Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Phylicia Roybal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Phylicia, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
I believe the defining moment in my career is currently on the horizon. I’m not entirely sure if it was due to changes in my physical location or heavy and distinctive impulses that helped me peel away and discover what these defining moments are? I’ve spent most of my life focusing on a single point for my career, not realizing that it continues to be the many different appendages that is going to make me feel whole. Time and dedication has also lead me to what feels like a pivotal moment in my career. I began studying and understanding movement as a way to connect, to express the feelings that words never had the power to describe. As I try to understand this question and break down the many moments and experiences that has brought me to today, I see that dance has allowed me a safe space to be me, even when I wasn’t sure who I really was. It was always there, to push me, to inspire me, to put me on a pathway of being… and understanding what it’s like to be human; to exist in a world that doesn’t always have answers but ongoing questions. Being noticed to share my story, in a way feels defining; because it means that the light that has always lived inside of me is finally bright enough to be seen from a great distance. That feels powerful, that feels defining.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My story begins as a young child in Santa Fe, NM trying to understand who I was, where I belonged, and what impact I had in the world. As a sensitive individual I felt things deeply and realized quickly that I needed an outlet to fully embrace all of me. Grateful to my parents who were always supportive and guided me to imagine, discover, and follow my heart. I eventually found myself walking into a dance studio at the age of ten and have been there ever since. I’ll never forget the moment; a jazzy rendition of the famous battle scene from the Nutcracker, those rats stole my heart that day. It all came together for me in this moment, and since this day I have never turned away. I studied and allowed myself to be completely submerged into this art form. I now am happy to be an educator of dance, a freelance dancer, producer, and a certified Gyrokinesis trainer. The Gyrokinesis®️ Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. Currently working on expanding my skill set – I’m beginning an additional training program that uses equipment and will gain a certification in the Gyrotonic Method. I believe this new branch of knowledge will help me develop a larger network to guide people in understanding functionality as well as becoming stronger and taking agency in their own bodies. The body continues to be my biggest form of inspiration. I am constantly amazed at how the body can transform and I love engaging with others in ways that helps them feel stronger, more energized and at ease.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I believe the resilience of my journey comes forward every day. As an artist you may never be guaranteed your next gig, however, you can never be taken away as an artist, it is a way of being. This path is ever changing and that’s what makes it incredibly inspiring while also extremely challenging, as is life. Every step forward I’ve been up against an obstacle of resistance. Always the runner up and hardly ever being placed in the race. I’ve come to understand that the slow burn and willingness to observe patiently and sensibly has given me the ability to remain invested in my craft. I have an inherent desire and deep connection to my own personal growth. I own this resilience because there is no separation between my self and my work, it is all one.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
I would always go back and choose dance – movement as my form of expression. This is my life’s work, my purpose. There are many facets to this lifestyle and I am here to be submersed in all of it. To me there is no other option. Yes, a difficult path to follow yet also the most engaging and rewarding experience of my life. It is so much more than a career. It has helped me find love, friendships and continues to guide me in understanding myself and my experiences in this world everyday.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @phyliciaroybal @wav_l_ngth
- Facebook: Phylicia Roybal
Image Credits
Karen Alisa
Ben Hoback
Brittany Stafford