Local Chosen for Team USA IDO World Championship Dance Team

By Zachary Daum

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Jariana Figueroa, a 15-year-old dancer from Mascoutah, Illinois, has recently achieved a significant milestone by earning a spot on Team USA for the International Dance Organization (IDO) World Championships in Poland. She will be representing in both the senior jazz team and senior lyrical teams on Dec. 1 to Dec. 4. The IDO, founded in 1981 and based in Slagelse, Denmark, is a globally recognized organization that hosts numerous prestigious dance competitions. With over 90 member nations, the IDO represents more than 250,000 dancers from six continents, offering a platform for dancers to compete in various styles such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance. This opportunity marks a remarkable step forward in Jariana’s dance career.

Jariana’s journey in dance began when she was just three and a half years old. “I’ve been dancing at Stars R Us Dance Studio since I was 3 and-a-half years old, and it’s been a lot of fun,” she shared. “I’m definitely looking forward to going to Poland and just having a fun time there.” Her dance teacher, Kara Nolte, was instrumental in encouraging her to audition for Team USA, despite the tough competition. “Miss Kara told my mother about it and said it was a good opportunity to try my best and to have fun with it,” Jariana recalled. “When I got in, I was very ecstatic.”

The audition process was demanding, involving three 75-minute sessions in contemporary, jazz, and lyrical dance styles. She excelled in the auditions, securing spots in both the jazz and lyrical categories. The auditions took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Jariana’s mother, Jacqueline Figueroa, expressed her surprise and pride when Jariana’s number appeared on the selection screen. “We went there for the experience and didn’t expect much because she was competing with seniors,” Jacqueline said. “When her number came up, we screamed and cried. It was a shocking and emotional moment.”

Jariana’s passion for dance is matched by her dedication to her academics. She maintained a 4.1 GPA throughout her freshman year and is determined to balance her studies with her rigorous dance schedule. “I’m definitely focused on my schoolwork. That is another top priority for me,” she said. This commitment to both her education and her art is a testament to her strong work ethic and determination.

Support from her family has been a cornerstone of Jariana’s success. “My aunt Cynthia Gonzalez was a dancer in the Bronx, and she inspired me a lot,” Jariana said. “My parents also inspire me because they’re awesome and have raised us with love and support.” Jariana is the youngest of five siblings, and she looks up to her older siblings for inspiration. “Two of them were actors and actresses, which inspired me in the acting field and the modeling field,” she said. “The other two are great people and I just love being around my siblings.”

Looking ahead, Jariana dreams of becoming a famous actress, gracing the stages of Broadway, and eventually opening her own dance studio. “I want to take this as a learning opportunity to see what choreography is like and use it in my future experiences,” she said. She offers this advice to the youth of Mascoutah: “If you have a dream, definitely follow it. Never give up and do what you love because it can take you far in life.”

The road to Poland will require significant preparation, including multiple trips to New Jersey for practice sessions. Jacqueline is working on securing sponsorships and organizing fundraisers to support Jariana’s journey, while also planning for her momentous quinceañera celebration, which was held on July 27. “We were planning her quinceañera, and now we have to focus on Poland,” Jacqueline said. “We have to get her there, and it’s going to be a lot of back and forth.”

Jariana is excited about the adventure that awaits her. “Poland is going to be my first place out of the country, and it’s exciting,” she said. “I’m dedicated to my schoolwork, but I hope to explore and make the most of this experience.” As Jariana gears up for her first international trip, she is filled with anticipation and excitement. “My dream place to go out of the country is definitely Scotland because it seems awesome and cool, but I’m really looking forward to Poland,” she added.