WA_Lex_MAINDance Life had the chance to sit down with the PULSE on tour’s Elite Protégé, and YAGP winner Lex Ishimoto and ask him a few questions about his life and experience both in and out of dance! See what he had to say:

DL: How old were you when you started dancing?

LI: I started dancing 7 years old.

DL: Where did you grow up?

LI: I am from Irvine, California.

DL: Do you plan on pursuing dance as a career?

LI: Yes, I would like to pursue dance as a career. It’s what I love to do!

DL: How was your year with the PULSE and how did you feel about being selected as an Elite Protégé:

LI: My year with PULSE was indescribable. Probably one of my favorite dance conventions! There was so much talent there, and it was so much fun learning from the amazing faculty. Being selected as an elite was mind blowing. I was speechless at that time. There were so many amazing dancers that you really didn’t know who was going to get it! I felt so happy and emotional. Literally just pure joy.

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DL: I understand that you competed at Youth America Grand Prix. Which regional did you attend and how did competition go that weekend?

LI: I attended Los Angeles regionals for YAGP and it went great! I received 1st place for classical and 2nd place for contemporary.

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DL: You are obviously very well trained in both classical ballet and jazz/hip hop. What advantage does this give you as a dancer and performer?

LI: I feel like my advantages of being a well-rounded dancer is that I can easily switch to what the teacher wants in any class. Also, I think I hear music in a different way than others because of it. Being versatile is key!

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DL: What do you like to do in your spare time?

LI: I love playing Kendama on my down time. I also like to take naps, freestyle and take pictures.

DL: If you could partner with a professional ballerina, who would it be?

LI: I would dance with ANY professional ballerina! I don’t have a favorite!

DL: If you could dance back-up for a major recording artist, who would it be?

LI: It would be a dream come true with any artist but for now a few would be, Usher, Chance the rapper or Justin Timberlake.

See Lex in action on his YouTube page!