Deanna Brooks shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Deanna, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to teach and share my artistry with others. I have been occasionally subbing at studios around LA. I was even asked to teach a private lesson, and was able to meet with a student and teach over the break. It was a shock at first that someone even wanted to learn from me in an intimate setting like that! Teaching has been super fun and rewarding so far. It always brightens my day when someone leaves the room with a smile on their face while also gaining something new. Whether that be “I learned a new step” or “That was such a fun routine,” I hope to leave all my future students with new knowledge and insight that they can take with them on their dance journey!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Deanna. I’m a Los Angeles-based dancer, creator, and choreographer. I recently graduated with my BFA in Commercial Dance last spring. Post-grad has been filled with new ventures. Moving apartments, teaching dance, continuing to train, applying to new jobs, starting new jobs. It’s been a hard but exciting journey so far! There’s always a teeny bit of uncertainty in the back of my mind. However, I always choose to remind myself that the plants I have seeded are continuing to blossom and I need to enjoy the view on my creative career path.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that I had to shrink or minimize myself to fit in. At times, I felt like I was too much or even, the opposite, not enough. I’m already a naturally quiet, shy person, but my personality explodes once I get to know people. There were times when I felt like I wasn’t fully heard or seen in group settings. I would just sit back and observe because that was easier to do. Now that I’m older, I do my best every day to be my true self. Yes, I am still quiet and observant. BUT, I am no longer hiding away or watering myself down. I am actively putting my true, authentic self out there. If people don’t like that, then we’re not meant to be in the same space. I share my energy where it’s welcomed with open arms. I don’t need to minimize who I am. I am allowed to take up space fully and sincerely.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of taking risks. Sometimes self-doubt creeps up, and all the negative what-ifs start to present themselves. Yes, taking risks is scary, but it’s often those risks that lead to the most beautiful outcomes. Risks can be intimidating, but I can’t let that fear hold me back from my future blessings.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Prioritizing the grind and hustle over rest. I truly believe you need to work hard, train, and network to get the results you want as a dancer. However, too many dancers prioritize non-stop training over intentional rest and recovery. This is something I am working on with myself as well. Training is important, but overworking yourself is not effective. Rest and recovery are key to maintaining longevity. Everyone’s always running to the next class, the next intensive, the next mentorship. All these things are important and helpful. However, if we exhaust and overextend ourselves running to chase our dreams, how will we enjoy the results of our work and the moments we achieve?
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I believe I could! I am a very hardworking and ambitious person. Although words of affirmation are great, we don’t always get them from others. I know how hard I work. I know all the effort I put into achieving my goals. I know all the things I am doing behind the scenes that others are oblivious to. External validation isn’t necessary if you are truly aware of your work ethic and dedication to reach those goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedeannabrooks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xo.deanna.xo/
Image Credits
@seankaraheadshots
@kimberlydoesitall
@alissarosephoto
@ivvn.ji
@jr_acting
