The upcoming season of “Survivor” will again feature a local Michigan woman among the new castaways.

Rachel LaMont, a 34-year-old graphic designer from Southfield, is set to compete in Season 47 of the hit CBS show, which premieres with a two-hour episode on Sept. 18.

LaMont, originally from Dexter, has been a fan of “Survivor” for the past seven years. She recalls being instantly captivated by the show the first time her husband turned it on.

“I had never seen ‘Survivor’ before, but as soon as we started watching it, I couldn’t stop. I thought, ‘How have I never seen this show?’ I was hooked,” she said.

For LaMont, the road to getting cast on “Survivor” was a long one. She applied for the show every year for the past seven years, but it wasn’t until recently that she came close to landing a spot. She was nearly part of last year’s cast, serving as an alternate during Season 46, but didn’t end up competing.

That was the season where another woman with Michigan roots — Kenzie Petty, originally from Gibraltar — competed and won, taking home the $1 million grand prize.

Downriver native wins ‘Survivor,’ $1 million prize

LaMont now has her chance at an ultimate test of physical and mental stamina as she joins a new group of castaways on the islands of Fiji. As with previous shows, the latest competitors must form a new society and adapt to their physical and social surroundings while contending with unexpected obstacles and navigating an ever-evolving social game. LaMont said she's ready for the challenge.

"It was always a dream of mine," LaMont said.

Her preparation for the grueling game ahead was intense. LaMont frequented the gym five days a week, focusing on strength training and increasing her muscle mass.

"I knew I had to be physically prepared. The game is mentally and physically brutal, and I wanted to go in knowing I was in the best shape possible," she said.

As LaMont geared up for her "Survivor" journey, she focused on building a strong alliance of trustworthy players, a key component in the game's complex social dynamics. LaMont’s strategic mindset for the game gave her confidence in her ability to play a smart and balanced game. She likens her gameplay approach to the "Goldilocks complex.”

“I think about this Goldilocks complex. You have to be not too smart but not unstrategic, not too physical but not too weak. You have to be just in that middle spot — that is key to winning,” she said.

LaMont’s favorite season of "Survivor" is David vs. Goliath, which she cites as having some of the most memorable gameplay in recent years. "That season had such incredible strategy, and it was inspiring to watch people from all different backgrounds come together and compete," she said.

She said one of the biggest challenges of participating in "Survivor" is the "digital detox" that comes with being cut off from the outside world.

"They took our phones away even before we got to the island, and adjusting was hard," she said. "But being disconnected really forces you to be more present in the game. That’s something I’m hoping to take back with me into my daily life — being more in the moment and less attached to technology."

LaMont’s experience in design also influenced her approach to "Survivor." As a user interface designer, she focuses on creating seamless, intuitive digital experiences that people don’t even notice.

"When you use an app, you don’t think about every button you press. That’s how I want to play 'Survivor.' I want to integrate myself into the game so that people won’t notice me until it’s too late," she said.

While LaMont is driven by her competitive spirit, she’s also excited about the opportunity to challenge herself, both mentally and physically. "I love people, I love games, and I love pushing myself to new limits. And let’s be honest, I love money," she said, laughing.

LaMont said she was pretty unfamiliar with the outdoors prior to the show.

"I’ve never been a big camper, but after 'Survivor' wrapped, I went glamping with some friends, and it gave me a new appreciation for being outdoors," she said.

After filming wrapped, one of the first things LaMont did upon returning home was indulge in a spicy chicken sandwich — a craving she had throughout her time on the island.

"You hear past contestants talk about food all the time, and now I understand why. When you're out there surviving, all you can think about is that first meal when you get home," she said.

To see how LaMont fares, tune in to CBS, starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 for the two-hour premiere of "Survivor."

It was a summer to talk about for Nylah Taylor, a 15-year-old dance prodigy from Southfield, who secured a coveted scholarship to attend the Ailey Experience NYC workshop. This prestigious program, hosted in early August by the Ailey Extension in New York City, is a dream come true for the talented teen who has been dancing since she was 3.

Taylor, a sophomore at Cass Technical High School, joined 19 other scholarship recipients from around the world in the weeklong dance intensive. From Aug. 5-9, Taylor, the daughter of Regina and Norman Taylor, trained in various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary, all under the guidance of some of the most esteemed dance professionals in the industry. The program culminated in a showcase at the Ailey Citigroup Theater, where Taylor and her peers performed the choreography they had spent the week mastering.

The five-day experience was hard work, but worth it, Taylor said.

“We took classes all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., learning everything from ballet to West African dance. … I gained so much knowledge, not just about technique, but how to connect my body movements and convey emotion through dance,” she said. “I came away with having a different approach to dance, living through it and showing how much you love it through emotion in your dance.”

The scholarship, which covers the entire workshop enrollment fee, was awarded to Taylor after she impressed instructors during the Ailey Experience Detroit, a two-day program held at Wayne State University. The Ailey Experience tour coincided with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s United States Tour, which visits approximately 20 cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Washington DC, and more each spring.

Jennifer Hawkins, the artistic director of The Zone Dance Center in Southfield where Taylor trains, said she wasn’t surprised by her student’s achievement.

“Nylah is a multi-dimensional dancer who is well-versed in all dance methods. When she’s on stage, she has this special spark. She’s always the first one in class and the last to leave, constantly striving to improve,” Hawkins said. “Nylah comes from a very supportive family. They support her and they support the school. I think that is where her strength comes from.”

Levi Marsman, one of the Detroit workshop’s instructors and a former Ailey II company member, noted Taylor’s dedication.

“One of the things I noticed right away about Nylah is her eagerness to showcase herself and commit to giving 100 percent — all while having fun. She was always listening, making the most of those hours in class,” he said.

Taylor’s passion for dance is palpable and she said she’s determined to continue pursuing it as a profession.

“This experience is such an eye-opener,” she said. “I’m going to come away with a different approach to dance, really living through it and showing how much I love it through emotion.”

She said she aspires to dance in college and, perhaps, one day, join the ranks of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Her final performance in New York featured both hip-hop and contemporary styles, showcasing the breadth of her training.

Taylor said the experience in New York yielded more than honing her craft in dance; she is excited about the dance itself and the connections she’s made with other dancers from around the world.

“Dancing with people from areas you don’t know, you learn so much and make such great connections. Everyone should have a chance to experience this, not just dancers, but everyone,” she said.