Catching Up With Cover Model Search Finalist Abigail Jackson

Hi Abigail! What have you been up to since we last spoke?

Since the beginning of quarantine, my home studio has hosted virtual classes on Zoom, so I’ve been doing that pretty much every day. Also, the Rockettes had Instagram Live classes that you could do, which was really fun. You could learn combos like “Christmas Lights,” which is one of the numbers in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which I loved! I was really looking forward to attending the Rockettes Summer Intensive again this year, but this was the next best thing. I’ve also been dancing on my own, in my home studio and in my room, just exploring my movement.

And, my latest nondance hobby is…smoothie-making! I was starting to get a little bored of my daily routine and decided to switch it up, do something new, so I thought ‘Why not make a smoothie?’ I just try mixing together whatever I have in my fridge. It’s been so fun.

What was your favorite part of the Cover Model Search experience?

Obviously, it hasn’t been exactly what I expected, but I’m still so grateful for the experience. I got to talk with the other finalists and get to know them a little, and getting to know new people, even just digitally, has been so fun. Even getting to know the Dance Spirit team a little, through interviews and emails, has been really cool!

What were your campaigning strategies?

One thing I learned is that you can’t do it all by yourself—you need other people’s help. I got help from my friends and family, especially my mom and my dad. They would all post on social media and ask their friends to vote. They really helped me get the word out on social media, since that’s our main form of communication right now!

Photo by Gabby Fenimore, courtesy Abigail Jackson

What are your goals for the coming year?

I’m so excited for my first year at Pace University—college is something I’ve always looked forward to. I know it’s not the best circumstances for my freshman year, but I’m so excited to learn from my teachers and grab all the information they can give me. I really want to focus on developing my artistry, and figuring out who I am as a dancer. I’m excited for what’s to come.

What’s your best advice for CMS hopefuls?

You just have to go for it. But be true to yourself—the most important thing is to show who you are as a person. Your uniqueness is what will draw people to you. Shine bright!

Dear readers,

This has been an unforgettable experience! I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a finalist. I would like to give a big thanks to my friends and family for their endless support by promoting and voting for me. I am also very grateful to the voters I do not know who showed their support. I would like to thank
Dance Spirit for this opportunity of becoming a finalist. Also, thank you Cadence [Neenan] for being such a kind soul. It has been a pleasure speaking with you. Lastly, I want to thank my mom. She is my No. 1 supporter and I am so grateful for her and all she has done!

Love,

Abigail <3