Taylor Nunez is a dancer and model to watch.

The 15-year-old has been making an impact in the dance world for years, from her mesmerizing performances to her stunning modeling shoots.  From the competition stage to her work behind the camera, Taylor has gained over 100K Instagram followers who love to watch her shine.

Everly Mag talked to Taylor all about dancing, modeling, her advice for aspiring dancers, and more!

Everly Mag: When did you start dancing?  When did you know you had a passion for dance?

Taylor: I started dancing when I was about 5 years old with a friend.   I remember taking my first ballet/tap class at my studio, West Coast School of the Arts.  I didn’t realize I had a passion for dance until I was about 10 years old.  I really fell in love with dance after my first year of doing 2 solos, one lyrical and one jazz.

Everly Mag: What’s your favorite way to compete in dance?  What are the hardest and best parts about competing?

Taylor: I really love to compete as a soloist or as a group member.  [One] of the [hardest] parts about competition is the stress I put on myself to do the best performance that I can.  Yet, some of the best things about competition [are] seeing yourself grow and mature as a dancer and artist, and being able to see how well you can execute the given choreography.

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

Taylor: My favorite style of dance would have to be contemporary, because you can use the art form in many ways, and create new movement [that is] special to yourself.  You can express your emotions freely.  In my opinion, it’s a little easier to give yourself a storyline and connect to the music.

My least favorite, or most challenging, style of dance would have to be tap, only because I haven’t really trained in tap enough to find a strong passion for it, but if I were to train in [tap] more I could see myself falling in love with it.

Everly Mag: What advice do you have for young aspiring dancers?

Taylor: Everyone is unique in their own way.  No one else is like you, and there is always something special you have to offer that no one else can.  Don’t try to be like someone you’re not, because some people do look up to you even when you don’t realize it.  Being yourself is a gift.

Everly Mag: Who inspires you in your dancing?  Who do you hope to dance with someday?

Taylor: Someone I look up to is Lex Ishimoto.  Coming from the same dance studio [as him] has been a really cool experience, just watching him achieve so many great things at such a young age.  Chantel Aguirre would be an amazing person to dance with, because she has so much beauty and grace while still being incredibly grounded.  She has a lot of knowledge of dance that I would love to learn.

Everly Mag: Besides dance, you’re also a model.  How did you get your start in modeling?  What are the best and most challenging parts of modeling?

Taylor: I started modeling when I was 9 years old.  A popular dance wear line saw me at my studio and said they wanted to work with me.  I was so excited because, growing up, I always wanted to get into modeling.

Some of the best parts about modeling [are] going to new places, meeting new people, finding a side [of] yourself that you’ve never seen, and showing creativity through beauty.  Some of the harder things about modeling [are] bringing to live what the photographer wants, and still making it original.

Everly Mag: What’s a typical day like at a modeling shoot?

Taylor: First, you go to the makeup artist and they do your makeup [to] relate to the theme of the photo.  Second, you go to hair.  Then, you change into the clothes for the shoot.  After that, you start taking photos and maybe do a few touch-ups and change your clothes [again].  Then, that’s a wrap!

Everly Mag: What’s something that aspiring models should know?

Taylor: That everyone is beautiful and unique in their own ways, and being imperfect is perfect.  Being confident is the best thing when it comes to modeling.

Everly Mag: Do you enjoy using social media?  What are the positive and negative aspects of social media?

Taylor: I personally do like using social media because it has created a platform for me that I would not have been able to do on my own.  A positive thing that I love about social media is that I see young kids making a difference in society today and showing love to others around them.

A negative thing about social media is that people show hate toward one another because they are jealous of those who succeed.  Everyone should know that everyone is equal and has been made for different purposes.  Maybe someone’s purpose is to show love through social media.

Everly Mag: Describe your personality in 5 words.

Taylor: Energetic, caring, passionate, humble, and respectful.

Everly Mag: What do you look for in a friend?  What are you like with your friends and family and what do you like to do when you’re together?

Taylor: I love supporting people and making a positive impact on my friends and the community.  In a friend, I look for someone humble, trustworthy, loving, and respectful.  When I’m with my friends I enjoy having sleepovers, shopping, going to the beach, or getting brunch on the weekends.

Everly Mag: Finally, what are some of your favorite things?

Taylor: I have many favorite foods, but my all-time favorite food would have to be sushi – I love fish and I love the culture.  In school, my favorite subject would have to be math.  My favorite movie of all time would have to be The Greatest Showman.  Usually, I don’t enjoy watching musicals, but this movie changed that for me.  The storyline is so impactful and brought me to tears.

I’m not a girl to really watch TV shows or to binge-watch a series, but I like watching Grey’s Anatomy.  I’ve dreamed of traveling to Europe my whole life, and still would love to go there.  I’m all for learning about the history of the countries and seeing the beautiful buildings, land, and culture.

Find Taylor Nunez on Instagram and her website.

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Feature Image Credit: Robert Beczarski