Rachel Parkinson

Fourteen-year-old Rachel Parkinson may be petite, but she moves with an infectious joy that fills any stage or convention room. In 2012, Rachel won Junior National Dancer of the Year at Hollywood Vibe Nationals, and this past season, despite being one of the youngest dancers in the teen category, Rachel snagged a scholarship at every competition and convention she attended, including Teen Female Non-Stop Dancer at 24 Seven and Teen VIP at JUMP.

“My older brother plays lacrosse, and my parents always tell him to leave it all on the field. When I perform, I leave it all on the stage. You’ve got to be fearless.”

(Photo by Chandler Ford Photography)

Fast Facts:

Birthday:
November 16, 1999

Studio:
The Dance Club in Orem, UT

What she’s listening to right now:
“Royals,” by Lorde

Favorite food:
“Orange chicken and white rice.”

The best advice she’s ever received:
“My dance role model, Alexia Meyer, told me never to leave a competition with regrets. It’s OK not to win. Don’t be a sore loser.”

The strangest thing in her dance bag:
“A porcupine-shaped air freshener that smells like strawberries. My dad doesn’t like the smell of my dance bag.”

Dance crushes:
Kent Boyd and Jakob Karr

Performers she’d die to work with:
One Direction, Pink and Katy Perry

Must-see TV shows:
“Cake Boss” and “Toddlers & Tiaras”