We recently connected with Channing Sparks and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Channing thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my children’s book, “First Runner-Up: A Story of Representation and Perseverance”. The book is deeply personal and inspired by my own journey growing up as a young dancer in a predominantly Caucasian community.

As a child, I often found myself feeling like I didn’t fully belong, both on and off the stage. Whether it was in casting decisions, costume selections, or simply the lack of diverse role models in dance, I quickly became aware of how underrepresented I was. These experiences sparked a drive in me to overcome those barriers and to inspire others facing similar challenges.

“First Runner-Up” tells the story of a young dancer navigating these same struggles, ultimately learning to embrace her uniqueness and finding strength in her perseverance. Developing the book was both an emotional and empowering experience—it allowed me to reflect on how far I’ve come while creating something meaningful for the next generation of dancers.

It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how the story resonates with readers, especially young people who feel unseen or underrepresented in their own communities. Knowing that this book could help them feel validated and inspired makes it one of the most impactful projects 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?

A Chicago native, I grew up in Elgin, IL, and graduated from Burlington Central High School. My passion for the arts began early, as I spent ages 8–14 performing with the Children’s Theatre of Elgin and the Fox Valley Theatre Company. I later transitioned to competitive dance, training at Elite Academy of Dance in South Elgin, IL, where I traveled across the Midwest for regional and national competitions.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Mass Media with a concentration in Media Management, Promotions, and Sales, along with a minor in Dance Performance, from Illinois State University in 2021. In Fall 2022, I began pursuing a master’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where I was awarded the prestigious Annenberg Dean Scholarship. During my time at USC, I served as a Graduate Research Associate for the Annenberg Center for Public Relations and interned with AM PR Group, a boutique agency specializing in entertainment, music, lifestyle, sports, and social impact. Notably, I contributed to events such as the 2023 Beyoncé Renaissance Premiere.

I also interned with Reach Agency, an award-winning creative agency specializing in influencer marketing for Fortune 500 brands. Following my internship, I transitioned into a full-time role as an Influencer Marketing Coordinator with the agency.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I continue training at premier dance studios in Los Angeles, with aspirations of securing representation at a top talent agency. I am equally passionate about advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices within creative industries. My first major step toward these efforts has been the publication of my children’s book, “First Runner-Up”.

Looking ahead, my goal is to establish a premiere dance studio in Los Angeles, where DEI practices are at the forefront of the company’s culture.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Grammy U, is an organization that provides opportunities for emerging music industry professionals and creatives through events, networking opportunities, and more.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was dealing with Imposter Syndrome and building confidence in myself, both in dance and in the entertainment media industry. For a long time, I struggled with feeling like I didn’t fully belong in these competitive spaces. I would often question whether I was truly capable, even when I had earned the opportunity.

Moving to Los Angeles only amplified these feelings at first. Being surrounded by so much talent was inspiring, but it also made me doubt my own abilities. Over time, I realized that this mindset was holding me back.

I had to unlearn the idea that confidence comes from external validation or approval. Instead, I focused on celebrating my own growth, trusting my skills, and remembering why I started. Whether I’m dancing or creating, I’ve learned that believing in myself is key to moving forward. This shift in mindset has made me more confident and driven to go after what I want without hesitation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.channingsparks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channingsparks/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/channingsparks/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChanningSparks
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/channingsparks/tracks
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/channingsparksdance/

Image Credits

Ron McKinney Photography
Zhenyi Zhou
Willow Stolarz