We recently connected with Sam Chavez and have shared our conversation below.
Sam , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
Being misunderstood and mischaracterized is in my opinion a part of the work artists and creatives do. The point isn’t to always be liked or understood for what we do but to do it because it speaks to us, hasn’t been talked about with others or hasn’t been explored yet. Art should tickle the brain and give humans a chance to interpret and create opinions. Some of my work has created various emotions and thoughts with each person I have discussed it with and it’s definitely my favorite part.
Sam , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello!!! I am sam or people call me sam cha whatever feels right haha. I dabble in a couple different careers, but I started with dance. I trained when I was younger and earned a scholarship to AMDA LA and graduated from there with a BFA in Dance Theatre. While being there I learned and trained with so many amazing people. I got to co choreograph and co direct a show with one of my really good friends Alyssa Park, I did various film workshops with my lovely mentor Cain Devore and I danced in many staged performances. While finishing up my degree during the beginning of COVID I decided to also earn my 200HR yoga certification which has taught me so much about the person I want to continue to walk through this life as. After graduating I was signed with Go 2 Talent in LA, joined Geometry Dance Company directed by Mackenzie Martin and started taking off freelancing videography and editing. I am continuing all of this and growing in many directions. Getting to mesh dance and film, choreographing, teaching dance, dancing myself and creative directing my own choreography while filming and editing really is just a dream. Cant wait to see how it all continues to grow in 2023.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think one of the most difficult things I hear from non creatives close to me struggling to understand is the inconsistency in terms of work. Which is completely understandable but I will say it forces you to be present in your work always and to COMMUNICATE! The creative community is a lot smaller than people think and if you build your community and lift one another up, hire your friends, and teach each other new skills. Then we create this strong community to keep each other growing and supported. I won’t lie it is hard as hell but its so worth it in every way.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
My momma always told me to do something that doesn’t feel like work, do something that even though it’s your job you forget its your job. That is the coolest thing, to forget sometimes that I have the most fun job because to never feels like a JOB. So just imagine working with a bunch humans who are doing exactly what they want to be doing. It’s the absolute best and I am grateful for it everyday.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @samchavez25 @slc.visuals @samchachoreo
Image Credits
Alyssa Park, Jessica White, Sam Chavez