Dora Dolphin

Dora Dolphin in She is Like The Swallow (by Neil King)

With a name like Dora Dolphin, you’re bound to be famous. But forget her catchy name—10-year-old Dora’s talent and poise speak for themselves, and they say she’s one to watch.

Dora started dancing when she was 2 1/2 in her hometown of Minneapolis, MN, and since then she’s built a resumé stocked with awards. Last year alone she won 10 regional championship titles and seven national titles. She earned the highest score in the country in the Mini division at Showstopper American Dance Championships, and at StarQuest her solo nabbed a perfect score.

Dora’s not just a comp kid, though: She’s performed in a handful of regional dance and theater productions, has recently taken up ballroom dance and was chosen to attend the Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, D.C. summer intensive. She still goes to school full-time and trains at The Dance Institute, the Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts and, when she can swing the trip, Dance Attack Dance Studio in Miami, FL.

Though her schedule is jam-packed—“I dance seven days a week,” says Dora, like it’s no big deal—this overachiever always has a smile on her face. “I just love dancing,” she says. “I love ballet because it’s the core of everything and I love that it’s technical. But I just want to be in front of an audience.” And the bling doesn’t hurt: “I got a crown for my solo at Hall of Fame Dance Challenge the first time I competed as a junior,” she says. “I really love crowns!”

FAST FACTS

Most-played song on her iPod:
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

Favorite food:
“My mom’s cookies—with milk.”

Favorite subject in school:
“Recess!”

Favorite actress:
Emma Watson. “My dad and I are big fans of Harry Potter.”

Favorite dancers:
Alyssa Ness, Derek Hough and Sophia Lucia

Three words that describe her:
“Expressive, loving, captivating”