This “Squid Game” Star Is Also a Ballroom Dancer
If you aren’t yet familiar with Reagan To’s face, you’ve likely heard her voice: On Netflix’s hit drama Squid Game, she provided the English voice for both the main character’s daughter, Ga-Yeong, and the murderous “Red Light. Green Light” doll that became a viral sensation.
But what you may not know is that 10-year-old Reagan’s talents extend beyond her voice—she’s also an accomplished competitive ballroom dancer. Dance Spirit caught up with the multitalented tween on acting, dancing and her other favorite ways to be creative.
Dance Spirit: How did you land the roles you played on Squid Game?
Reagan To: I got the audition from the casting agent, and worked really hard on it with my voice teacher. My coach submitted it and 12 hours later, they called back saying I had booked it! But that was actually for another show. After that show, Netflix invited me in for Squid Game without even telling me what it was.
DS: What was the recording process like?
RT: I went in and I still didn’t even know the name, but the directors were all very nice to me. It was a small room, and I said the lines “Red light! Green light!” and (once the show was released) they were all over the world!
DS: In addition to your voiceover work, you are also a competitive ballroom dancer?
RT: Yes! I do cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso and jive. Jive might be my favorite because it’s really fun and energetic.
DS: How did you get started in ballroom dancing?
RT: I was on a show called Jane the Virgin, and the lead actress, Gina [Rodriguez], showed me a video of her doing ballroom dance. I got really inspired. I was like, “I want to learn!” So I asked my mom to sign me up for some classes.
Now I spend six or seven hours every week at the studio, and I compete all over the world.
DS: What do you like about performing?
RT: It’s a lot of self-expression. I like that you can step on the stage and feel the moment and the spotlight, and have everyone looking at you and your really nice outfit. Anytime I get to go onstage or in front of a camera, I get to show the world what I’m capable of.
When you’re competing in ballroom, everyone in your “heat” is dancing together. The judges look at the floor, and you only have a few seconds, but you don’t know when they’ll be looking at you. You just have to dance your best. I always try my hardest to get to my goal.
DS: How do you handle your busy schedule?
RT: I rely on my mom during hard times—she’s the one always driving me around. And I’m lucky my teachers are all very supportive of me. I try to balance everything by doing a little of this on one day, a little of that one day.
DS: What advice would you give a younger dancer?
RT: Don’t give up on your dream, because if you work hard, you will be able to succeed.
