Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Omolola Balogun. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Omolola thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

Ever since I started dancing, I always did it because my mind could escape from all the thinking I would usually do. Dancing is my happy place and where I could truly express my hurt, happiness, anger, bliss, and softness. I was on competitive teams for school and I danced at church. I was always being asked to choreograph dances for church, I became the dance coordinator for my ASO team (African Student Organization) and was always the team leader for my dance teams. When I got my first paid gig was my freshmen year of college. An upcoming artist reached out to me and asked if I could dance for her for this award event called Afrimma. I was so excited! It was two other girls from my dance team and myself that I called to dance with me. We would have rehearsals with the singer to give her a few moves and parts where she would come in when we were dancing. It was very exciting and I was proud of myself because many people complimented us and from there I got more exposure.

Omolola, 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?

When I started dancing, I was three years old. I started by praise dancing at church and started my journey from there. I have always been on some sort of dance team since I was little and it has made my time worthwhile. I dabbled into cheerleading and gymnastics but dance had my heart. I was on the drill team in middle and high school for about six years. When I came to college, I looked into being a North Texas Dancer but for some reason, I was discouraged. I didn’t dance professionally for my first year of college. I was on the African Student Organization’s dance team, where I grew more and was once the dance coordinator. I ended up getting my minor in dance because I didn’t want all my technique and practice that I had to go to waste. Best decision of my life. I am always dancing everywhere which brings so much joy to my heart. I was making dance videos for fun and I was like I need to get more serious. I did have several dance gigs before covid-19 but they slowed down because of covid-19. Now the pace is back up and I have packages for wedding/event choreography and dance lessons. I still want to open a studio for myself where people can come and use the space as a safe space as well as take lessons.

Some of the services I offer are learning videos, group sessions, one on one sessions, choreographed routines, and I have bundle deals for weddings or events. I want to help people enjoy their event with entertainment as well as make them feel comfortable with dancing. I love looking at the growth of my clients from when we first started dance lessons until we reach the D day and see how much they have grown. I am like this is my handwork and I was able to achieve this to make them get where they are. You can be yourself around me and we build a relationship. I always check up on my clients even when our sessions are done. You learn so much about people in the short period of time you are together.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is seeing your work come to life. Different people bring out different flavors when dancing, which even helps me to think outside the box when coming up with routines. I like to challenge myself with that and they may not even realize it.

I also know I put my all into what I was teaching or recording, so when I see people execute it nicely it is so rewarding. It also allows me to see what I need to work on as a dance coordinator for my clients to really retain the routine or get a specific step.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Dancing is my side hustle. I am a recent graduate of the University of North Texas. I went there all undergrad and now obtaining my master’s in Healthcare Administration. I didn’t really have to pivot but I wasn’t giving dance enough attention. Going to school and working in my career was my main priority, so I wasn’t pushing my dance packages, going to dance classes, connecting with other dancers, etc. I then told myself if I keep waiting for when school is done or when I do that I will never be able to get where I need to be. Therefore, I told myself I can lose a little time from fun and actually look into the things I love. Going out will always be there but the time building your craft will not. This is the time to perfect it because I am still young.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolamoves/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omolola-balogun-mha-342255121/