As she stepped into the spotlight for her first dance solo and looked out in front of a sea of people, she then knew at that moment, that she was destined to be a dancer. Junior Breann Veney’s passion for dance started when she was just three years old, and it’s continued to grow into a lifestyle.
“Breann eats, sleeps, and breathe dance.” Breann’s mother, Melissa Veney said. “It is a huge part of what makes her the person she is.” Since being a dancer at the Jody Phillips Dance Company, Veney has had opportunities including being featured in upcoming recording artist, Nate Evans’ music video. Veney was recognized for her talent and asked to be in Evans’ music video, alongwith a few other girls from Jody Phillips Dance Studio. Singer, songwriter and dancer, Evans conducts hip-hop and dance music with an electronic pop sound, and has been featured on Billboard’s Top 100. The music video will debut late September.
“This was my first music video,” Breann said. “It was a new experience which is really exciting.” Not only has Veney been featured with Evans, but also American dancer, choreographer, and actor Misha Gabriel. Gabriel has danced in shows of Janet and Michael Jackson, as well as played the role of Eddie in the Step Up Revolution movie. This is Veney’s third dance piece with Gabriel, one of which was the Plaza Lighting in Kansas City. Gabriel has visited the Jody Phillips Company numerous times and knows Veney’s dance coach. Veney was recognized and asked to participate in Gabriel’s upcoming dance piece, which will debut in October or November.
“Breann is very fortunate to belong to a studio who brings in well known teachers in the dance industry to teach master classes,” Melissa said. Veney and her dance studio have traveled to dance competitions across the U.S. including: Oklahoma, Branson, St. Louis, Orlando, and have plans on commuting to New York next year. “I love traveling with my team and getting to do activities together,” Breann said. “Getting to compete against different studios in different states is a lot of fun.”
Dance competitions consist of multiple categories including: ballet, acro, modern, tap, lyrical and many more. They are performed before numerous judges as they complete a score sheet of the dancer(s). “Every song brings something different to the piece,” Breann said. “If it’s lyrical or contemporary and it’s a sad song, it makes it easier to become one with music, and if it’s hip-hop, it’s easier to hear the back beats and hit the accents.” Veney’s dance competitions, pieces, and lifestyle have led her to want to continue dancing throughout the rest of her life.
In hopes of becoming a professional, Veney will continue to train to assure that dance will always be a part of her life. “I hope to get a scholarship for college and from there to go on being a professional dancer,” Breann said. While dancing over fifteen hours a week, along with tennis and schoolwork, Veney still makes time for her passion. “Her drive, passion, and dedication and love for dance will push her to become the dancer she wants to be,” Melissa said.
