We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Viveca Hutchinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Viveca, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Both of my parents were lovely, open, caring people, that loved the Lord. They have instilled in me to be kind, authentic, and optimistic. Most importantly they allowed to be myself. Both of my parents have pass on, but made it their mission to show me the meaning of love for myself, family, friends, and people I will come across in life. I’ve notice often times the feedback that I get from strangers, or from friends and family is that I’m overall a friendly person, who cares, and make sure that everyone in my presence is comfortable and happy. That makes feel so much joy in my heart because I know that’s what my parents taught me growing up, im exceeding that trait within my adult life, and how I interact with people.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi my name is Viveca Hutchinson and I’m a Hip Hop Dance Instructor. I reside in Delaware and work for two different dance studios. Delaware Arts Conservatory, and Pieces of a Dream Dance Academy. I started dancing at the age of three taking Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Growing up in Philadelphia taking dance classes there weren’t a lot of opportunity’s, to get myself out there, however I was able to perform at local block parties, and perform in the recitals that took place in June. I also participated in the praise dance group at my church growing up. Philadelphia was getting a bit rough in the area that we lived in so my parents and I relocated to Delaware where I truly started taking dance seriously . From just taking ballet, tap, jazz, I open myself to taking Modern, pointe, and Hip hop. In High school I was apart of a dance team, that focused on street jazz, and hip hop, and performed at local games, talent shows, and pep rally’s. During the summer months from middle school through high school, my parents signed me up for New York and Philadelphia intensives and workshops to broaden my dancing and get as much information, encouragement, and dance world advice. Once I graduated from high school in 2007, I got an opportunity to be a teacher assistant for two years, in ballet, jazz, and hip hop classesOf course I grew a love for hip hop :) and became comfortable with running my own classes teaching hip hop from ages 6-adults. Since then I’ve had continuous opportunities to teach at workshops, intensives, and high school dance teams on the east coast. :)

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot when my parents passed. I slowed down on teaching and dancing for almost a full year. There was a lot of transitions and moving around to get back up on my feet, and unfortunately a lot of lost connections within family and friends. Therapy helped for a little bit, but sometimes talking about my emotions got backed up and cloudy, however I needed more than just that. I needed time to think, take walks, and find me. The one thing I took from that year is that life still moves forward, and I had to ask myself would my parents want me to stay in this position of low and down, so I made a decision to get back, and make my teachings first. It became my therapy, it became my peace. The community in which the studios and my dance brothers and sisters created needed me, and wanted me to come back. I’ve been happy, busy, felt supported, and safe through these years.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I feel like the most effective strategy I have with growing my classes is making sure that I create a challenging yet fun and creatives. Through social media and parents talking to other parents help my classes stay active, and full.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Ms_Viveca