RedMarkerRadio Episode 4 ft. Jaden Baker

Summary

In Episode 4 of Red Marker Radio, Jaden Julius Baker, a senior member of the Heritage Academy Dance Company, joins the hosts for an insightful conversation. Jaden discusses his journey from starting dance in seventh grade to becoming part of the Dance and Ballroom Company. He shares funny anecdotes, his love for performing, and his future ambitions, including studying business at BYU and starting a unique entrepreneurial project. The episode highlights Jaden’s passion for dance, his drive for success, and valuable life advice on perseverance and seeking help.

Takeaways

• 💃 Jaden Baker is the first Dance Company member featured on Red Marker Radio and the first senior from Heritage Academy to be interviewed.
• 🩰 Jaden started dancing in seventh grade, initially wanting to join Ballroom, but ended up in general dance due to age restrictions.
• 🎻 Before dancing, Jaden only had fine arts experience in playing the cello, but he quickly fell in love with dance.
• 👯‍♂️ Jaden worked his way through various levels of dance at Heritage Academy, finally making it to Dance Company as one of the few male members.
• 😂 Jaden shared funny stories about being a male in dance, including costume experiences where he only got sweatpants and t-shirts.
• 🎭 One of Jaden’s favorite performances was 'My Prerogative,' a highly choreographed jazz piece he and his classmates begged for.
• 🕺 Jaden is also involved in Ballroom Company and aims to compete at the BYU competition with his dance partner.
• 🌟 Jaden’s passion for dance is matched by his ambition in business, as he plans to study Business Administration and earn an MBA from BYU.
• 🏕️ Jaden’s ultimate business dream is to create a large plot of land with rentable cabins, a French-style chateau, and a Fine Arts retreat center.
• 💪 Jaden’s life advice: 'Keep moving forward' and 'Don’t be afraid to ask for help.' His philosophy centers around persistence and growth.

Q & A

Who is Jaden Julius Baker, and what makes him a unique guest on the podcast?

Jaden Julius Baker is a senior student at Heritage Academy and a member of the Dance Company. He is notable for being the first male and non-graduated student from the academy to join the podcast, making his perspective relevant and unique.

How did Jaden first get involved in dance, and what inspired him to pursue it?

Jaden began dancing in seventh grade, initially aiming to join the Ballroom Company, but due to his age, he was directed to the Dance program. Despite having no previous experience in fine arts aside from playing cello, he quickly fell in love with dance and worked his way up the ranks.

What improvements has Jaden seen in his dance skills over the years?

Jaden notes significant progress in his dance abilities, recalling how his father compared his first performance to a ‘newborn deer’—uncoordinated and awkward. Through constant feedback from his teachers and hard work, he has improved each year, eventually earning a spot on the Dance Company.

What was Jaden’s favorite dance performance, and why?

Jaden’s favorite performance was 'My Prerogative,' a jazz piece his team had begged their teacher, Mr. Ray, to choreograph. The heavy choreography, teamwork, and the collective passion of the Dance 3 team made it a standout performance for him.

How does Jaden describe his experience in Ballroom Company?

Jaden has always been interested in Ballroom, citing 'Dancing with the Stars' as a childhood inspiration. Now a member of the Ballroom Company, he appreciates the elegance and the connection with his dance partner. He plans to continue dancing into old age, viewing it as a lifelong passion.

What are some of Jaden’s future plans related to Ballroom and competitions?

Jaden, along with his partner Fia, is preparing for a spring competition at BYU. The Ballroom Company, including eight couples, has already performed at the school’s Hoedown event, which was a blend of tango, line dancing, and country music.

What is Jaden’s long-term career goal, and how does he plan to achieve it?

Jaden aims to study business administration and get an MBA from BYU’s Marriott School of Business. His long-term dream, which he calls his 'Profound Project,' involves owning a large plot of land with rentable cabins, a French-style Chateau for events, and facilities for schools to use for retreats.

How does Jaden approach challenges and stay motivated?

Jaden’s personal philosophy is to 'keep moving forward' no matter the circumstances. He believes that continuous progress, even in the face of adversity, is key to overcoming challenges. He also stresses the importance of asking for help, which he views as a sign of strength rather than weakness.

What kind of feedback does Jaden receive about his dancing, and how does it influence him?

Jaden frequently sought feedback from his teachers, such as Miss Cell, Miss Woods, and Mr. Ray, to improve his skills. He valued constructive criticism and used it to enhance his performances, striving to get better after each class and performance.

What kind of support does Jaden emphasize when pursuing ambitious goals?

Jaden advises people to not only keep moving forward but to also seek support from friends, teachers, and mentors. He believes that success is not achieved alone, and asking for advice or help is crucial in reaching one's goals.