We were lucky to catch up with Christina Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christina, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I feel truly blessed to have earned a full time living as a dancer and choreographer. My journey began in Philadelphia, where I packed my car and traveled to Los Angeles with little more than determination and no money. I spent my days attending open call auditions, tirelessly seeking opportunities even without a place to stay or food to eat. My goal was to get signed by a specific agency, Bloc LA, and when I learned they were holding auditions, I made sure to be there.
Getting signed was just the beginning. Once I joined the agency, I had to work even harder to secure jobs. By a stroke of luck, I stumbled into a closed audition and ended up booking my first gig with Meghan Trainor! The choreographer at the time, Fatima Robinson, encountered me for the first time and was intrigued by my talent. After the audition, I received a call from Bloc, letting me know that Fatima had remarked she hadn’t seen talent like mine in years! she wanted me to clear my schedule!
That led to a Skechers commercial and ultimately a tour, marking the beginning of my exciting path in Los Angeles.”
There have been countless ups and downs on my journey to get where I am now, but I truly believe that every obstacle and bump in the road is essential for growth. Each challenge makes you stronger. Even with the knowledge I have now, I don’t think I could have sped up my success in this constantly evolving industry. Your path is uniquely yours; whether you walk or run, you still have to navigate every step to reach the finish line.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Christina Davis, and I grew up in West Philadelphia. The challenges I face navigating foster care, losing friends to gun violence, and surviving Philadelphia ignited my passion for dance.
It became my sanctuary, a place where I found peace. As a child, I would freestyle and dance at block parties and cookouts, eagerly taking on anyone who wanted to battle. My family and friends always cheered me on, showing unwavering support every chance they got. Their love for my dancing was one consistent source of encouragement in my life.
In middle school, a teacher named Ms. Thompson played a pivotal role in my journey. After witnessing my performance at a talent show, she believed in me so profoundly that she sponsored several dance classes at Koresh Dance Company in Philadelphia and assisted me in securing a temporary scholarship. This invaluable opportunity opened my eyes to new styles of dance I had previously been unaware of, revealing a vibrant spectrum of movement. Though my time at Koresh was brief, the experience was a true eye opener, showing me that there is so much more out there in the world of dance.
When I got to college, I discovered a competition called BET Lens on Talent. It was an incredible opportunity, and I knew I had to participate. Dancers from all over the country were entering, and the stakes were high: a chance to win $10,000. With determination, I uploaded a freestyle video showcasing my unique style and passion for dance.
To my astonishment, I won! That moment marked a significant turning point in my life. I used the prize money to buy a car, which became my vehicle not just for transportation, but for chasing my dreams. I drove to California, leaving behind my past challenges and embracing the new adventures that awaited me as a dancer.
In California, I fully immersed myself in the dance scene, continually learning and evolving. I participated in numerous auditions, pushing my limits and developing my craft. The journey was far from easy; I faced setbacks, rejections, and moments of doubt. There were times I found myself sleeping in my car, struggling without food, and taking on odd jobs like cleaning and babysitting to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, my unwavering passion for dance and the resilience I cultivated during my upbringing kept me moving forward, driving me to pursue my dreams with determination.
I have been fortunate to perform with artists such as Cardi B, Beyoncé, Drake, Selena Gomez, and many more. My journey has taken me through commercials, live television appearances, and tours. I’ve navigated some of the toughest times while remaining consistent with my passion, never giving up on my dreams. The only distinguishing factor that separates me from others in this industry is my relentless drive and the unique story that fuels my art. It’s my background, my experiences, and the hurdles I’ve overcome that shape my performances and connect me with audiences on a deeper level.
Today, I strive to inspire others who face challenges similar to mine, showing that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to pursue your dreams. Dance is not just my art; it’s my story, my healing, and my way of connecting with the world.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is driven by a desire to give back to the people I love and to my city. There are countless talented children and creatives who never get the chance to leave their neighborhoods or experience opportunities that can transform their lives. I aspire to create scholarships and establish a dance school that brings individuals to California, allowing them to learn from top choreographers, get hired for dance jobs, and truly open doors for their talents.
I have been blessed, but I remember being that little girl in Philadelphia, growing up in a home where money was tight and my parents were absent; my mother struggled with substance abuse while all I knew was survival. The extra activities I dreamed of were often out of reach unless they were free or provided by the city, and my aunt and uncle who adopted me, along with my sister and brother, did their best to support us.
In other words, I understand what it’s like to lack opportunities and to yearn for more. I want to create pathways for others, ensuring that talent is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated, so they can pursue their dreams as I have.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the freedom to live authentically. It’s about pouring your heart into what you love, expressing yourself without constraints, and connecting with others through your art. This freedom not only fuels my passion but also allows me to inspire and uplift those around me, making each moment fulfilling and meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: christinakimdavis_
- Youtube: christinakimdavis136