Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Liv Crosby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Liv thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I have known that I was going to have an artistic and creative career path since a very young age. I remember being 10 years old laying in my bed listening to Aaliyah’s first album on my walkman. With my eyes closed, I vividly remember how music always made me feel. Especially hip hop. I would close my eyes and see choreography with such ease. Before I went to bed that night, I prayed to God that I would stay connected my entire life to dance in some kind of way. I was not sure just yet if I wanted to perform or teach. I just knew I had to have it in my life. I needed dance and I needed music. I had no clue of what life would have in store for me but I knew from childhood what my gifts were and where I belonged.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Olivia “Liv” Crosby. I am a mother, actor, dance instructor, therapeutic bodyworker, and reiki master. My path to becoming a multi-faceted performing and healing artist has been a beautiful one centered around honoring my higher self, my gifts, and my truth. I began dance lessons at the age of 5 and began teaching dance at the age of 15. I continued on until I obtained my BFA in Dance Performance from Towson University in Baltimore, MD. After college, I danced professionally for a while and really enjoyed having the privilege to work in my passion everyday, but there was something inside of me that desperately wanted to pivot. I was immensely drawn to bodywork after falling in love with Anatomy and Physiology during my studies in college. I was always intrigued with how the body works and how to prevent my students from injuring themselves and so I made a decision to become a massage therapist. For many years being both a performing artist and massage therapist felt like I was living a double life. It took me some time to understand that the beauty and power of being human is that we are multi-faceted and that is something to embrace and show the world.
My love for the healing arts as well as my love for the performing arts has taken me around the country and the world for work and I cherish every moment and every life I touch. Whether it be on stage, screen, or on my treatment table.
I am known to live a fearless life. Bold and ever evolving. I have had some really great professional opportunities, from dancing with a professional contemporary ballet company as well as the circus, being the massage therapist to gold medal olympians, celebrities, athletes, and even working on cruise ships. Currently, I am a working actor, and have had the opportunity to work on numerous productions ranging from major network television shows to independent films. I also have had very exciting opportunities to work as a stunt performer on television and films. I have learned that when you believe in yourself, have faith, remain open, and are not afraid to try new things, life can open doors you could never imagine.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist / creative is being able to make an impact in the hearts and minds of those around me. Although I do love being able to wake up every morning and work in a craft that I delight in, there’s another layer that gives hope to someone else still finding their way and I am grateful for that aspect. I have found that pursuing a purposeful life with passion oftentimes ignites the fire in our peers and even those coming behind us to continue their walk with confidence. The way we show up in our lives inspires others and that is priceless.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The journey of life is not always predictable. Sometimes you simply have to do what is absolutely necessary. Sometimes you have no choice but to pivot. My most recent pivot was an uproot. I had to close my thriving, private massage practice in Decatur, GA and move to the Washington DC metro area. I was not prepared for the mental and physical impact this would have on me, but I did what needed to be done for my daughter. I had no intention of leaving any of my work behind, just relocating. Settling in a new city required a lot of patience, persistence, and faith but it opened up an additional opportunity for me to reconnect with my one of first loves, teaching dance. Sometimes around the corner of chaos and confusion is a beautiful surprise. You just have to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamlivcrosby and @eliteholisticliving
- Facebook: Olivia Crosby
