Saryna Garcia is taking the dance world by storm.  At just 13 years old, Saryna has already had a decade-long dance career.  She’s appeared on Dance Off Juniors, performed on the Lifetime reality series Dance Moms, and toured with Mackenzie Ziegler and Johnny Orlando.

When Saryna isn’t dancing, she’s busy pursuing her acting career, growing her YouTube channel, hanging out with her friends, and using her social media influence to empower and inspire others.

Everly Mag got the chance to talk dance, acting, advice, and social media with Saryna Garcia.

Everly Mag: How did you get your start in dancing?

Saryna: I started dancing when I was 3 years old.  I loved to get dressed up and dance in front of the mirror.  My mom said she knew at that moment that I was going to be a dancer.  She put me in dance classes and I have not stopped dancing since.

Everly Mag: What’s your favorite style of dance and why?

Saryna: I love all styles of dance, but my favorites are jazz funk, hip-hop, and contemporary.

Everly Mag: How do you feel before you go onstage for a big performance?

Saryna: Right before I go onstage for a big performance, I usually jump up and down and don’t pay attention to my surroundings so I can breathe, focus, and release the nerves.

Everly Mag: How do you feel once you actually start dancing?

Saryna: When I go onstage and start dancing, the nerves go away.  The moment I step off the stage, I want to dance again!

Everly Mag: Describe your personality in 5 words.

Saryna: Hyper, funny, friendly, outgoing, and prankster.  I love to prank people, it’s so fun!

Everly Mag: What do you look for in a friend?  What do you like to do with your friends?

Saryna: I look for someone I can trust and confide in; someone who accepts me for who I am and who is loving, caring, and compassionate.  When I’m with my friends, I love to go shopping together!

Everly Mag: What advice would you give to aspiring young dancers?

Saryna: First, diversify your style.  Don’t limit yourself to one style of dance.  This will help you become an all-around dancer.  Second, get involved in dance communities so you can get yourself out there and get yourself known.  This can lead to opportunities.  Third, TRAIN.  This is most important because no matter how great you are, there is always something new to learn.  It will help you grow into a talented and confident dancer.

Everly Mag: Besides dancing, you’ve also had some experience acting.  What’s the hardest part of acting?

Saryna: The hardest part of acting is sometimes getting into character.  There are so many different ways to portray a character – finding the perfect match and being able to create that character throughout can be a  challenge.  Also, sometimes having to connect with people you don’t know can be a challenge because acting is so new for me.

But, once I become comfortable with people, read the scripts a couple of times, and really get into character, that’s when acting becomes easy.

Everly Mag: Do you prefer acting or dancing?

Saryna: This is a hard one because I love them both.  Dance is my first passion.  It has opened many doors and has given me amazing opportunities, including some acting roles.  [Acting] opened a door that I never thought I would walk into and realize how much I enjoyed it.  I have so much fun with acting, especially experimenting with different scripts and characters.

Everly Mag: What are your goals for the future?

Saryna: It would be amazing to go on tour with a big artist, or to have a recurring role in a TV series or play a main character in a movie.

Everly Mag: Who inspires you!

Saryna: My mom and dad!  They always encourage me and motivate me.  They work hard and make sacrifices so that I can pursue my dreams in dancing and acting.  They are always supportive and never stop believing in me.  They push me to always do my best and never give up.

Also, Beyoncé inspires me!  She is fierce, confident, and stands up for what she believes in.

Everly Mag: Describe social media in four words.

Saryna: Business, opportunity, promote, connect.

Everly Mag: How can young people make social media a more positive place?  What advice do you have for someone struggling with insecurity?

Saryna: Young people can make social media a more positive place by refraining from negative comments or posts.  Be yourself and use social media to motivate and inspire others.  Don’t be discouraged by others’ success – instead, use it as inspiration.  Don’t let the amount of likes and followers you have define who you are, because you are so much more than that.  Use social media to share ideas and experiences with others.  Most of all, spread love and kindness!

Everly Mag: What else should our readers know about you?

Saryna: At one point in my life, I was a competitive cheerleader, gymnast, and dancer all at the same time.  Eventually, I had to make a choice and I chose dance.  Each one has helped me become the dancer I am today!

Want more Saryna?  Find her on Instagram and YouTube.

Read more interviews with actors, dancers, influencers, and more at Everly Mag.

Feature Image Credit: Saryna Garcia