We recently connected with Harry “fullout” Weston and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Harry “Fullout”, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
In college, I was blessed with scholarships, paid internships and opportunities for professional teaching and performance through Versa-Style Street Dance Company. After college, I expanded on these opportunities to continue getting myself paid enough to make a living as an emerging artist in my mid-20s. Everything changed when I was hired by The Flourish Foundation as a Site Coordinator for their teaching program, managing dance teachers at various school sites throughout Los Angeles. However, the organization operated in partnership with Versa-Style, so I was able to continue teaching and performing. Although this situation was unique, it continues today in the same format, where the bulk of my time is spent as an administrator (now as a Director of Fundraising for Versa-Style), but I still teach and perform to generate additional income. And that is what I would say to emerging artists:
1. Be open to finding revenue streams in teaching and performing
2. Hone your administrative skills, because arts organizations need competent artists who can write emails, manage projects, etc.
3. Be a part of something that already exists and has a strong foundation/environment, as opposed to trying to create something new on your own
These lessons are what have allowed me to have a career in the arts that in meaningful, sustainable and joyful. It wouldn’t have happened without the blessings of Versa-Style, many mentors who have looked out for me, and my own hard work, responsibility and professionalism along the way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I grew up in Santa Cruz, California in the 1990s, surrounded by West African dance and drumming, my first artistic inspirations. In 2008, I moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in World Arts and Cultures with a concentration in Dance, as well as a Minor in Civic Engagement. While at UCLA, I was invited to dance professionally with the internationally renowned Hip Hop and Street Dance company, Versa-Style, inherited and directed an after school Hip Hop dance program at Abraham Lincoln High School in East LA and served as Head Counselor for the UCLA Summer Intensive from 2009-2013.
Upon graduating, I have continued my work as a professional artist, touring with Versa-Style and taking on administrative responsibilities for the organization which have evolved into an executive leadership position as Artistic Director of Fundraising and Development. I also served as the Director of what is now the UCLA Hip Hop/Street Dance Summer Institute from 2022-2024, and along the way developed a Breaking curriculum for the award-winning after school dance program Everybody Dance! from 2013-2019. In 2022, I served as a cultural envoy for the U.S. State Department’s “Next Level” program in Ghana, teaching Hip Hop and Street Dance, and I continue to participate in the global Street Dance community, battling at numerous competitions around the world in styles such as Hip Hop, House and Open Styles. I am humbled and grateful for the experiences and opportunities Hip Hop and Street Dance culture have provided me, and pay respect and homage to all the dancers and culture creators from the communities of color who created the dance and music I love so much.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal as a young 18 year old, emerging entrepreneur dedicated to using Hip Hop and Street Dance culture to uplift the next generation was to open my own youth center somewhere in Los Angeles. I was dedicated to learning about programming, fundraising, working with youth, and of course growing my craft as an artist. Along the way, I met Versa-Style Street Dance Company, a 501c3 non-profit using Hip Hop and Street Dance culture to uplift the next generation through performance, education and community events. I quickly realized I could achieve my dreams by working with an organization that already existed, had a strong foundation, aligned with my goals, and had created a culture of honestly, openness, gratitude and humility that I fell in love with.
The goal/mission is still to open a youth center. While it may not be “my own,” I’ve learned that there is so much more power in doing something in partnership/community. No one can do it alone. Versa-Style has grown immensely in the 15 years I have been here, and after years of strengthening the company/organization, our next goal is to indeed open a Versa-Style youth center. It hasn’t looked the way I thought it would, but I am right on track to achieving my original dream/goal, and I am so grateful for the journey I am on.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being an artist/creative is the joy it brings to my life. I look at my friends who are not able to find an outlet for creativity in their work and/or personal life, and I see the toll it takes on their well being. I see the toll it takes on ME when I’m not as creative. And I believe EVERYONE deserves/needs an artistic outlet. It brings community, self expression and self exploration, and I think without these aspects of life, we as humans can get wrapped up in our daily struggles. The arts are what makes us human, and allow us to truly enjoy this experience we call life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.versastyledance.org
- Instagram: @fullout89
Image Credits
George Simian
Jaimar Viray
Bobby Gordon