Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Areana Lopez

Areana Lopez danced her way into the hearts of audiences around the world when she joined the Abby Lee Dance Company Mini Team in season six of Dance Moms. Trained in a variety of styles including contemporary and ballet (which are her favorites), Areana was unquestionably a standout. Since then, she’s continued to hone her craft and has an exciting project launching this year.

Areana spoke with Pop Culturalist about her favorite moment on Dance Moms and her new creative venture.

PC: How did you discover your passion for dance?
Areana: I started dancing at the age of two. At six, I decided I was serious about dance and wanted to do more of it.

PC: What is your favorite dance style? What’s the most difficult to learn?
Areana: My favorite style of dance is contemporary or ballet. I feel tap is the most difficult to learn.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson that dance has taught you?
Areana: You have to dance 24/7 and work the hardest to be the best. If you want to reach the top, you must be ready to work for it.

PC: When you look back at your experience on Dance Moms, is there a moment that sticks out to you?
Areana: There was a time on the show when I got to compete with a solo dedicated to my brother. My brother is handicapped; he has Cerebral Palsy along with many other conditions. My love for my brother is unexplainable. He is the strongest person I know, and I could never ask for a better brother.

PC: If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be doing?
Areana: I would most likely be a swimmer or an actor.

PC: As we look ahead in 2019, what does the year hold for you?
Areana: I’m launching my clothing line: “Kouture By Ari.” I’m creating clothes that are trendy, edgy, and unique for tweens and teens.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Areana: Grey’s Anatomy

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Areana: The Hate U Give

PC: Favorite book?
Areana: The Hate U Give

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Areana: Mean Girls

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Areana: I think most people would be surprised to hear that my favorite genres of music are R&B and Hip Hop. One of my favorite rappers is J.Cole.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Areana: Empire

PC: Hidden talent?
Areana: I can wiggle my ears and do a pretty good British accent.

To keep up with Areana, follow her on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Bonnie Nichoalds