The Dirt: Adi Malcolm

August 12, 2015

Adi at the FIS Apline World Ski Championships (photo by Rain Duran, courtesy Duran)

Just over a year ago, Adilyn “Audacious Adi” Malcolm was researching Michael Jackson for a school project and became mesmerized by the moves she saw on YouTube. It snowballed from there: She watched as many videos of poppers, lockers and gliders as she could find, mimicking what she saw on screen. Soon after, a couple videos of Adi herself were posted to YouTube, and she was invited to perform with Memphis jooker Lil Buck at the opening ceremonies of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships held in Vail, CO. Eight thousand people watched Adi’s first performance, choreographed by Buck’s frequent collaborator and former New York City Ballet principal Damian Woetzel. Woetzel is also the artistic director of the prestigious Vail International Dance Festival—and Adi, now 12, is scheduled to perform there in July. Want to know what makes this tween tick? Read on for The Dirt. —Jenny Dalzell

 

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

“Not About Angels” by Birdy.

What are your pet peeves?

I’m a bit of a clean freak. It drives me crazy when people don’t pick up after themselves.

Do you have any bad habits?

When I’m at school, sitting at my desk, I start tutting and doing the wave while I listen and learn. My teacher gives me a look and then he starts desperately trying to do the same in front of the whole class!

Who are your dance role models?

Marquese Scott, Lil Buck and Ron Myles.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate!

Cats or dogs?

Dogs, and I used to have two. I miss them every day.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I love to draw and sketch realistic objects. I put cholula sauce on just about everything. I’m in love with meaningful poems, quotes and encouragements.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would have to say my grandpa’s tacos!