We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dana Lyn Baron a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
So, when I was 16, I snagged a part in my first professional musical, “42nd Street,” over at the San Diego Civic Light Opera. Got my first paycheck, and I was like, “Wait, seriously? I’m getting paid for doing this?” Money wasn’t the main thing – I was just doing what I loved.
It didn’t really hit me how big a deal it was until one of my tap teachers yelled out, “Hey, you’re a pro now!” That’s when it really sank in.
Dana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a character leading lady. And my journey into acting is deeply rooted in my early experiences as a dancer. From the beginning, dance wasn’t just about movement for me; it became a language, a powerful form of expression. I dedicated myself to honing my skills and found genuine joy in every step.
As I delved into the art of dance, I began recognizing its inherent storytelling aspect – it wasn’t solely about the technical steps but about conveying emotions and narratives, creating a profound connection with the audience.
This realization sparked a desire to explore acting, pushing me to extend my capacity to communicate and express beyond the confines of the dance floor. Transitioning from a dancer to an actor felt like a natural (albeit, not easy!) evolution. A beautifully logical progression in my artistic journey.
The discipline, dedication, and creativity I cultivated through years of dance became the bedrock for my venture into acting. Each pirouette and every choreographed routine instilled in me a deep understanding of the transformative power of performance, capturing hearts, and narrating compelling stories.
In the realm of acting, I discovered a new canvas to paint stories with emotions and a stage to bring characters to life. My dance background significantly influences my approach, providing a unique perspective that blends movement and emotion for a more holistic and dynamic artistic expression. This journey continues to unfold as I approach roles in TV and film, with each dance step informing my acting choices and each acting role enriching my appreciation for the art of storytelling.
I’m most proud of my persistence, my curiosity, and my faith that this is the path I was meant to be on.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
First and foremost, it’s the collaboration with other creatives. Working with, connecting with, and being alongside people who share a passion for storytelling in various forms is heaven to me. Whether it’s in a room, on a stage, or on a set, the energy of live collaboration with fellow human beings is unparalleled.
What the pandemic taught us is that even in the virtual space, collaboration and creation are still possible. While nothing beats the magic of being physically present, the ability to connect and create virtually has broadened our horizons.
Ultimately, true connection holds immense importance for me, both in my personal life and within my creative endeavors. It’s the heartbeat of my work, fostering genuine connections with others who share the love for storytelling.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to harness my heart, mind, and soul in creating characters and weaving wonderful stories. Through this, I aim to deeply impact my audience. If I can make just one person’s day a little brighter, bring laughter, or evoke tears (sometimes we just need to let it out), I consider that a success.
Beyond the emotions, I hope to prompt contemplation about our fellow humans, fostering a collective reflection on our shared humanity. It’s about emphasizing what makes us more alike than different. In the end, my creative journey is driven by the belief that storytelling can be a powerful force for connection and understanding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danalynbaron.com
- Instagram: @danalynbaron
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/danalynbaroninc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DanaLynBaron/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DanaLynBaron
- Other: www.dlbvoices.com www.IMDb.me/DanaLynBaron
Image Credits
Cameron Radice Steve Granitz