Meet Paige Polito | Dancer & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paige Polito and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paige, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From the time I could walk, I was dancing. My grandmother signed me up for my first class when I was four years old because she could see that I had a true love for it. From that day forward, I never stopped. So why did I pursue a career in dance? That was the only option. At the age of ten, I started telling my mom that I was moving to New York to go to college for dance. I ended up in LA, but that’s a different story. The point is, I never questioned what I wanted to do. Dance is the only thing that my mind and body know. I love the idea of doing something a little bit different every day. The idea that I could get paid to do what I love, and do something actually feels good too. Also, I recently discovered a love for teaching dance. Not only am I getting paid to do what I love, but I get to share it with kiddos! How awesome is that?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would like to think that I have always had a lot of energy. When I was a little kid in dance competitions. I was totally “that girl.” My teacher would tell the other dancers to use their “Paige Polito faces.” As I matured in my dancing, I tried to keep that energy. My goal is always for my audience to feel something, to know that both of us are allowed to be fully lost in the moment. I moved to LA to attend Studio School (now Hussain College) and earn my BFA in Commercial Dance. I did that. But little did I know, the year that I looked forward to my whole life, my graduation year would be 2020. :/ This brought forth some challenges that I was not prepared for. All my life, my teachers and mentors warned me that I would hear a lot of “Nos” before I heard a “yes.” This has never rung more true in the industry than in a world with a pandemic. If this year has taught me anything, it really is up to me. It would have been easy to sit back and watch my career float away. But I chose to go after it. Everything is virtual now, so I made the most of it with self-tapes and zoom calls. I can’t wait for everything to be back to normal so I can be on stage again. But until then, I am still workin it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One spring break, my best friend from back home in Louisiana came to town. We had the best time taking classes at Edge Performing Arts Center and Millenium Dance Complex, of course. We spent a lot of time birding around Santa Monica. (Riding Bird scooters is one of my favorite LA activities) We also took a mini road trip down to San Diago and took some photos at my favorite spot, Coronado Beach. If I had to pick one “hidden gem” that I have discovered in LA, it would “Slurpin Ramen Bar.” That lunch special is like no other. I also enjoy taking people to all of the fun ice cream shops in Korea Town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mom. She has always been the one to push me a little bit farther. She supported me all the way, even when that meant I was leaving home. I love how I can always tell how proud she is. There have been a lot of happy tears so far, and I hope to be the reason for many more to come.

Website: paigepolito.com

Instagram: @paige57

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNFnSiTJU2Y1xT7ZT5dYK-g

Other: tiktok: @paige_polito

Image Credits
Lindsay Rosenberg Photography & Jared T Photography