“There’s no one like you and there’s no one that moves quite like you do, take pride in that!”
It all started when…
SOULDEGA: How did you get your start with Dance?
DAYZJAH: I was always interested in dance from a young age, whether it be performing for my family or being involved in musical theaters at my school. I started training officially in 7th grade after being introduced to my middle schools dance team by my bestfriend.
SOULDEGA: You are an alumni of The Alvin Ailey School of Dance. How would you describe the time you spent there? Also, how has it shaped you into the dancer you are today?
DAYZJAH: Dancing at The Alvin Ailey School for Dance was definitely a magical experience for me. It opened my eyes to the possibilities I had of a future as a professional dancer. I was surrounded by such dedicated talented artist, I felt so inspired daily!! The schedule was very intense and very demanding, but overall it helped me become the artist I am today. I know how to maneuver and carry myself in certain artistic situations because of my experiences at Ailey.
SOULDEGA: What makes your dance style unique?
DAYZJAH: I feel like my dance style is very flowy and light. It’s ballet like because of my body type, but it can easily be manipulated into modern and hip hop. I try to incorporate all my different dance techniques and trainings into one when moving. I like how versatile I can be, depending on the mood or the music.
SOULDEGA: You have been in several projects including Flamingo a short film by Souldega member @thevirginartiste. What do you like best about collaborating with other artists?
DAYZJAH: I love meeting new people through art! I’m naturally very to myself so creating is like the only way I can communicate and express sometimes. It’s beautiful when I can open up my gifts and talents to fit the needs of whoever I’m creating with in that moment. I love being able to let the energies flow and let the guards down so the creative goal can be met. I enjoy meeting new people this way, I feel a little less pressure.
SOULDEGA: Any advice you can share for up and coming dancers? .
DAYZJAH: Best advice I can give is to be confident in yourself and to believe in yourself at all times!! So important!! There have been too many times I didn’t go for things I wanted because of self doubt. You genuinely miss every shot that you don’t take so go for everything!! There’s no one like you and there’s no one that moves quite like you do, take pride in that!
SOULDEGA: In what unconventional ways would you like to take your craft in the future?
DAYZJAH: Ideally, I would like to incorporate more movement into modeling somehow. I just started getting into modeling recently and would love to find ways to merge the two. Whether that be through print/commercial work or runway/stage work, I’m not sure but its an idea!
