21 Quick Questions with Commercial Superstar Delaney Glazer

Delaney Glazer’s captivating cool-girl presence and precise, hard-hitting moves have made her a commercial superstar (she has a casual 1 million followers on Instagram). But she’s also got the resumé to back up all those viral class vids: Glazer’s danced with music industry greats like Justin Bieber on his Purpose world tour, Chris Brown, Ciara, Demi Lovato, and Timbaland. Originally from St. Louis, MO, the 22-year-old has also performed at awards shows, including the American Music Awards, The Grammys, The Billboard Music Awards, The Teen Choice Awards, and VH1’s Hip Hop Squares. Catch her teaching in L.A. at Robin and Kenny Wormald’s studio Playground LA—and read on for The Dirt! —Courtney Bowers

What performer would you drop everything to go see?

I know it’s too late for this, but The Beatles! I can’t even imagine how it would feel to hear them live.

If you were a superhero, what would your special power be?

The power to control the elements.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A veterinarian. I love animals.

What non-dance thing do you love?

I love to snowboard, rollerblade, and ice-skate.

What would you be if you weren’t a dancer?

I have a lot of people ask me for help styling for photo shoots. I love putting outfits together for them, so I’d enjoy being a fashion stylist.

If you could work with any choreographer, past or present, who would it be?

Bob Fosse. He’s a legend.

Do you have any bad dance habits?

I don’t stretch enough. I need to fix that.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Taco Bell.

Do you have a favorite non-dance workout?

Hot yoga!

Who’s your dance crush?

I’m going to play it safe here and not write a name, because with my luck I’ll end up working with that person and it would be slightly awkward.

What’s the last thing you do before you go to bed?

I usually check to make sure my alarm is set at least five times. In this industry, you must be on time!

Do you have any pre-performance habits?

I have to text my mom “I’m going back” and she always replies, “Angels are going back with you.”

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Japan!

What’s the strangest thing in your dance bag?

Pencils. I always have something to draw with in case I have a long break during rehearsal.

What are your pet peeves?

I can’t stand negativity on social media. I never understand why people write hurtful comments. Be kind!

What’s your go-to stress reliever?

Being able to freestyle in my apartment when I’m alone is my greatest stress reliever. Hearing music and letting it flow through my body is what eases my mind.

What are you most nervous about?

Flying! But I had to get over it really quickly when I booked my first tour in Europe when I was 18.

Who’s your dance role model?

My mother. She not only teaches her students the steps, but she does it with love and wisdom. I strive to be like her every day.

What’s the most-played song on your playlist?

That changes weekly for me! At the present moment, “With You,” by Drake (feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR). I love the vibe.

What’s your most-watched TV show?

“Friends.” Could there BE any other show? (in Chandler’s voice)

What’s your favorite dance movie?

Center Stage
. I loved the red pointe shoes, plus that girl took her imperfections and made herself a star.

What’s something no one knows about you?

I played the cello in the fourth grade, I was in the National Honor Society, and I can sing all 50 states in alphabetical order.

What’s one food you can’t live without?

Watermelon.

What’s your most embarrassing onstage moment?

I face-planted onstage performing “Sorry” on tour with Justin Bieber. In my defense, we were dancing in the rain!

What’s your best advice for young dancers?

Train in every style and take as many master classes as you can from as many different teachers as possible! The more you open yourself up to new styles, the more you’ll evolve.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Je parle un peu de Français!

A version of this story appeared in the January 2019 issue of
Dance Spirit with the title “The Dirt with Delaney Glazer.”