it’s really an inspiration to me if I wanted to be a ballerina,” she says of barrier-breaking former principal dancer with the Houston Ballet. “Complexions was a big inspiration to me because I get to see different ethnicities and people of color doing the stuff that I want to do when I’m older and it’s something that I really want to see more of in the industry.” “I feel like after being at DADA, it kinda conditions you to think you can do whatever you want which you really can,” Jalyn follows up. “And it gives you a family and a support system that allows you to do what it is that you wanna do... I think DADA is doing a great job spreading the message that anyone can do anything, not just the people who fit the type that was the standard at one point.” • • • This year, the 12 Days of Christmas is getting a special TEENPLICITY twist – 12 Days of TEENPLICITY! As part of this special event, the 9th Teenpliciday features an exclusive joint interview with dancers of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Jalyn Flowers (pictured right) and Kayden Porter (pictured left). The two talk about being a part of the Academy’s beloved Hot Chocolate Nutcracker every year, what they’ve learned from their time at DADA, and how they’re celebrating the holidays this year! #DebbieAllenDanceAcademy #DADA #HotChocolateNutcracker #Netflix #DanceDreams #Dance 📸: @evanysphotography & @michaelhiggensphoto https://teenplicity.com/kayden-porter-and-jalyn-flowers-on-their-dance-dreams-and-hot-chocolate-nutcracker/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC4hrOp2I6/?igshid=r3qwlq19uo80