Trysten Tallada

Trysten Tallada - Louisiana
Nomination by Christina Landry
Photography by JD Spencer Photography
Issue 52 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​Nomination: Trysten Tallada is inspiring due to her determination to do everything to the best of her ability. Trysten Tallada remains on honor roll while being a Morgan City High School Fancy Dancer, as well as, an active member of Morgan City High School Ambassadors and Student Council. Outside of school, Trysten Tallada is a junior member of the local volunteer fire department and active in the church she has attended since birth.

Photography by JD Spencer Photography

​What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I feel the thing I am most comfortable speaking about is dance. This is my 11th year in studio dance and my 6th year on the school dance team.

How did you get started in dance and what do you love most about it now?
I was a very energetic child that felt the need to dance to any and all music. It didn’t matter if I was at home, in a store or elsewhere in public, if there was any music, I was dancing. My mom figured she would put me in dance classes to help burn off the energy and teach me a few moves. Here I am 11 years later and still dancing.

What dances do you study and which is your favorite? Why?
In studio dance, I have taken tap, jazz, ballet and hip-hop. As far as the school dance team, it is pom, kick, hip-hop and jazz. My favorite style of dance is hip-hop. I love the face pace of the moves and feel like it fits me better. Anyone that watches me dance regularly always says how I put so much emotion into hip-hop and how great it looks.

What was a favorite dance competition? Walk us through your day and why is it your favorite?
My school dance team has competed in local, state and national competition. Unfortunately, due to me breaking my pelvis while dancing, I was unable to dance at nationals in Disney World but I was able to attend and support them. We qualified for nationals this year but due to covid, we didn’t get the school board’s approval. For state competition, we travel and get a motel room the night prior to competition so we can practice. The day of competition, we go to the venue, fix our hair/makeup and wait for our turn to stretch and prepare to compete.

Photography by JD Spencer Photography

​What is a Fancy Dancer and what does it entail?
A Fancy Dancer is a member of the Morgan City High School Dance Team. Those interested must try-out as well as have good grades and be an overall good student. Try-outs are on multiple days where we must learn multiple dances and preform them for a score. Last year I was a Lieutenant and this year I am Co-Captain of the team. I am proud to be a MCHS Fancy Dancer where we perform at competitions, pep rallies, football and basketball games.

What do you think non-dancers don't realize about dancer life?
I don’t think people realize how much we have to practice. As a Fancy Dancer, we don’t just practice the last hour of our school day. We practice after school and even during holidays. If we don’t show up for practice, we have stiff consequences. For studio dance, we practice twice a week until the week prior to recital where we practice about 5 hours a night. No one really sees the bruises or pain we have to go through to get dances good enough to perform.

Tell us more about your experiences as a junior member of the local volunteer fire department. What got you interested in that and what is your role there?
I grew up with my mom in the volunteer fire department and I always found it interesting. This is my third year as a junior member where I can participate in various drills to prepare me for when I turn 18 and officially be a member. For now, I can assist on fire calls by assisting with changing air packs, giving water, and racking hoses. Once I am 18, I will be able to be more hands on and can actually train to fight fire and perform extrication.

Photography by JD Spencer Photography

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I enjoy helping others. I don't currently have a job due to the crazy schedule I have with dance, but I still volunteer to help at the local petting zoo.

What are your responsibilities at the petting zoo & what is a favorite memory of your time there?
I volunteer at the petting zoo when I am not in dance practice to help feed and give water to the animals. I tend to leave the dirty cleaning to the employees. I love when there are baby goats that I can love on. Watching them jump around and play is something everyone should experience. I always was obsessed with llamas, so one day, my mom who is the manager of the petting zoo, surprised me with a llama, that is a day I will never forget.

Why did you choose JD Spencer as your senior photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?.
I saw his work and loved it. After meeting with him for a consultation, we knew we had to hire him to do my pictures. I love that if we have an idea, my mom can text him what we are thinking, and he can make it happen. He is open to ideas, props, locations, etc. and we couldn’t ask for anyone better.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
As much as I would love to talk about dance, my peers wouldn't be too interested. I do have a big interest in solving crimes, which is why I plan on going to college for criminal justice. I do feel that subject is something peers can debate and join in the conversation

Photography by JD Spencer Photography

What do you find most interesting about solving crimes?
Solving crimes is like putting together a puzzle. It is to figure out what is important and what isn’t to prosecute the criminal. I’ve spoken with a detective and some of the stories he told me is fascinating. Sometimes it is the simplest thing that can convict someone, other times there is never enough evidence to solve the crime.

Do you watch crime shows or listen to podcasts? If so, which are your favorites?
I watch a lot of shows on ID channel. I also follow a few true crime/detective people on TikTok. I really don’t have a favorite, as long as they are giving details and the outcome, I am enjoying it.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Recovering from a broken pelvis. Not only was it hard physically to not be able to do for myself like I wanted or dance, it was hard mentally. I just had to push through and take my time to heal properly so I can get back to dancing.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Don’t give up. Keep pushing. People will try to bring you down but don’t let them.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Graduated college with a degree in criminal justice and have a position with a law enforcement agency.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love to be in the boat, tubing and swimming.

3 Things on your bucket list
Go to Alaska to see the Northern Lights.
Visit Greece.
Finish visiting all the states accessible by car.

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom. For most of my life she was a single mother working multiple jobs just to provide for me.

Look for Trysten in issue 52 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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