We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexis Moran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexis below.

Alexis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve been a dancer since I was 2 years old, growing up as a studio competition kid immersed in the art form. I had the privilege of learning from some of the most iconic choreographers—Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Cris Judd, and many others—and was constantly surrounded by incredibly talented teachers and mentors. Their creativity and passion left a lasting impression on me, and I spent years soaking up their teaching styles and choreography.

By the time I was in high school, I started choreographing for my dance team’s hip-hop competition routines. That’s when I discovered something magical: not only did I love the creative process, but other dancers responded enthusiastically to my vision and choreography. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to realize that I had something special to offer.

After high school and during college, I knew I wanted to take my passion further. I started teaching dance and have since had the honor of working with various studios in San Antonio, Houston, and now Denver. Over the years, I’ve choreographed high school hip-hop competition routines and mentored dancers, helping them perfect their competition solos.

Choreography feels so natural to me—it’s like second nature. I realized that pursuing this professionally wasn’t just about sharing my passion but also about creating meaningful connections with other dancers. Turning this love into a career has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life.

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’m a corporate communications professional by day and a passionate dancer and choreographer by night. My journey in dance began when my mom enrolled me in classes at just two years old, and it’s been my sport and creative outlet ever since. Over the years, I’ve been classically trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, contemporary, and pointe. After more than 20 years of dance experience, I made the leap to share my love for dance professionally. While I’ve taught at various studios across several states, I’m most proud of the community I’ve built at my home studio in Denver, Collabratory Complex.

As a Beginning Jazz Funk instructor (come to my class on Tuesdays at 6 PM!), I’m dedicated to creating a space where dancers of all levels feel welcomed, encouraged, and confident. In my class, confidence is key. I believe dance is one of the most powerful art forms for self-expression, and it helps people connect with themselves in a deeply authentic way. My goal is to be a positive force for my students, helping them feel comfortable in their own skin and proud of what they achieve in class.

I encourage my students to take what they learn—from grooves to mindset—and apply it wherever life takes them, whether it’s on a dance floor, at another class, or simply dancing for fun at home. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch transformations happen in just 60 minutes. Dancers often enter class hesitant or self-conscious, but by the end, they leave with their heads held high, ready to own their moves. For newer dancers, learning even a few steps can be a game-changer, and for my regulars, I see growth every week as they evolve into more confident, expressive performers.

What sets me apart is the inclusive, supportive environment I foster. Not all dance classes are fun, welcoming, or accepting of beginners, but I make it a priority to ensure every student feels like they belong. I stress that no question is a dumb question, and I want my dancers to know I’m there to help them succeed. Whether it’s their first class or their fiftieth, I aim to make every hour feel like they’re part of something special.

Ultimately, my mission is simple: to help people feel empowered, confident, and free to express themselves—on and off the dance floor.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My Instagram is definitely my main platform and the heart of my social media presence. For me, it’s pretty simple—I share what I’m passionate about and let the rest of the world decide if they connect with it.

I’m an emcee, dancer, hiker, adventurer, gym enthusiast, and a family-oriented person, and my posts reflect all of those parts of who I am. I use Instagram to showcase the things I love, and I’ve found that my passion inspires others to try new things or embrace their own hobbies. It’s amazing to see how sharing what excites you can resonate with people in such a meaningful way.

What has really helped me build a genuine connection with my audience is being open and vulnerable. Social media is often a highlight reel, showing only the perfect moments, but I’ve made it a point to share my real experiences—both the highs and the struggles. At 26, I’ve been through a lot of growth and challenges, and I believe that honesty makes me relatable. People connect with those real, unfiltered moments because they realize they’re not alone in their everyday journeys.

My advice for anyone starting to build a presence is simple: focus on being passionate and authentic. Share what you genuinely care about, don’t be afraid to let people see the real you, and trust that your story will resonate with the right audience. Ultimately, your authenticity is what draws people in and keeps them engaged. That’s been the key to my growth on social media.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives may struggle to understand about the creative journey is just how personal and vulnerable it can be. For many of us, our work isn’t just a product or a performance—it’s a reflection of who we are. Every idea, every project, every piece of choreography, or every word we share carries a piece of our soul. So, when we put our work out into the world, we’re not just seeking validation for the work itself but also, in a way, for the parts of ourselves that are embedded in it.

Another thing is the ebb and flow of creativity. Non-creatives might expect that inspiration comes on demand, but that’s not how it works. Some days, the ideas flow effortlessly, and on others, it feels like pulling teeth. That’s why perseverance is such an essential part of being a creative—it’s about showing up even when the spark isn’t there, trusting that it will return.

Finally, I think there’s a misconception that creative work isn’t ‘real work’ because it’s often tied to passion. But creativity requires an incredible amount of discipline, practice, and resilience. Behind every polished final product is a process filled with trial, error, self-doubt, and hours of effort.

For anyone trying to understand a creative’s journey, I would tell them to appreciate the courage it takes to share something deeply personal, recognize the dedication behind the scenes, and don’t underestimate the impact of even a small gesture of support—it means the world to us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @the.alexisvictoria | https://www.instagram.com/the.alexisvictoria/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisvmoran/

Image Credits

@lair.media
@jasminelairsmith