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

Layla, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My learning journey in dance has been unexpected yet rewarding. I started taking classes at the age of three and have consistently trained since then. The most significant growth occurred between the ages of 10 and 16, when I dedicated multiple days each week to various dance styles in a highly competitive environment. This atmosphere pushed me to excel, but I often let my shyness prevent me from seizing opportunities due to fear of how I would be perceived by others.

Looking back, I realize that embracing discomfort would have accelerated my learning. I’ve come to understand that true growth often happens outside of one’s comfort zone. While I continue to learn today, I’m grateful for the time taken to develop my skills; rushing through my early years might have diminished my passion for dance.

Throughout my journey, I have cultivated essential skills that define my identity as a dancer. From an early age, I prioritized professionalism—being punctual, respectful to my instructors, practicing at home, and coming to class prepared. These habits distinguish me in my field.

During my late teens, particularly at ages 17 and 18, I learned valuable lessons about what it means to be a professional dancer and the work required to achieve success. I also came to appreciate the importance of networking. Initially, I hesitated to connect with others in the industry, fearing there might not be room for me in established circles. However, I realized that reaching out and asking questions is vital for growth.

Recently, I embarked on a tour that marked a new chapter in my life. The successes I experienced were rooted in the principles I learned earlier. I had meaningful conversations with professionals at advanced stages in their careers, gaining insights that will aid my future. By letting go of self-doubt and learning from past mistakes, I left the experience enriched with not just résumé credentials, but also life skills and a clearer vision for building a successful career in dance.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, my name is Layla Robinson, and I’m a 19-year-old professional dancer with a passion for entrepreneurship. I’ve dedicated my life to dance and am now exploring the trials and tribulations of being my own boss.

From a young age, I was drawn to dance, and I’ve always dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. I began my dance training at the age of 3 and have never stopped. As I grew older, I realized that dance was more than just a hobby; it was a career that I wanted to pursue with hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I’ve been fortunate enough to train extensively in various dance styles and perform on stage. However, I also understand that being a creative doesn’t come with financial certainty, especially in the early years of one’s career.

At 15, I decided to start my own business, “Gettin Shady.” The purpose of the business was to sell swimwear and sunglasses for girls my age who wanted to look cute yet classy. I’ve always loved expressing myself through sunglasses and had trouble finding swimwear that I felt comfortable in while still being stylish. I also offer seasonal accessories and clothing, including hats for winter, summer items, and athletic wear. With my mom’s help, I learned how to build a website and create a brand identity. Unfortunately, I didn’t fully commit to promoting my business because I was nervous about what others would think and whether I would have support. This led to fluctuations in sales and, eventually, neglect of the business. However, I’ve recently refocused on my venture, learning from my mistakes and working to reestablish my mission and brand.

I have started delving deeper into the athletic wear aspect of my business, as I am the perfect person to sell it. Since I’m always in athletic wear due to my dancing and workouts, I have made it my focus to sell clothing that is ethical and sustainable. I have begun researching how to make that a reality.

While navigating the ups and downs of owning a business, my career as a dancer has really started to pick up. I have transitioned from being strictly a student who trains all day to a valued performer who gets paid to entertain. Recently, I had my biggest dance endeavor yet — going on tour with Mariah Carey for her 2024 Christmas tour. Since then, I’ve had numerous opportunities to audition for bigger projects. While I’m not yet at the point of having back-to-back dance jobs, I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made and the opportunities that lie ahead.

In addition to dancing and running my business, I teach dance at an elementary school, sharing my passion with younger minds and inspiring them to develop a love for the craft. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful to positively impact the next generation. I knew I needed to develop a stable income, but I didn’t want to do so through a typical 9-5 job since my previous experience left me with a sour taste in my mouth. I am fortunate to have a mentor who owns a program called Sound Steps Rhythm and Dance that she puts in schools to teach dance and other musical talents. She hired me as one of the main dance teachers at one of the schools in her program.

I also have other interests outside of dance; I am fascinated by the study of human movement and have considered becoming an athletic trainer. Being a dancer has taught me so much about the body and the importance of taking care of it. After high school, I began my studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as a Kinesiology major, where I delved deeply into my studies. Unfortunately, I had to cut my studies short because I went on tour. I remain interested in kinesiology but want to fully embrace my passion for dance at this time, as my career is truly beginning to change.

As a dancer, aspiring entrepreneur, and teacher, I want to be a source of light for those who follow me. I want my dancing to evoke emotions and touch hearts on a deeper level. For my customers and clients, I want you to know that I live my brand and have invested time and energy into creating a service that caters to your needs. I’m committed to being responsible and exploring multiple streams of income to ensure that I can continue pursuing my passions.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to share my inner feelings and ideas through dance. Movement is a powerful language that transcends words; it can influence and connect with others in ways that are truly profound. I have the privilege of expressing my passion while being rewarded for it, and that is incredibly fulfilling.

Each night, I go to sleep soundly, knowing that I will wake up to pursue what I feel called to do. While I recognize that the ability to dance professionally isn’t guaranteed forever—injuries are a reality we all face, and age will inevitably change my body—the uncertainty makes this moment all the more special. I am living in my prime years, and sharing this journey with others is a beautiful experience.

Knowing that I may inspire or touch someone with a simple dance move keeps me motivated in my career. Additionally, dance allows me to release the stresses of life, providing a sense of relief that is invaluable. Sometimes, the simplest routines or performances bring me the most peace and joy.

Ultimately, being an artist means I get to live authentically. I believe that everyone should take the time to explore their creative side. The connections formed through the vulnerability we experience as artists are profound, and there is a sense of fulfillment that comes from these connections.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had been more aware of the many free resources available. Connecting with others is free; you can reach out to individuals in your field through social media or in person when you find yourself in environments with people who share your passions. I have learned that other dancers around me are valuable resources, as they have experienced things I may not have and have a lot to share.

Additionally, I wish I had paid more attention to YouTube. It’s such a valuable resource, and I’ve learned so much from it. I’ve been able to explore and learn about choreographers and their work through the wealth of information available there.

The library is another resource I overlooked when seeking to learn more about being a dancer. There are many books that may not directly relate to dance but provide insight into the human body and how it works, which I can then apply to my dance career.

So many things can serve as resources in one’s creative journey. It’s up to the artist to change their perspective and view everything they encounter as a opportunity to learn and grow. I wish I had realized earlier that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to acquire knowledge and develop skills in my field as a dancer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gettinshady.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/layla___robinson
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@layomayo

Image Credits

Mike Quain, Deed DeBruno, The Dance Awards