[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”27187″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Check our interview with talented dancer, model and influencer Areana Lopez who has over 350,000 followers on Instagram. Areana is best known for her role on DANCE MOMS where she was part of the Abby Lee Dance Company Mini Team created before season 6.
Areana enjoys giving back and is passionate about working with people with Cerebral Palsy and is also involved with the charity Dancers With Cancer.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27186″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Areana, please tell us a little about you?
First off my full name is Areana Evani Lopez. I’ve been dancing since I was two years old. I have three siblings. Takis are my favorite snack!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Caring, Confident, and Mature.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Between my mom and little sister its hard to say who my biggest supporter is. However what I can say is they are both always there for me no matter what!
How’s a typical day in your life?
It depends my life is hectic! I live between two countries Mexico and United States. If I am in the US I will wake up around 7:30 do my homework. I usually start dance privates around 9. I always have either 1 1/2- 2 hour ballet privates. Then I will have my privates with my dance teachers Kenzie Fischer and Kierra Fletcher. After privates I have dance class till 9pm. Once I’m done with dance my mom will take us to get dinner then head home. When I get home I eat and shower. Usually if I’m not to tired I’ll stay up and finish my homework. I go to bed around 12-1 am.
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing when I was Two years old.
Did you take dancing classes?
Yes I always take dance classes 24/7
What’s it like being on Lifetime’s Dance Moms?
It was an experience. On Dance Moms I was able to meet and work with amazing choreographers. It gave me exposure and was very beneficial to my career. However with that said there is loads of drama. Not everyone is nice. That is part of the reason why I quit the show.
How did you get on the show?
I auditioned for the mini team in LA at ALDC. However my mom and I weren’t positive if we wanted to do the show. The owner of K2 studios where I dance now actually gave us the courage to go on the show.
Who’s your best friend in the show?
I didn’t have one. I’ve always been like that, friends are overrated in my opinion. I’ve learned a lot throughout my life and people in my own family aren’t always there for me either. But thats okay because I’m focused on school and dance, I want to make something of my life!
Any advice for aspiring dancers?
Never give up and don’t let anyone bring you down. Dance can be a great place however it can be cruel. You must always know your worth and have confidence. Be fearless and dance to your fullest express your emotion through movement.
What do you love most about dancing?
I love dancing because it lets me be myself and express myself. Tricks are great but when you can relate to the music and just feel at home and dance out of body that is the best feeling its hard to explain the feeling. Dance is like therapy to me I talk through my movement and express my stress, pain and sadness. However when I’m dancing to upbeat music it makes me feel very happy. And yes I’m a very happy person so when I get to express that through Jazz or Hip Hop it’s the best.
What type of dance do you like best?
My favorite types of dance are ballet and contemporary.
What has been the best thing that has happened to you since being on the show?
My clothing line Kouture by Ari. I am releasing it this year and I’m so excited!
How does it feel to be really famous and be recognized on the streets?
I don’t consider myself famous. When fans come to me and ask me to take a picture or sign something I always say yes. In my opinion fame can make people snobby and they forget to be humble. I never want to be like that you must always stay humble because in the end were all the same.
You are followed by so many young girls. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
With so many different ages on my page I always stay positive! Whenever I talk to my fans through social media platforms I always try to give them confidence and self esteem. In todays generation I feel girls are always shown as less. We need to know our worth! With haters and bullies people can forget who they are and think less of themselves. I try to show my followers they can do anything, if your dreams don’t scare you your not dreaming big enough.
What is next for Areana Lopez in 2019?
Releasing my clothing line of course! Along with turning fourteen and dancing 24/7!
What project is still on your bucket list?
I actually don’t keep a bucket list I just always remember to live each day like its your last!
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style is definitely edgy and mature. I feel like my fashion style can relate to Hip-Hop culture a lot and thats something I usually don’t share on instagram.
Do you have a favorite actress or actor that inspires you?
My favorite actress right now is Gina Rodriguez. She is so inspiring and I have all of her new movies on repeat.
Best advice ever given?
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My Louis Vuitton backpack, dance clothes and Phone.
What is you favorite song? Why?
I have a few favorite songs as of right now.
Ex- Kiana Ledé
Victory Lap – Nipsey Hussle
Pray You Catch Me – Beyonce
Those are just a few but the songs above I can relate to and in all are just really good.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could meet someone from the dead I would choose Nipsey Hussle. He was recently shot and was a really big inspiration to me. If you know his story than you know why he is inspiring.
What is your favorite healthy food?
As plain as it sounds I actually love salad.
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food is takis for sure!
Name one your strengths?
One of my best strengths in dance is turning!
How do you spend your spare time?
With family and friends, shopping, at the pool, and sleeping.
What hidden talents do you have?
I have a very funny hidden talent which is wiggling my ears.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
My idea of a perfect Sunday is a warm sunny day at the pool!
Do you support any charities?
I support charities like dancers against cancer. However I would love to get involved in charities for Cerebral Palsy.
What do you think of Social Media as you are a huge influencer in this category?
I feel social media can be a varying positioning and loving place however it can be negative as well. You must always remember to move forward with the positive and throw away the negative.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: @areanalopez
Snapchat: Aritween101
Website: Kouturebyari.com
Tv Series: Dance Moms; Season 6
Sports Team: K2 Studios[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photo Credits:
Headshot taken by @davianafletcher
Full body shot taken by @mariobarberiophotos[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
