We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hayden Rivas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hayden, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

As a dancer, choreographer, and multi-disciplinary artist who has been fortunate to train and work with some of the best in the industry, I have never seriously contemplated giving up my creative career for a regular 9-5 job. The arts are my greatest passion and I’m living my dream.

Ever since I got my first opportunity as a teenager to perform in productions like Disney’s Descendants 3, I’ve known being an artist is what I’m meant to do. I was born to create and express myself through dance and film. When I got to dive deeper into my training at USC’s prestigious dance program, it only affirmed my commitment to this path.

I’ve been mentored by choreographers like Kyle Abraham and performed works by dance icons like Jiří Kylián. I’ve had my films featured across North America and honored at major festivals. As I continue to push myself by working with companies like Blue13 Dance, I know I still have so much room to grow. I want to collaborate with new choreographers, make boundary-pushing films, and take my technical skills to the next level through diverse performing experiences.

Sure, it can be draining physically and financially to work as a professional artist. But the chance to learn, create, express my unique voice, and connect with audiences makes all the instability worthwhile. I live for opportunities to choreograph innovative works, move audiences through dance, and inspire other artists. I wouldn’t trade that for all the stability a regular job offers.

Besides, I’m committed to not just developing my own artistic talents but helping other artists thrive. By earning my Masters in Studies in Law with a focus in entertainment, I’m preparing myself to advocate for creators, promote inclusion in the industry, and be an agent for positive change. I want to blaze a trail for other artists like me.

Simply put – being an artist isn’t just my job, it’s my purpose. Life’s too short not to pursue my creative passions fully. After everything I’ve sacrificed and worked for, I could never imagine giving up this career to have a traditional job. As long as I get to dance, choreograph, and create each day, I’ll take all the ups and downs gladly. This is the artistic life I’ve dreamed of.

Hayden, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Hayden Rivas and I’m a passionate dancer, choreographer, and multidisciplinary artist. I’ve dedicated my life to honing my craft and creating inventive performing arts experiences that connect with audiences on a deeper level.

My love for dance started as a child growing up in South Surrey, BC. I was always filled with creativity and knew I wanted to pursue the arts professionally. As a teenager, I had the chance to perform in productions like Disney’s Descendants 3 and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. This passion led me to Los Angeles to pursue a BFA in Dance from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.

As a BFA student at the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, I was able to dive deep into honing my technical skills and creative voice. Under the mentorship of renowned faculty like Kyle Abraham, I sharpened my abilities across diverse dance styles from ballet and contemporary to hip-hop and African Dance.

I had the privilege to learn from and perform works by some of the legends of the dance world. This included pieces by acclaimed choreographers like Jiří Kylián, Dwight Rhoden, and Doug Varone. Being able to embody such iconic choreography was a dream come true and stretched me immensely as an artist.

In addition to performing, I developed my choreographic skills by creating original works for USC productions. I enjoyed the process of collaborating with my peers to bring my creative concepts to life through dance as well as in a musical theatre context. One highlight was serving as Associate Choreographer for USC’s production of Sondheim on Sondheim, directed by Richard Israel.

I also cherished opportunities to showcase my dance films created during my time at USC. My cinematic piece “the construct of one” was featured at prestigious school events and went on to earn accolades at several film festivals. That proud moment affirmed my passion for dance on camera.

Beyond dancing and choreography, I expanded my artistic versatility at USC. Under the tutelage of vocal expert Dr. Melissa Treinkman, I was able to strengthen my vocal training and technique.

The intensive performing arts education I gained at USC gave me the solid foundation I needed to propel my career as a professional dance artist and choreographer after graduation. My time there was invaluable in developing both my technical skills and creative vision. I’m grateful to have learned from such exceptional mentors who pushed me as an artist.

I’ve performed with professional companies like Blue13 Dance and worked with choreographers like Achinta S. McDaniel. I also just had the thrill of performing at the prestigious Joyce Theater in NYC with A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham. I’m constantly seeking diverse experiences that push my technical and creative boundaries as an artist.

As a choreographer, I create innovative works that resonate emotionally and tell impactful stories through movement. I bring my background in dance styles from ballet to hip hop to contemporary to develop something unique. My goal is to move audiences, inspire discussion, and showcase dance as a powerful art form.

I’m also dedicated to advocating for the performing arts community. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Studies in Law concurrently with my BFA, with a focus on entertainment and media, equipping me to represent artists’ interests. My aim is to promote inclusion, equity, and opportunity in the field I’m so passionate about.

When artists entrust me to choreograph or perform for their productions, they know they’re getting someone committed to the craft and pushing creative boundaries. Most importantly, they gain a collaborator who cares deeply about the power of dance to connect us all. That purpose fuels every artistic project I take on.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of everything I do as an artist is a desire to move people through dance and connect them more deeply to the human experience.

When I first started dancing, I was driven by the sheer joy of movement and artistic expression. But as I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve felt an increasing sense of purpose with the art I create. I now see dance as a powerful medium to tell impactful stories, spark emotional connections, and inspire audiences.

My mission is to craft dance films, choreographed works, and other creative projects that resonate at a profound level. I want my art to transcend entertainment and speak right to the core of what makes us human.

Part of this is exploring challenging themes like mental health, identity, and social issues through movement. I aim to start thought-provoking conversations and touch on universal experiences we all relate to.

Another aspect is honoring dance’s ability to cross cultural boundaries. I incorporate diverse movement styles in my work to reflect our shared humanity. Dance has a remarkable way of uniting us across differences.

Ultimately, I strive to change people’s perceptions of what dance can be and do. At its best, it’s an unparalleled art form that brings us together and gives voice to our collective hopes, struggles, and triumphs.

Everything I choreograph and perform is driven by my lifelong mission to create dance that resonates in people’s hearts and minds. If my art can move even one person emotionally or make them see dance in a new light, then I’ve succeeded in my purpose as an artist.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Of all the wonderful things I get to experience as a dancer and choreographer, the most rewarding is having my art truly connect with an audience. When I look out after a performance and see I’ve moved people emotionally or provoked new thoughts and perspectives, that’s everything.

Part of what drives me is getting to take the visions and stories in my head and bringing them to life through dance. The creative process itself is incredibly fulfilling. But dance is meant to be shared, so having my work resonate with others is profoundly magical.

I live for those conversations after a show when audience members are visibly impacted by my artistic expression. Hearing firsthand how my dance spoke to them or opened their eyes to a new viewpoint makes all my work and sacrifice worthwhile. It’s confirmation I’m achieving my mission.

Even small connections matter, like seeing people deeply connect with the work or talking excitedly about a certain part of the choreography on their way out. Or getting heartfelt messages on social media from people my dances have touched. Those moments are everything.

Beyond impacting individuals, it’s incredibly meaningful to bring people together through my art. Creating a shared experience through dance builds community and reminds us of our common humanity. Contributing to more empathy and unity in that way is so rewarding.

At the end of the day, I pour my heart and soul into my art to make that human connection. The technique, choreographic choices, and hours in the studio serve that higher purpose. Knowing my dance spoke right to someone’s soul is the ultimate achievement. For me, that will always be the most magical reward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.haydenrivas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydenrivas/

Image Credits
Lee Gumbs, Cathryn Farnsworth