New to Studio 22?
Born and raised in Sherman, Texas, (but also grew up for 4.5 years in Montross, Virginia) Irene was inspired to become a dancer because of her grandfather. When she was a toddler, her grandfather brought home Riverdance on VHS, which she grew up watching. As a kid, she said that she wanted to be a flamenco dancer but she supposed that Latin dancer is close enough.
What inspired you to become a dancer?
I was a toddler when my grandfather brought home Riverdance on VHS, which I grew up watching. As a kid I said I wanted to be a flamenco dancer…I suppose Latin dancer is close enough!
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
Those 'aha' moments when a movement clicks, and the students are smiling with understanding.
Do you have a mantra you live by or a favorite motto?
As long as you are uncomfortable, you are growing. It's easy to forget, but I try to push myself out of my comfort zone on a regular basis.
Who is the most inspiring person you know?
My coach and partner Jean. He is constantly focused on helping others, and his coaching and perspective is life changing.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
To Italy, to taste the pizza, and to the Dutch Open in Assen to compete.
What is your favorite thing to do on your day off?
Play piano, read a book, watch a movie, talk with family, create something, eat every meal like it's breakfast.
What is on your grocery list?
I don't have a list because I buy pretty much the same every week…fresh fruits, veggies, really good eggs, oatmeal, and something easy to eat once I'm done shopping because by that point, I am so hungry.
What is your favorite T.V. show to binge watch?
Tough one…changes with the times, but I can always watch Bones or New Girl. Love the Deschanel Sisters.
What are two things not many people know about you?
I have played piano for 14 years, and I never had a single dance lesson before beginning at Studio 22 at age 17.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Sherman, Texas, but also grew up for 4.5 years in Montross, Virginia where I lived with my grandmother.
What is your secret talent?
I can talk with my mouth closed the whole time. You're trying to do it too now, aren't you...
What is your guilty pleasure?
BBC Mini Series Episodes of Jane Austen Novels, or Charles Dickens Stories. I can watch the whole 6 hours in one sitting.
What is your weirdest habit?
I always have to use the restroom when I go into a library. I get too excited around all the books.
What celebrity embodies your inner rockstar?
Either the Sound of Music Soundtrack or Que Sera Sera.
What is your go-to sing-in-the-shower song?
Either the Sound of Music Soundtrack or Que Sera Sera.
What is your favorite food/restaurant?
Breakfast food is always the best, any time of day.
What's on your bedside table?
Bible, Journal, Novel, Mouth Guard.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A flamenco dancer, or a secretary who could type really fast.
One word people use to describe you?
Talented…which is a word I never like because I think it's more about tenacity than it is talent.
What never fails to get you out of a bad mood?
Good hearted laughter.
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
1. Dance a Showdance with Jean Dorff, choreographed by Ton Greten, for the cause against sexual abuse.
2. Compete in Dutch Open.
3. Go on vacation to Bora Bora.
What is the best advice you ever received?
You are not your emotions. My coach created the distinction between what I feel and what I am. Through this the clarity of my life changed drastically, and I learned to express deeper emotions through dance.
Victoria Snee
CW33 Reporter / MIX 102.9 Radio Host
