Dancer Fun Facts | Kayla Kowach

Get to know the professional artists of Ballet 5:8 as we ask them about their hometowns, favorite dance memories, and people who helped them succeed.

Kayla Kowach (bottom row, second from right) as a party maid in The Nutcracker in high school.

Where is your hometown? What is it like?

I'm from Waukegan, IL. It is a fairly big Chicago suburb, right on Lake Michigan. It's not exactly highbrow, but there are many good people and fun things to do.  

Is there one person that helped you get where you are today? If so, tell us a little about them and your journey.

I am blessed with many people who helped shape me, but my grandma is a big reason that I am where I am today. Until I got a car my junior year of high school, she would drive me 30 minutes to dance every day. We would study for school and Awana in the car, or just talk about life. She always has encouraged me to do my best and serve God with whatever I may do. 

What is one favorite or funny memory from your years of dance training?

One of my favorite funny memories was my senior year of high school—I was a party maid in The Nutcracker. We had to wear banana-curl wigs, and during one performance, while we were dancing, a button on my friend's sleeve got stuck in one of my curls. She swung her arm and my entire wig went flying across the stage. We were all laughing hysterically in the wings after that dance.

What is your favorite thing about summer in Chicago? Do you have a favorite place to visit/local restaurant/activity?

My favorite thing about summer in Chicago is warm summer thunderstorms, and one of my favorite things to do is go to Six Flags with a group of friends.

Last thing—what in the upcoming 2021/22 season are you most excited for?

This season I am most excited to tour with the company. Getting to share beautiful art with people all over the country, while spending time building stronger relationships with the other dancers, is something that I'm really looking forward to being a part of.