Meet Luvabull Dasha
Age/Birthday
June 14th- Flag Day!
Hometown
City of Wind- Chicago
Occupation
Media/Marketing/Advertising and Dancer
College
Northwestern University - Go U N-U!
Nickname(s)
Dash, Lady D, Dashina
Ethnic Background
Ecuadorian
Dance Experience
My training began at the age of 5 with ballet, jazz, lyrical, and tap. In High School, I danced on the Northside College Prep Poms Squad for four years, three of which I was captain. I also danced in the youth dance company at Joel Hall Dance Center. My training at Joel Hall stimulated my thirst for more variety in dance forms- such as African, lyrical and spiritual dance. I then ended up in a Latin dance company that focused on salsa and mambo, with whom I performed at the World Salsa Congress in Puerto Rico.
In my freshman year at Northwestern University, I danced for the Varsity Dance Team- the LadyCats. As a dance major, I studied Jump Rhythm Jazz, modern, ballet, and traditional jazz. In the following years, I joined a hip-hop dance company, Chicago Onyx Dance Alliance (C.O.D.A), which stresses the importance of understanding the authenticity and history of hip-hop. I continue to train in salsa, mambo, hip-hop, ballet, jazz, and modern.
Lifetime Goal
To use the art of dance to enhance the quality of life of underserved children and young adults in Chicago, who would not otherwise be exposed to dance for classes, educational outreach programs, and performances. Through offering free of charge classes, premiere programs, and other opportunities in regions where none exist, I’d like to reach out to the community, with the aspiration to grow globally, by stimulating young individuals with desire for a better tomorrow created through social change gained through the experience of dance.
Three words that describe me are
Compassionate, Optimistic, Ambitious
Quote to live by
Nelson Mandela states it best…"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us...And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." Basically, do not underestimate yourselves, and lead by example.
Pet Peeve
Negative people who only complain and don’t take the initiative to make change happen.
My claim to fame is...
Becoming a Chicago Luvabull!
Most people don’t know this about me...
I was the Homecoming Queen at Northwestern University- the first Latina in Northwestern’s History!
Years on squad
Three!
Why I chose to be a Luvabull
Born and raised a Chicago Bulls fan and with dance as my passion, it was obvious that becoming a Luvabull would be the key in merging two passions of mine simultaneously! I get to watch the greatest basketball players courtside, and share my art of dance in front of thousands of fans…all in the home to the greatest basketball dynasty in history- who could ask for anything more?!
Favorite Holiday
New Year’s- Because it is the premise of a new beginning!
Favorite Movie
Crash
Best Quality
My lust for life- wanting to live life to the fullest, taking advantage of all the opportunities that cross my path.
Book I’m reading now
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. It’s the first book to talk about the Latino experience in a positive way that embraces being both Latino and American.
Favorite type of music
It’s a tie between the tropical rhythms of Salsa and the hard hitting beats of Hip Hop!
How do friends see you (three words)
Spontaneous, Outgoing, Enigmatic
My proudest accomplishment to date is...
balancing a full-time job, dancing professionally in a hip hop company (CODA), being the lead of a Latino organization, spending quality time with family and friends, all while being a Luvabull!
What is the best gift you have ever received?
This past year I receive a personalized video montage dedicated to me on my birthday.
Ideal Job
Being a NBA analyst on ESPN and traveling the world sharing my love of dance!
Advice to young dancers
Keep your light glowing for as long as dancing makes you happy! And dance like no one’s watching.
“Dancers work & live from the inside. They drive themselves constantly producing a glow that lights not only themselves but audience after audience”– M. Louis
