A: Every year, we go to New York with our grandparents as a family bonding activity and watch shows on Broadway. This year, we are seeing “Ragtime,” “Two Strangers,” “The Great Gatsby” and “This World of Tomorrow.” I’m really excited to see “This World of Tomorrow” because one of my favorite actors, Tom Hanks, is going to be in it. We are also visiting our cousins who live there for a couple of days and will explore the city with them; it’s like a whole family reunion.

Q: What specifically do you like about New York?

A: I love how New York is very different from Santa Barbara; I feel like a whole new person there. I especially love to see the huge skyscrapers and tall buildings that we don’t get to see in Santa Barbara.

Q: What have you done in New York in the past years?

A: Last year, we went to see the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and all kinds of tourist attractions.

Talulah Timms
Q: Why are you visiting Canada?

A: My mom was born and raised in Canada, so it’s a family tradition for us to go there every year. This year, I’m going with my mom and brother. My parents’ friends have a house in Canada, and we stay in it every year.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do there?

A: I’m mostly excited to go skating, build gingerbread houses, go skiing, get hot cocoa at Starbucks, and go snowboarding! I love how Canada has snow and how I can build snowmen, it brings back memories of my childhood. Because I have been going since I was little, I have many friends there whom I’m excited to hang out with.

Q: Do you prefer skiing or snowboarding more?

A: Definitely skiing. I love snowboarding, but I hate how snowboarders often sit down in the middle of the path, blocking the way for other people.

A: During the first weekend of winter break, I will be performing in “The Nutcracker” with State Street Ballet Academy as Clara.

Q: Why is this important to you?

A: I’ve been dancing since I was three years old; dancing has always been a huge part of my life. Ever since I performed in the first “The Nutcracker,” I wanted to play Clara so badly. It’s exciting that seven-year-old Sloan’s dreams of playing the lead female role are finally coming true. For the academy students, Clara is a big deal; it’s the only soloist part we can get because we are dancing alongside the professional company. It’s been such a wonderful experience getting to dance alongside them.

Q: What is the audition process like?

A: In August, we have auditions, where the company and the academy’s staff watch, and afterwards, they make the decision. Over the summer, I attended a five-week dance program in Pennsylvania, which helped to further improve my dancing abilities; I wanted to try for a lead role. This was my third time auditioning, so I guess third time’s the charm!

A: This winter break, I’m going to San Francisco. It’s been a tradition to visit my cousins and sometimes even my grandma every winter. This has been a tradition, even before my family moved to California. We go pretty often, at least every Thanksgiving and winter, ever since I was four years old. We especially love to eat at Brothers Barbecue, which we go to at least once a year. It’s a really special place for my family.

Q: What are you most excited to do there?

A: I’m excited to reunite with my cousin, who is my age, and see the city because I love it. I hope to live there someday.

Q: What have you done in San Francisco in the past?

A: I love to go to this one specific bakery called Mariposa, in the Ferry Building. I also love ordering takeout and watching football on Thanksgiving Day with my cousins; it feels so homey.