Category: dancers

Rebekah Diaddigo, Atlanta GA

Rebekah is our founder and fearless leader. Apart from organizing all things Bluebird, she dances for the Proia Dance Project and champions the next generation of artists at Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education as well as Still Pointe Dance Studios. 

What advice do you have for younger dancers? Pursue excellence but don't forget why you dance. Refine your technique to the best of your ability by consistently and quickly applying corrections. Always giving 110% is a quality that goes beyond the walls of the studio. In the midst of hard work, find the joy. Celebrate the gift of dance and explore ways to give it back in developing your artistry. 

Photo: Kayla Johnson

Craziest costume you had to wear? hmm, well, I've had to wear a lot of mob caps (nurse, maid, sur la plage, nurse again). I had CRAZY makeup with a fake hairy mole and huge wig for Stepmother in Cinderella. Or there was that time where we wore shapeless dresses made of silver sequins as nymphs (we kinda felt like disco balls though). 

most embarrassing moment onstage? I can't think of anything terribly embarrassing. I'm short so I've tripped over a fair amount of skirts that were too long. You just have to take performances for what they are, live in the moment, and leave what happens on the stage, on the stage instead of dwelling on the negatives.

"I'm excited about this trip because in an industry that's generally selfish and all about the dancers, this is an opportunity to use our gifts to serve." 

photo: Mary Caroline Russell 

Originally from Alabama, Daley Kappenman is a recent graduate of University of Missouri, Kansas City and is headed to Atlanta next year to start her professional career. Known as Silencer for her quiet demeanor, she's an expert selfie taker and adds a calming strength to the team. Daley danced with Bluebird in the Passion 2014 opener and this is her second adventure. Follow her on instagram @day_lilies 

Q. What is your favorite DQ blizzard flavor?
A. Cookie Jar (Oreos and cookie dough)! Its not on the menu, but if you ask for it they'll know what you mean.

Q. Why do you dance? 
A. I started dancing because I simply loved it. I still love to dance, but I think have stuck with it because I have seen what a powerful force it is.  It speaks to people in a very different way, and can reach those who would otherwise turn away.

 

My favorite dance memory is of performing my senior solo, "From now on", chorographed by my friend Molly Wagner Gregory. All I wanted when I was on stage was to "give it away". I gave the dance to God as an offering of praise and thanks for giving me a passion for dance and a calling to use it for his glorification. And I gave it to my family as a thank you for all their support and encouragement through the years of pursuing that passion, and now that calling.

 
Q. If you were a super hero, what would your power be?

A. flight. I've been traveling a lot lately and it would be great to be able to just jet from place to place… or just dance in the clouds!
 

 
Q. What advice do you have for younger dancers?

A. First, be yourself. There is no one else like you, and you have something beautiful and unique to offer. As a dancer, sometimes this can be the hardest lesson to learn and remember. Second, be a sponge. Absorb every correction you hear and watch your peers and older dancers as they work on steps, and give them a try yourself. Some corrections might not work for you, but who knows, one day it might be the thing that makes everything click!  

Originally from Ball Ground, GA, Rebekah Diaddigo is a dancer with the Proia Dance Project and teacher in the metro Atlanta area. When she’s not dancing she enjoys spending time with her family, blogging, and hand embroidery. Follow her on twitter and instagram: @rebekahdiaddigo 

 
Photo: Mary Caroline Russell 

Q.Why do you dance?
A. I dance because I believe it is what I was put on this Earth to do. Dance can go places words can’t and I want to use it to invite people into the Jesus story. 

Q. What's your favorite DQ blizzard flavor?
A. Chocolate Extreme! 

Q. What has been your favorite role so far?
A. One of my favorite roles was Clara in the Nutcracker. I also enjoyed premiering Alexandre Proia’s Four Seasons as a faun. My partner and I represented hope throughout the ballet and the choreography was a blast. 

Alexandre Proia's Four Seasons. Photo: Scott Nilsson 

Q. What advice do you have for younger dancers?
A. be confident in your identity. Dance is what you do, it’s not who you are. You are a beloved princess of the King of Kings; your future and dreams lie in His hands (not those of any director). Let Jesus be your rock, pursue excellence from a heart of grateful worship, and everything else will fall into place. 

"I am completely in awe of God bringing these dreams together into one and orchestrating all of the circumstances to prove His sovereignty and faithfulness. Super stoked for this adventure"