We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Olson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Absolutely, I’m extremely happy as a creative. I actually earned a business administration and marketing degree online through Indiana University, but I’ve never used it in my career — and that’s perfectly fine with me. I love that I can pay my bills doing what I’m passionate about: dancing and creating.
I don’t really think about what it would be like to have a normal job– in fact the idea of a 9 to 5 feels like my worst nightmare. Being a creative isn’t always easy, and so often people ask, “What’s your plan B if this doesn’t work out?” But I truly believe it does work out if you trust your craft and commit to it. My focus is on honing my skills, performing at my best, and continuing to grow and that’s where my fulfillment comes from.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Victoria Olson, and I’m a professional dancer and performer based in Los Angeles. I started dancing at three, began competing at eleven, and moved from Indiana to LA after high school to pursue a professional dance career.
Since then, I’ve worked with artists and brands including Mariah Carey, Selena Gomez, Thalía, Ryan Castro, Rich the Kid, Sasha Colby, Sephora, Panasonic, Amazon Music, and Netflix. I also perform with Samba2Love, a professional samba entertainment company. My work spans commercial projects, live performances, and stage productions, and my strongest asset is bringing acting and performance into my dancing to create moments that connect with audiences.
One of my proudest moments was performing with Mariah Carey, the highest-streamed event on Netflix during the Christmas Day football game with Beyonce. However, every project I take on is something I’ve worked hard for and am proud of. I strive to deliver high-quality, authentic performances while continuously growing as an artist, and I want people to know that dedication, versatility, and passion are at the heart of everything I do.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that my work can inspire others, especially young dancers in small towns who may feel limited by their surroundings. I love that my journey can encourage them to take risks, chase their dreams, and do something scary — because it’s possible to break out of those constraints. I also feel deeply rewarded by the support of friends who have watched me push for this since I was a kid and encouraged me to succeed. Ultimately, it’s incredibly fulfilling to feel accomplished for myself and for my inner child, who wanted this so badly.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson I had to unlearn was self-doubt that came from the environment I grew up in. Around me, there was a strong message that the only path to success was to graduate high school, go to college, settle down, and stay in the same town for life. Pursuing a career in dance and the arts felt completely different from that expectation, and I questioned whether it was even possible.
I quickly realized that my path didn’t have to follow that narrow definition of success. Trusting my talent, taking risks, and believing in myself allowed me to carve out a career I’m proud of, and it taught me that defining your own path is not only possible but necessary for growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: victoriaolsonvictoria
