LSU grad dances her way to S.L.C.

Name: Rachel Svetlecic
Age: 25
Here: LSU student; manager, BCBGMaxazria
There: Orthodontist’s assistant; dance instructor, Salt Lake City, Utah

What year did you leave Baton Rouge, and why?
I left in 2011. Hate to admit it, but I moved to Dallas for a boy. Not a wasted experience, though. There were tons of LSU alumni there, and I gained more experience in the fashion industry working for Forever21. I created visuals for them. I also met a ton of great people.

What do you miss most about B.R.?
I miss the LSU games! I really miss the food, and some old friends. Being an hour away from New Orleans was a bonus, too.

What don’t you miss?
Man, I really don’t miss the violence and crime, or just the feeling of having to watch your back all the time. I never have to feel that way here—although it is still a habit.

You are trying out for the Utah Jazz dance team. Tell me about that process.
It is rigorous! I have been preparing for a month now, and I have seen a complete transformation in my body and my dance ability. There is so much talent out here in Utah, though, so even to be trying out among these girls is an honor. A word of advice for any girls wanting to try out for dance teams: Start tumbling now. Learn every kind of handspring, back flip and aerial that you can. I never had tumbling training, and it’s starting to be a thing judges are looking for now.

Why is it important to you to make the team?
Because I love performing, and I love to dance. I would love to coach a dance team just like that one day, so I hope I get the opportunity to perform with one first.

What is something specific that your current city has that you love that Baton Rouge lacks?
A few things. One is the beautiful mountains and nature I’m surrounded by. You can literally go on a hike any time, with anyone, and the air is so crisp. My church is really strong here. I’m LDS (Church of Latter Day Saints), and although Baton Rouge has a strong community and even an LDS temple, the amount of LDS young professionals is much higher here. It’s nice because we’re kind of all in the same stage of life.

When was the last time you visited Baton Rouge?
For the last home game of the football season, when we pulled a magic trick and beat Arkansas at the last minute!

What is essential for you to do when you come back to visit Baton Rouge?
Seeing all my friends [and] going to Voodoo BBQ, Sammy’s, The Chimes, Walk-On’s and Ambrosia Bakery.