Dance Spirit Editors' and Viewers' Choice Future Star of the Month October 2009

Congratulations to Katie Ann Martinez, winner of both Editor’s Choice and Viewer’s Choice for
Dance Spirit’s Future Star of the Month! Katie’s lyrical solo, fittingly called “Katie” due to her namesake in the music, was a joy to watch. Besides wearing a gorgeous costume of a gold and white and having well-rounded technique, we enjoyed that Katie seemed to be very comfortable in her own skin throughout the piece. Our favorite part was her energetic and controlled abandon in the climax of the music (especially in that knockout layout). That was the moment when she truly just let go and danced.  At times, it seemed that her ponytail was hindering her spot in her turns, though they were still excellent and well-controlled.  This “future star” seems to have it all—strength, balance, control, musicality, artistic expression—and we can’t wait to watch her grow and go on to great things!