Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Hassinger.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mikayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started to dance at the age of three. My parents put me in classes to keep me out of trouble! I fell in love and have been dancing ever since. Dance has been a huge part of my life in my sophomore year of high school, I lived in NYC by myself to train with the African-American dance company, Alvin Ailey. Then, my senior year of high school, I moved to Denver, CO by myself to train with one of the top studios in the nation. A week after I graduated, I moved to CA! So, where I am at today is because of my hard work, dedication and most importantly, the support of my family.
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?
It most definitely wasn’t smooth at all! Some of my struggles were that I had to grow up faster than most kids. I never really got to experience HS activities because I was always either at dance practice, on the road or at a dance competition. I’m pretty sure I had a dance competition at my senior prom. One of the major struggles I had and honestly still have till this day is not comparing myself to other dancers. Everyone in LA is fighting for that one job and it’s hard to not compare yourself. We all grow differently. My advice for anyone moving to LA is to don’t give up even when times get rough. LA is the city of dreams so make it happen! We’re all struggling out here, but we keep an open mind, we don’t give up and we stay hungry!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a professional dancer! I also danced with the LA Clippers for a season, I’m classically trained in all styles of dance.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom! She’s the strongest person I know. No matter how tough things are she keeps going. She got diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, but that didn’t stop her from doing what she loved, no matter how hard it got for her, she woke up every day with a smile and kept pushing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: thatgurllkayla
Image Credit:
@leegumbsphotography
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