We recently connected with Lyndsey Arorash and have shared our conversation below.

Lyndsey, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I remember before I started taking dance classes in the studio, I would watch videos that showed ballet classes. I also had a little barre to use. When I was 8 I started taking classes at a dance studio named InMotion School of Dance in Bermuda. During my years there, I was exposed to various dance styles which helped me be able to adapt to any style. I like to believe that everything happened as it was supposed to which can also go with how everyone is on their own journey. I definitely wished I believed in myself more during the learning process. At times it can be hard not to compare yourself to others. I wish at a young age I realized I needed to compare my growth to where I used to be instead of comparing myself to everyone else. That’s also an obstacle that I had come across. Knowing this would’ve helped me gain the confidence I now have. I also feel like that happened for a reason and it helped me become even stronger now. Something I believe is essential would be having individuality. Being able to show who you are through your movement/choreography lets you tell a story and it also shows who you are. Being able to add who you are to movement is unique for everyone and that’s what’s so beautiful about it.

Lyndsey, 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?

I was originally born in Bermuda and moved to New York at the age of 14. I studied at Joffrey Ballet School in their Jazz and Contemporary 4 year program, and then studied at Peridance Center for 2 more years in their Ballet and Contemporary program. I first fell in love with dancing at the age 8 when I took my first class. I first saw my neighbors in their recital costumes. It inspired me and made me want to start dancing. Ever since then I’ve been passionate, and continue to fall in love with this art form. I’d say I’m a versatile artist and can adapt to any style and situation given to me. I am also a choreographer. Some of my choreographic works have been shown at Young Choreographers Festival, Uptown Rising Showcase Series at Bridge for Dance Studios, as well as The Sultan Room for their Industry Night showcase. My artist visa got approved this past summer and I’m so excited to be able to continue doing what I love and to grow and make new connections.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’d say one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist/creative is making an impact on people. Being able to make them relate or feel any type of emotion helps connect me to the audience. When performing I’m bringing the audience into the story with me and showing them my interpretation, allowing them to have their own. It’s such a vulnerable position to be in but it’s also what I love and what keeps me going. Also, knowing that people look up to me and what I do is something that also reminds me of much I can make an impact on people. Of course not letting that knowledge go to my head, knowing someone looks up to me, but letting that reassure me to keep going and to keep pushing my boundaries.

Also the feeling after you perform/take a class. Especially when you’ve been feeling stressed for so long and you’re finally able to dance. For me it helps release everything I’ve been feeling and thinking up until that moment. I always leave feeling fulfilled and refreshed.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of the main things that helped greatly impact my performance and thinking was journaling and meditation. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed so much that it starts to affect me in things I do, I go back to those two things and it helps bring me back to myself. It helps me remember that these moments and feelings I’m experiencing will pass. A little self care can go a long way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lyndsey.aa

Image Credits
Maria Castellanos Jacqueline Zilberberg