Q&A with Norfolk Collegiate cheerleader, Fleming, who aspires to be a pro ballet dancer
NORFOLK, Va. — For Clarke Fleming, the school day doesn’t end when the last bell rings. The Norfolk Collegiate freshman puts her books aside and channels her inner dancer and cheerleader. For the past nine years, she has been honing her talents as a classical ballet dancer. This year, she’s picked up pom-poms to cheer on her fellow student-athletes as a member of Norfolk Collegiate’s cheerleading team.
“I really wanted to be involved with the school and do something with others my age,” Clarke said of her desire to try cheerleading. “Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I don’t think I can picture my future without it. I have continued to do ballet because I love the person it turns you into. I have learned so much about myself and how life works through my experience with this art form.”
When it comes to her favorite, she can’t deny her passion for ballet.
“Ballet is something that will always be with me and ultimately contributes to the kind of person I am,” said Clarke.
What do you love about classical ballet and cheerleading?
Clarke Fleming: Cheerleading at Norfolk Collegiate has taught me so much about myself and about the school. I really enjoy working with others and cheer is a problem-solving sport. Some of these girls have become my best friends this year and the environment we create is amazing. With ballet, I personally love how disciplined it makes you. Starting dance at a young age (3) and then training on a daily basis later has not only taught me how to manage my time, but it has also prepared me for any professional environment. It is teaching me how to approach offers, how to respect others in the workspace and how to work with others.
Have you considered dedicating your efforts to one sport? Why or why not?
Fleming: I have 100% thought about taking ballet to the professional level. I would one day, if given the opportunity, love to get a job with a dance company and pursue my career from there. I recently received my second performance contract with TR Dance for an upcoming spring concert as a member of the ensemble of ballet. I performed with Virginia Ballet Theater Ensemble in a winter benefit show for the LGBT Life Center.
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Fleming: Now that I am getting older, I would really like to perfect my ballet technique and work on my artistry as a dancer. Finally, finding artistry as a dancer is a huge moment developmentally and will allow me to dance authentically.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and how do you manage it?
Fleming: Regarding my ballet, I have to say that my biggest challenge is consistency. For example, one day I’ll have a performance or class that goes exceptionally well and then within hours I’ve lost all that I’ve learned. It is something that you have to accept as a dancer and as an athlete, in general. When I am truly committed my technique remains constant.
What was the best advice you were ever given (sport or personal)?
Fleming: Some of the best advice I’ve ever received is to trust my gut. Going by a gut feeling has helped me numerous times throughout my life. Acting spontaneously and making spontaneous decisions can change the way you are forever.
Do you have a saying or motto that you like to live by?
Fleming: “Lose one friend, lose your friends, lose yourself.” – Will Friedle playing Eric Matthews in “Boy Meets World.” This quote resonates with me because I value my friendships more than anything. Being surrounded by people I care about and that care about me is very important to me. It affects how I go through my everyday life.
Describe a mistake you made while dancing and how you overcame it.
Fleming: A common mistake I make while dancing is overcompensating for that performance or rehearsal or class. Sometimes I’ll overwork myself, overthink and eventually burn myself out mentally and physically to the point where I can do nothing. In order to overcome this, I learn to balance my time including schoolwork and setting boundaries for myself.
How have the past 2 years with COVID regulations changed how you approach your sports?
Fleming: There was definitely a time during COVID when dance did not become as much a priority as it needed to be and/or as much as I would’ve liked. During the earlier part of the lockdown, I really took the time to recognize where I was as a dancer and student and where I was in my life.
What advice would you have for someone looking to do classical ballet?
Fleming: For those interested in classical ballet or any dance, I would highly recommend a musical background. For me, I play piano. Because of this, I am able to analyze music, read music, and understand how classical music and music theory works. I am now, due to my experience, able to incorporate this in my dancing. Musicality is one of the most important factors within dance, if not the most. Counting out music or understanding how your body moves, in general, is a great way to improve not only your dancing but your athleticism and your ability to comprehend information.
What would you like people to know about you personally or as a member of the cheer team?
Fleming: As a member of the cheer team, I think it’s important for others to know that I truly enjoy the sport. It is my first year doing cheerleading, and I couldn’t be happier. The sport itself is very challenging and requires a lot of mental stability and concentration.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Fleming: In my free time, I play classical piano. I have been playing piano since I was about five or six and I stopped taking lessons right before COVID. I found it easiest to work on new pieces by myself in order to remain consistent in my musical abilities and it is also something that calms me down when I’m feeling stressed or overworked. I am now working on multiple pieces. And I am currently trying to work on incorporating elements of jazz into my piano playing skills.
How would you describe your personality?
Fleming: I would describe myself as very caring, seeing that I’d like to help others and not only that but I would like others to be in the best possible place they can be regardless of their situation. I would also describe myself as a Christian seeing that it is something that does affect my daily life and what I believe in. I participated in ushering community service as well as junior missionary at my church and though it is currently restricted due to COVID, I would love to be able to attend church in person again. I love making other people smile and I do take time from my personal day to make others feel better. I think it’s important for people to do something as simple as saying hello.
What is your favorite snack?
Fleming: One of my favorite snacks of all time is peanut butter and apples. If I need to make myself something when I get home from school or dance and I need something light, I will make myself peanut butter and apples and relax.
What’s next for you?
Fleming: For me, the biggest goal is to work on my technique with dance, and become closer with my fellow peers. I want to put myself in the best position where I can succeed. Whether that is being hired by a professional company, getting into a top college or traveling to see the world, I would like to accomplish it.
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