Community Spotlight: Peyton Mitchell-White

Nova Scotia is filled with an abundance of young dancers looking to share their passion and expression as they discover community and potential career paths in the world of dance. Dartmouth’s Peyton Mitchell-White is one such dancer. At just 17 years of age, Peyton has made an impact on her community, engaging in multiple disciplines, and bringing energy, charisma, and style to her many performances.

Dance Nova Scotia is pleased to shine our community spotlight on local Dartmouth NS dancer Peyton Mitchell-White.

Tell us a little bit about you. What is your dance background, how did you get started, and how long have you been dancing?

I started dancing at age 4 recreationally, and then I quickly transitioned to competitive dance. I have been competing for over 10 years in various styles.

What styles of dance have you trained in?

Hiphop
Jazz
Acro
Contemporary
Lyrical
Ballet
Breaking

What is your personal style of dance that you currently practice or perform?

Primarily Hiphop, but I still compete in jazz, and contemporary.

What have you found most challenging in your dance journey?

Finding the confidence to keep training in more styles.

Is there a favorite or most memorable performance or production you’ve been part of?

Performing at Hopscotch every year, and doing backup for Jody Upshaw.

Have you had the opportunity to venture into choreography? If so tell us about that.

Yes, I teach at my home studios, Onset Hiphop and Omnia Dance in hiphop, jazz, acro, and contemporary. Also I’ve started teaching at Halifax Dance, in hiphop and acro.

What is your favorite thing about dancing?

I love performing in all aspects, because I love making people happy with my dancing. I also love the satisfaction and the freeing feeling I get when I nail a routine or combo.

What is your least favorite thing about dancing?

I don’t like the competitive nature of the sport in settings that shouldn’t be competitive. In competition or a battle I think it’s fitting, but it should still be fun and lighthearted at the same time.

Who has inspired you in the dance world? Who are your dance heroes?

Well, of course Phil Wizard, who just won gold in the Breaking olympics is a big inspiration for me to continue my dancing but when I was a kid I always looked up to my dance teacher, Sara Steele.

What is the dream stage you would want to perform on?

I don’t necessarily have a dream stage in mind. I would love to do backup for a celebrity on tour, but no specific artists come to mind.

How do you ensure you stay strong and fit enough to perform? What are some of your wellness strategies?

Dance a lot:) But also eating at home more than eating out is something I always keep in mind.

What are some of your non-dance passions?

I love science, and I’m enrolled to start university for science in September. I also love all kinds of art, and I have since I was a kid.

What’s coming up for you? Any new projects you’re working on?

I just performed at the Start Festival with The Woods Hiphop Company, and I have a performance coming up at Bastids BBQ with Onset Hiphop.

What advice would you give to youth in dance?

I would give youth the advice to take it seriously. Anybody is capable of being a professional dancer, it is all about the work you put in. That being said it’s so important to find time to rest your body, otherwise you’ll burn out before you hit your peak.