Today we’d like to introduce you to David Slaney.
David Slaney II is a choreographer/dancer based in Southern California. He was first introduced to dance at the age of 13 and by 16, he fell in love with teaching and has been sharing his passion with others ever since. David currently teaches at three studios: Millennium Dance Complex OC, Snowglobe Perspective, and Orange County Music & Dance. He also travels in and out of state to teach and choreograph at various studios and schools. He is very passionate about sharing his gift of dance and bringing out the inner fire in every student.
Aside from teaching, David has had the opportunity to choreograph/dance for several up & coming young artists as well as create online dance tutorials with Steezy. He was also a performer at Disneyland from 2012-2018. Some of David’s professional credits include dancing for R & B singer, Mary J. Blige, at the Teen Nick Halo Awards, choreography for World of dance fitness, and dancing with actress, Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Recently, David founded an all-female heels dance company called The Vixens. He also works as a Co-Director for the Junior Hip Hop team, Zero Below, at Snowglobe Perspective. When David is not teaching, he continues to hone his craft by taking class and pushing himself to grow as a person and an artist. Pursuing his passion while training up the next generation to do the same is what motivates David, and he is grateful to be doing what he loves.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say that I’ve had any major setbacks. However, during my senior year of High School, my dance teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer which took her out for majority of the year. During that time me and the other captains had to pull up and really help carry the weight of the team. That meant leading class, coming up with choreography, cutting music, staging, etc…
She was the one who pushed me to pursue dance as a career and encouraged me to audition for a dance agency. I got signed right before graduation but unfortunately the next year around the same time she lost her battle with cancer. I think if it wasn’t for her words of encouragement I wouldn’t have believed in myself as early as I did. I’m extremely grateful for the lessons she instilled in me and will always keep her memory close to my heart.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a dancer and student first. I love to learn and perform there’s nothing else like it. In terms of style or classes, I’m probably most known for dancing in heels and I would say that sets me apart from most of my peers. It’s popular now but not too many of us were being highlighted back in 2012 when I first got started teaching heels classes at Boogiezone Utopia.
I’m most proud of being able to run two dance companies at the same time. Being able to be apart of so many journeys at the same time is definitely an indescribable feeling. They inspire me to keep growing and I’m rewarded with a front-row seat to their growth.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I feel you can do business anywhere if you can be genuine in your approach. As far as starting a dance career in Orange County where I currently live… personally I think it would be a bit difficult. You can train almost anywhere with good instructors and focus but when it comes to opportunity L.A is home base for Dance. Workshops, auditions, intensives, masterclasses & more. If you want to be great then you must surround yourself with greatness.
Millennium dance complex Oc & Snowglobe Perspective are both doing a good job for this area. The faculty is diverse in style and there are consistent masterclasses happening for those who can’t make the drive out to L.A.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davidslaney.dance
- Email: dslaney.dance@gmail.com
- Instagram: @davidslayme
Image Credit:
Claudio A Robles
Vince Madrigal
Curtis kuo
Steezy
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