Adult dancers integral part of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’

Three adult dancers will be an integral part of the troupe that will perform in Come and Take It Dance’s upcoming “The Sleeping Beauty,” to be staged at the Crystal Theatre in Gonzales this weekend.

Performances will be at noon and 7 p.m. June 10 and 2 p.m. June 11 at the Crystal Theatre. Tickets can only be purchased online at comeandtakeitdance.com for $30 per person and there will be assigned seating.

Jonah Goodwin

Jonah Goodwin, a dynamic 22-year-old, has found purpose as a Rehab Educator at Rehab Without Walls. In this role, Jonah provides care and support to individuals suffering from traumatic and acquired brain injuries. His work involves teaching them essential communication skills and life abilities, empowering them to regain independence and rebuild their lives after experiencing significant losses. Concurrently, Jonah is pursuing his education at Texas State University, majoring in Communication Studies while pursuing minors in Business Administration and Philosophy.

Although dance entered Jonah's life relatively recently, in July of the previous year, it has since become an integral part of his journey. The catalyst for his dance adventure was his mother, Brandy Low, who had been attending dance classes at Come and Take It Dance. Encouraged by her, Jonah joined a hip-hop class taught by Rubi de Leon. It was during these classes that he crossed paths with Gary Franco, who would soon become a pivotal figure in Jonah's dance endeavors. Despite initial hesitation, Jonah was convinced to try a barre ballet class, which turned out to be a physically demanding and challenging experience. Yet, the difficulty of the art form inspired him to persevere, and under Gary's guidance, Jonah found a means to express himself through dance.

Gary's graceful movements and dedication inspired Jonah to strive for excellence in all aspects of his life. Jonah credits him with not only teaching him the art of dance but also pushing him to reach his full potential. A significant milestone for Jonah was his participation in the Nutcracker, where he had the opportunity to perform as the Russian. This experience stood out as one of the most profound moments in his life, allowing him to share the beauty of dance with the community of Gonzales. The supportive network of individuals he encountered, including Gary, Guy, and fellow dancers, reinforced Jonah's belief in the power of art and provided him with unwavering encouragement to pursue his passion for dance. Jonah considers himself incredibly fortunate to have met these influential figures who continue to inspire him along his dance journey.

KayLauni Falks

KayLauni Falks, a 27-year-old personal trainer from a small town, has rekindled her passion for dance. At the age of 12 to 14, she took Hip-Hop and Jazz classes at a studio in Gonzales and briefly continued her dance journey in California. Throughout junior high and high school, KayLauni shifted her focus towards acting in Theatre Arts, with dance taking a back seat.

However, about two years ago, KayLauni reignited her love for dance by starting private Hip-Hop lessons with Rubi DeLeon. In November, she ventured into ballet under the guidance of Gary Franco at Come and Take It Dance, where she also participated in the production of the Nutcracker. The experience was truly phenomenal as Gary brought in four professional ballerinas he had worked with or taught in the past. Their exceptional talent and artistry ignited KayLauni's interest in ballet even further. She eagerly looks forward to continuing her journey with them and is excited about the possibility of meeting new dancers along the way.

Having always cherished dancing, KayLauni is grateful to have returned to the art form and is delighted to be immersed in it once again.

Rubi de Leon

Rubi de Leon, a talented 30-year-old, wears multiple hats as a cosmetologist, dancer, HALARA brand ambassador, and MK sales beauty agent. She feels honored to dance alongside professional ballet dancers and be part of ballet productions.

Rubi's journey in dance began at the age of 6 when she discovered her natural gift. Her first talent show victory solidified her passion for dance, and she pursued her dream of becoming a professional dancer. During her high school days, Rubi excelled in breakdancing and even competed in the University of Houston breakdance prelims. In 2009, she was accepted into the International Performing Arts Academy, where she further honed her skills in acting and modeling.

In 2010, Rubi started teaching hip-hop dance and choreographing performances for quinceañeras, sweet 16s, and other street dance styles like electro dance. In 2019, she became part of RAW Natural Born ARTIST and had the opportunity to perform at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas, showcasing her flow-art props such as hula hoop dance and silk fans dance.

In October 2022, Rubi embarked on a new journey by learning ballet at Come and Take It Dance, culminating in her participation in the Nutcracker production. This experience marked a significant milestone in her dance career.

Rubi's diverse range of talents and her dedication to her craft have allowed her to excel in various artistic pursuits. She continues to embrace new opportunities and challenges, bringing her unique flair and passion to each endeavor.