Taking center stage with April Naeve
The love of dance; Naeve tries her hand at choreography
When April Naeve wasn’t able to perform in “Footloose,” she found a different way to be part of the show.
Naeve, who has been dancing since she was 6 years old, and competing since she was 11, has a deep love for the performing arts and found a new way to express herself.
The Fort Dodge Senior High School senior was able to help choreograph Fort Dodge’s presentation of “Footloose.”
“It all started when I wasn’t able to perform for the musical last year because I wasn’t in choir,” Naeve said. “Mrs. Krug then asked if I would be interested in choreographing ‘Footloose.'”
“Even though I couldn’t be on stage I still loved the opportunity of working alongside my classmates doing what I love.”
That opportunity has given her another chance to teach dance as she is currently helping with the Fort Dodge Middle School’s production of “Finding Nemo Junior.”
“I am currently helping with the middle school’s musical,” Naeve said. “You always have to stay positive and just do your best.
“Facials and emotions are a huge intricate detail I look for when watching and choreographing a routine.”
While teaching younger students isn’t new for Naeve, she has been teaching the art of dance for a while.
“This year’s choreography has been great,” Naeve said. “Emily Eastwood has pushed me to be my best. I have choreographed my own solo that I competed at state and placed first overall at this past weekend’s competition.
“I was a junior coach at United All Stars for two years and I loved every minute of it. Knowing how much the kids look up to us older kids.”
Along with being involved in Dodger Dance, Naeve also takes part in Code Red, state dance, cheerleading, track and field, along with speech and United All Stars.
There is much more to dancing for Naeve than just performing, it’s about an inner peace it brings.
“Dance is my safe space and performing on stage brings out another side of me,” Naeve said. “When I am performing I feel like I can do anything and all my worries go away, whether it’s a group, solo or duet.”
It’s not just about performing in dance and cheer, it’s about the preparation.
“It takes a lot of time to prepare for a routine whether it is dance or cheer,” Naeve said. “Dance is a year round sport, and we start practicing in the fall and end with our showcase in the spring. Even though we get the summer as a break, I still like to practice and improve my skills for the next season.”
“I practice everyday in any way I can whether it’s at the studio (United All Stars) or in my own home. It takes all my effort emotionally, physically, and mentally. I always put 110 percent into everything I sign up for.”
Naeve has been able to be involved in so many activities with the help of preparation and help from her mother.
“It is very difficult to juggle everything, and if it wasn’t for my mom I don’t know what I would do,” Naeve said. “She has made a color-coded calendar that syncs right to my phone for me so I’m always on time for everything and so I don’t double book myself for anything.”
Being a part of a team and growing friendships is a big part of what keeps Naeve training to be the best she can.
“The dance team is like a family,” Naeve said. “We always have each other’s back and we always support one another.
“It keeps me busy and it introduces me to people I might not meet otherwise.”
Naeve’s fondest high school memory is when Fort Dodge placed all three routines that competed at state for the first time in school history her sophomore year.
Naeve knows that all the practices, routines and performers couldn’t have been done without support from the people surrounding her.
“My biggest influences would have to be Emily Eastwood, because she always saw potential in me and pushed me to be my best,” Naeve said. “Mama J is also one of my biggest influences because she has always supported me in everything. I have always looked up to her because even after having me at a young age she is still in a good position today.
“She always puts my happiness over her own and I am forever grateful for that.”
After high school Naeve plans on dancing at Iowa Central Community College and pursuing a TV/Radio Production major with a minor in journalism and business.
Vacation destination: Santorini, Greece.
People I would like to have dinner with: my great grandma Brayton one last time.
It would surprise people that: don’t like cake and frosting.
Performer that inspires me: Keyonna Douglas.
My everyday role model: Mama J will always be my everyday role model.
I can’t go a day without: listening to music and dancing.
Where do I see myself in 10 years? working as a news anchor/reporter.
What are you listening to: Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John.
Dream piece or show: “Like A Boy” LSU.
A show you binge watch: Dance Moms.
Favorites…
Performance: Monopoly Production.
Book: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.
Performance: LSU Hip Hop performance 2022.
Book: Things we never got over by Lucy Score.
Musical era: The 80s.
Instrument: Cymbals because we’re both very loud.
Musical: MJ the musical.
Class: Yearbook with Mrs Hartley
and Mrs Jaeschke.
Song: anything by Michael Jackson
and Billy Joel..
Movie: “The Wiz” and “Top Gun.”
Phone App.: Tik Tok.
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