On the Record with Alyson Stoner (Dancer Magazine)

by Mary Staub — Nov 10, 2008

Alyson Stoner is just 15 years old, but already she’s danced for Missy Elliott and Eminem, done voice-overs for “Lilo & Stitch,” “W.I.T.C.H.” and “Pompoko,” co-hosted on the Disney Channel, acted in commercials, and appeared alongside Steve Martin in “Cheaper by the Dozen,” among a slew of other appearances. She teaches hip-hop in L.A. and is singing in her own first music video, to be released early next year on the Disney Channel. Here’s how she got where she is today, without losing sight of who she’s always been.

Do you remember when you took your first dance steps? I was the pipsqueak who constantly danced around the house. I transformed any fireplace or back porch into a stage. Really, I've been dancing since the day I could walk.

And when did any “formal” training start? When I was three, I enrolled at the O'Connell Dance Studio in Toledo, Ohio, under the direction of Betty, Julie and Joanie O'Connell. Julie had an extensive background in Broadway performances so in addition to developing proper technique, I was also taught to truly perform and learned stage presence. Obviously, that proved to be extremely valuable because my current career depends on those skills. I took jazz, tap, ballet—the standard foundational styles.

The O'Connell's allowed their advanced teen members to instruct certain classes of mine. Immediately, we 3-5 years olds listened to them, because they were "older kids" and "cooler than cool." Every instructor came to class smiling, so I linked dancing and music with joy and happiness—that feeling hasn't left since.

What is one of your most memorable moments from back then? Being backstage during a 30-second costume change. It was exhilarating and completely nerve-wracking, but it all paid off once I hit the stage.

And what made you start taking modeling classes, also in Toledo, at such a young age? Modeling had become another after-school activity to add to the list. I had already played on many sports' teams, and took dance and gymnastics classes; modeling was no different. I simply got to class on time, trained my hardest, practiced at home and reached for the stars. Always being on the go helped prepare me for life in L.A.

So, when did you relocate to L.A. and was that a big change? I was seven. Margaret O'Brien, of the Toledo modeling school I went to, took a group of students, including myself, to the IMTA convention. After various events, a couple of agents noticed my potential. Luckily, my family was able to manage a temporary trip to L.A., where I could try out the biz for awhile.

Alyson Stoner and Roshon Fegan of Disney Channel's "Camp Rock" host "Freestyle Jam" to teach viewers rockin' dance steps from the Disney Channel Original Movie.

Photo by Richard Cartwright

Then I found Millennium Dance Complex in L.A., which had classes open to the public. My first dance class was a master class by Wade Robson. Soon thereafter, I found a hip-hop class taught by 10-year-old Lindsay Taylor. I started as a student, but now I actually help teach the class. Lindsay and I have grown to be really close, especially because we share the same interests and abilities.

How have you managed to keep up with school and family life with all of this? I enrolled in a home-schooling program that allowed me to complete curriculum at my own pace, so I actually graduated high school at fourteen. Before then, I was accepted into a junior college at thirteen, and I plan to get my general education there, and move on to an Ivy League. As for my family, they're the reason for my being, and their support is where I draw my strength from, so I definitely make time to spend with them.

When did you realize you wanted to make performance your career? Up until “Camp Rock,” I considered performing to be a hobby. After booking a Disney Channel Original Movie, I realized that I had a special opportunity to use my gift and share it with people all around the world. At that moment, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life.

One of your first major jobs was to co-host the Disney Channel. How did you get this position? I auditioned of course! We definitely didn't "know" people in L.A. In fact, we kept to ourselves for the first six months in L.A. My agent submitted my resume, the casting office made an audition appointment, and I booked the job fair and square. If you know my family, everything we do is well-worked for and earned. We don't expect anything to come easy.

Were you nervous? I never considered hosting to be an unusual job for an 8-year-old. I was doing what I loved and having fun. I wasn't nervous, because I'd always learned to step up to the plate and challenge myself.

How have you managed to stay grounded with all the glitz and glamour that surround you? I keep my relationships with family and friends as strong as possible, because they got me where I am. My parents encouraged me to try new things, and if I was ever disappointed, envious or negative, they'd show me why it's important to work hard, be happy for others and always see the glass as half-full.

What might you say to other dancers who hope to get to where you are some day? Keep your focus on the craft—don’t get caught up in glory of success that comes along with it. Be focused on doing your best, and don’t be worried about success. Success isn’t measured by how many people know your name, but by how many lives you touch. It’s important that kids, teens, adults understand that depending on the work that you put in, that’s where you will go. What you sow is what you will reap.

Do you have role models? Natalie Portman is hard-working and well-educated, which is what I aspire to be.

And how do you balance out your busy life of performing? My busy life of performing—haha. I don't know any other way of living. I'm a firm believer of making the most out of every day. I rest when I need to, but only to refuel my body for the upcoming tasks and challenges.

Is there anything else you could imagine yourself doing? I could imagine myself doing anything. I don't want to limit myself to this culture's expectations or ideas of what occupations are good and bad. I plan to stay in the industry. However, if I'm supposed to be in a cubicle, then I'll happily work at a desk for a living.

What are you currently working on? “The Alyson Stoner Project” is a dance-instructional, hybrid music video melding many forms of entertainment into one. I've designed my own dance shoe with Bloch Dance Apparel Corporation. “Phineas and Ferb,” “Kung Fu Magoo” and “Kingdom Hearts” are three animated projects I'm a part of. My first music video, where I’m the singer, will air on Disney Channel around the beginning of the year. I'm training vocally, working with songwriters and producers and continuing to teach dance on Friday nights.

And what would you like to work on, or who would you like to work with, in the future? As long as I feel comfortable watching my scenes next to my grandma, I'll know the jobs are age-appropriate and beneficial to my career. I'd love to tap with Savion Glover, perform with Mia Michaels or record a song with Phil Wickham.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? The possibilities are endless. In ten years, I see myself doing whatever I'm supposed to be doing. The future is not in my hands. All I can do is make the most of each moment—each day.