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After run on 'America's Got Talent' Lindsey Norton still dancingFeb 15, 2013 (Tampa Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- This week we chat with Lindsey Norton, 17, of Oldsmar, a longtime student at Carrollwood's All American Dance Factory, who auditioned for "America's Got Talent" in Tampa in April. She competed on the NBC program three times, making it to quarterfinals and live "wild card" shows. An acrobatic dancer who uses tumbling and flexibility tricks in her routines, she remains busy with personal appearances, performances and motivational speaking to teens at Christian events. Q: What have you been doing since performing on NBC's "America's Got Talent" last year A: Wow! So many new experiences have opened up for me. Besides being a senior in high school this year, I've been actually performing professionally at so many different events and doing personal appearances, which is so surreal to me, but I'm still the same Lindsey Norton I've always been. I've started teaching acrobatic dance this year at AADF; I really love working with the students. The most exciting new experience happened recently -- I filmed my first commercial in Orlando. It's been amazing. Q: What was the reaction of friends and classmates during and after your network TV appearance A: My friends and classmates have been awesome. They were all so supportive, making posters, getting my name put on marquees, making Facebook groups and trying to get everyone they knew to vote for me on the live shows. It was incredible having so many people behind me and knowing that my little hometown, Oldsmar, really stepped up to the plate. When I returned home from New York, my church members, dance friends, classmates and family had welcome-home parties at the airport just to show their support for me. They were always there for me during the roller coaster of the (America's Got Talent) experience. Q: What are your future plans, as far as dance A: I have events and personal appearances scheduled up until about when I start college in the fall, but I love it because I never know what will be next. I plan on auditioning for my college dance team, and hoping to fit as much dance into my schedule as possible. Dance is my passion, and I will never stop. I couldn't live without dancing. Q: You have competed in several divisions, from jazz to modern. Do you have a favorite A: During my 12 years as a competition dancer I have always loved the acrobatic dance division. Acro is difficult, but I love the challenge and the feeling I get when I accomplish something I've worked so hard for. I have always combined contemporary dance with my acro tricks to kind of come up with my own style. But truly, I love all styles of dance. Q: "America's Got Talent" judge Sharon Osbourne was especially complimentary, saying "You're like a little angel." Do your parents agree A: That probably depends on the moment! My dad thinks I am an angel, but my mom sometimes feels the need to adjust my "halo" from time to time! After all, I am still a teenager! They are both very proud of my accomplishments and support me 110 percent in all I do. My mom and dad are my biggest fans. ___ (c)2013 the Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Fla.) Visit the Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Fla.) at www.tampatrib.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |