Luke Barrett's been a standout on the comp scene for years now, thanks to his crystal-clear technique and soulful improv skills. He's a two-time New York City Dance Alliance National Male Outstanding Dancer (Mini in 2016 and Junior in 2018), 2nd runner-up at The Dance Awards (2017), and Beat Squad member (2018). Luke hasn't let negative comments and bullying at school weaken his passion for dance: "Support from my family and my dance friends has made me stronger in pursuing what I love," he says.
"Work your hardest and persevere through the good and the bad. If something's bringing you down, just move past it."
Fast Facts
Age: 13
Birthday: March 23, 2006
Hometown: Mountain View, CA
Trains at: Dance Attack in Los Gatos, CA
Nickname: Scooby
Favorite dancers of all time: Travis Wall and Lex Ishimoto
Most-played music: "Anything by Billie Eilish"
Three words to describe his dancing: "Powerful, swift, graceful"
Something no one knows about him: "I'm really into architecture, because I love art and math. The designs of giant buildings are so interesting to me."
A version of this story appeared in the April 2019 issue of Dance Spirit with the title "You Should Know: Luke Barrett."