Today we’d like to introduce you to Janeeva Pettway.
Janeeva, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I used to be a basketball player in high school, and soon found it was no longer my passion. My dream was to pursue dance, and at the time I didn’t even know it was a career path. I quit basketball and at the end of my junior year, I did an early audition for a performing arts college in Hollywood called AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy)… and I didn’t get accepted. I was crushed. They told me to practice, train hard, and come back again when I was a senior. My senior year (after a long year of training at a studio named Murrieta Dance Project) I went back and auditioned, and luckily, had the same panel of judges. One of the main teachers remembered me and was astonished at my growth and admitted my acceptance. I went to AMDA in the fall of 2013 and was so pumped. Throughout the three years, I went to AMDA (I did year-round schooling) I struggled a lot and really started to think dance wasn’t for me. We trained in ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, etc… but my specialty was hip hop. So, I never felt like I belonged. After a while, I started taking outside classes at local studios and found that love for dance again. I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance Theatre in October of 2017. After school, I started working at Dave and Buster’s to maintain a steady job. Time passed, and I got an audition notice from my agent for Jason Derulo. It was an open call, so about 800 girls showed up, and he only chose two. I was one of the two… and the rest is history!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some people could say it’s been a smooth road for me or that I’ve had it “easy.” In LA, it’s very unlikely to book one of your first jobs and to have it be as major as dancing and touring the world with an artist. Also, image and body type are such huge parts of our industry and I’ve been blessed to have the “look” that’s “in” and booking. My main struggles were in college when I was forced to do styles I didn’t connect with. It takes away your love and a part of your soul. So, to women pursuing their dreams, I would say make sure it feels right. make sure its something thats feeding your soul and that you’re doing for YOURSELF. Don’t create a life you only want to “promote”, create a life you ENJOY living. that was your happiness is eternal and work never feels like work. I get to travel the world and dance! Who gets to say that?! I’m blessed, and my gratitude is immense. For women just now starting out, I would say the same thing. Follow your heart, and make sure your work ethic matches your passion.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a professional dancer. I currently dance for Jason Derulo, and also do certain shows with Ludacris. I am a choreographer as well. I teach a heels performance class every week in LA with the intention of helping others learn about the industry and preparing for it before they’re thrown in on their first job. It’s my way of giving back because I wish someone prepared me before I started my job. I have started to sing as well and just released my first song “Broken” about a month ago which is doing very well. I think what really sets me apart from others is my ability to be a sponge and that fact that iI lead life with love and an intention to grow and always be my “optimal” self. People said I couldn’t dance, I do it. People say I can’t teach, I do it. People say I can’t sing, I do it. I learn, I study, and I produce the work and skill it takes to be versatile and on top.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love listening to Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations. I highly recommend it. The 5 love languages is a gem (it’s a book) and it really helped me understand people and how they react or choose to show love. The four agreements is another amazing book, as well as the seven spiritual laws of success! I use all of these to help me balance my spirituality and to keep my mind strong as well as my heart. The power of habit is another amazing read as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: pettway.janeeva@gmail.com
- Instagram: janeeva_pettway
- Other: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/broken-single/1454552381
Image Credit:
Mahan Taleshpour
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
