Today we’d like to introduce you to Makayla Gordon.
Hi Makayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in the bay area and raised in Orange County, California. I grew up as a dancer by watching my older sister’s dance classes and shows. I wasn’t even three years old yet and I’d always try to sneak into class. Eventually, the instructor had no choice but to invite me in and the rest is now history. Although my mom would say that I have been dancing since I was in the womb, I’d always tap on her stomach when music was playing. It wasn’t until I was performing on stage that I really knew that I wanted to pursue a career in dance. I started out taking classes in technical skills such as ballet, tap and jazz. I continued this path for the next thirteen years training in every style of dance, actively competing in competitions while attending Pacific Coast Academy of Dance before transferring to West Coast School of the Arts until I graduated at age 18 from Orange County School of the Arts. It’s so much more than just dance for me, it’s my life and what’s truly shaped me into the person, I am today. From double jaw surgery to recovering from recent health issues, it’s the one thing that can get me through regardless of the circumstance. Dance has taught me more about resilience and the power of mindset more than anything else. I’m nowhere close to where I want to be yet, but am enjoying the journey I’m on currently as a professional dancer and budding choreographer based out of Los Angeles, California. I’m currently signed with Bloc Talent Agency and my experience includes live performances, music videos, commercials and print work. I aspire to one day be on tour with artists but more than just dancing, I want to build my own brand and be remembered for something greater than myself. Be known for who I am not just what I do.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not a smooth road at all, it’s honestly been setback after setback for me. In June of 2019, I had to undergo double jaw surgery due to my joints deteriorating and airway closing. I was recovering for months on end and it was the first time I had ever been super down on myself. I just couldn’t stop obsessing over all the experiences and opportunities I was missing out on. I had even booked my first tour and had to decline. This has taught me a lot in life and even though the few years since then have been filled with obstacles due to health complications, I refuse to give up on myself. Nothing can stop me from my dreams except for me. Through self-perseverance and my own stubbornness, I know I’ll be successful. What I like to tell myself is that it’s all just meant to build me into the person I’m supposed to be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional dancer and aspiring choreographer in the entertainment industry. I specialize in movement artistry and am known as a commercial dancer, performer and creative. I’m honestly never really satisfied, but I try to allow myself to enjoy the moment I’m in. I’d say I’m most proud of myself when I feel like I’ve grown and learned from a situation or experience that brings me to the next level. I’d say the thing that set me apart is the experiences that shaped me, resilience and learning to be so grounded in myself that nothing can really shake me. Prioritizing being myself every step of the way.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It’s hard to pick just one, but growing up in a close nit neighborhood where our neighbors weren’t just our friends, they were family. I remember always playing in the streets, going from house to house playing games, slip ‘n slidin down our grass, pot lucks and easter egg hunts. We even used to play up in the hills behind our house where there was a wooden fort built above water drains. To this day, we all still keep in touch and when we get together, it’s like we’ve never been apart. There’s really nothing like adventures and the ones with family and close friends are priceless and some that will last a lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.makaylagordon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makaylagordon_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makayla.gordon.923/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/makaylagordonn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOvLx16pXlM
- Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm13109070?ref_=co_nv_usr_profile
Image Credits
Headshots: Claudio Robles City Shots: Bobby Dacones
