Why You Should Know Technical Powerhouse Christian Burse

February 27, 2020

Christian Burse’s long, flexible limbs create showstopping shapes onstage. But what really captivates audiences are her seamless transitions between those gorgeous shapes, showing incredible technique and control. Christian is a student at both Dance Industry Performing Arts Center and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and her long days in the studio have paid off, earning her accolades like first runner-up for Teen Outstanding Dancer at New York City Dance Alliance Nationals in 2019. This summer, she’ll be attending intensives with Complexions Contemporary Ballet and at the Juilliard School, as well as returning to NYCDA’s Nationals in NYC.

Fast Facts


Full name:
Christian Burse

Age:
16

Birthday:
January 8, 2004

Hometown:
Austin, TX

Typical training day:
“I have ballet and modern in the morning at school, then my academic classes, then I go straight to the dance studio for the evening.”

Three words to describe her dancing:
articulate, crafted, sensitive

Why she loves dance:
“Your creativity is endless. You can do anything! It’s so beautiful to be able to have that freedom.”

Favorite styles:
Contemporary, ballet

Nondance hobbies:
Binge-watching TV

Photo by Melissa “MJ” Jackson, courtesy Christian

Favorite movie/TV show:
“Ru Paul’s Drag Race” and The Princess and the Frog

Song on repeat:
“Right Back,” by Khalid

Place she’d love to visit:
“I would love to visit London, England. I’ve heard that the chocolate there is really good.”

Dance idols:
Martha Nichols, Misty Copeland, and Jordan Pelliteri

Advice for other dancers:
“Always stay true to who you are. No one can be you better than you. That’s super-important!”

Dance goals:
“Go to college in NYC, be in a professional company, and dance as long as I can.”

Something no one knows about her:
“I’m a really big sneakerhead. I love tennis shoes.”

Favorite foods:
Salad and cheesecake