Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Dawkins.
Eric, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a Super Mom. I honestly had no idea what I really liked to do, but she drove me everywhere and kept me so involved. Seeing her motivation to keep it moving, definitely rubbed off on me. I hit home runs at baseball, won karate tournaments, modeled in fashion shows, did chess club, photoshoots, and even was in a commercial all before I graduated elementary school. I never complained I was having fun getting dirty and getting cleaned up. If I was bad, she had me practice, and I was better. I had good grades too, honor roll every year. My motivation to get my studies done was dinner! Mother’s cooking is fuel for the youth. As I grew, I would definitely push my limits. During winter there were morning wrestling sessions for state finals before school. While in fall, occasional Friday night varsity football games followed by Saturday morning cross country meet to kick off the weekend. I was a four-sport varsity athlete my senior year, holding state rankings in track and wrestling. Public school kept me fit, but mom kept me in check. “Is your homework done?” is what she would always immediately ask after the game, match, or meet. Regardless of the victory, we still have work to do.
I continued to run varsity track for two of my four years in college, while also attaining a nice Biomedical Engineering degree at UNC-CH, Go Heels. I kicked it with athletes and studied with my fellow engineers, but it was the dance community that helped take my strengths and create art. I performed in the pit with the bboys, and in auditoriums with my dance crews. I even took a modern dance class, my only elective needed having been a student-athlete and having passed the swim test. Dancing was fun, I got a rush and it filled my body. With the bboy crew, The Mighty Arms of Atlas, we had entrance to the gymnastics room where we could totally flip out. I was young, flexible and able to push the limits of my body. Also working out as a division one athlete, I was strong.
I was lucky to have found a job after school, and in my field too. Also blessed to have everyone understand that after one year, I would be making a career change and moving to LA. People at work would say, “Do what you love man, I wish I did.” My mother even supported, she always had big plans for me. In Los Angeles, I have found representation for dance, for sport, and for print. These amazing agencies have booked me with work internationally for artist like Jason Derulo and Ricky Martin. I have been seen stepping on NBCs World Of Dance stage with my crew Stroll Groove. Reebok, Nike, and Asics have all dressed me up to show off my bboy stance during their live industrials. Plus, you may also see my zombie-like moves, in an upcoming box office undersea adventure. I made it to the movies!
With my cool credits, there’s one that really makes me happy to hear. People say “Hey aren’t you that guy from Daily Burn, I wake up and work out with you Tuesdays and Thursday’s bro!” Makes me feel really good to be a motivator for others on their fitness journey. I have recently started teaching yoga and fitness classes myself. I first wanted to create a better understanding of my body, so I underwent yoga training. However, the knowledge I gained is exactly what I want to use not only to push myself but those around as well. I figure I have tons of successful physical experience, and forever a seeker of knowledge, so its only natural that I share what I have learned and lived.
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?
Even though I was emotionally supported with making the move to pursue dance and entertainment, I still had doubts about leaving a secure corporate job for freelance gigs. I survived working night tech jobs and training dance during the day. I had some day jobs, but those employers didn’t always like my long lunches, followed by call outs for audition callbacks. My work schedule had to be flexible, so I could continue auditioning and booking. I wanted to be the best my agencies had to offer, so I always showed up to show out.
I kept it moving and successes would come. It was hard being away from my family, though. I would check in, but never enough. As time goes by, we all grow. I was scheduling work, but never scheduling enough family time. Now I take all the time I can get, and truly cherish every moment. I learned from my past, and enjoy seeing the growth in all the people I love.
Please tell us about Last Call Boys.
I run a group called the Last Call Boys. We are a bunch of artist, men, and women, with hidden talents who love to create and entertain. Once you call us, it’s the last call you’ll need. We have collaborated on events with Sony, and put on dynamic performances within the Hollywood art scene. #LastCallBoys
LCB Athletics is a new branch with focuses in fitness. We have yoga and aerobic classes offered in the valley that will warm you up for the week or release tension from your day. Stay tuned as we spread our services to more parts of Los Angeles. Our programs are for all, but dancers get the chance to work out with industry professionals and learn how to further enhance their physical career and its longevity. Don’t forget to check out the merchandise at the LCB store too! #LCBgear
What were you like growing up?
I was good growing up, liked to have fun and was generally happy, so I smiled all the time. I was still shy, though, worked hard and never wanted to disappoint or get in trouble. Sometimes things came fast, and I didn’t understand how to take recognition for my achievements. Sometimes things came slow, and I felt I needed to work harder to be normal. Personal conflicts haunted me but I am thankful for having friends, peers, and family around to help lift me out of self-doubt.
I am happy to have been so involved while growing up. I remember telling myself at a young age that when I’m done with school, I will have no homework and no bedtime to stop my fun. I remind myself of that still. I still go to the skate park with my girlfriend, rollerblading the rails and skateboarding the ramps. I still play video games and have even worked video game conventions with dance. I still watch cartoons and have even crossed paths with voice actors of my favorite series. I constantly hear young me rooting for joy at big me’s encounters, believe it!
Pricing:
- Yoga Private Lesson – $60/hr
- Dance Private Lesson – $70/hr
- Bboy Private Lesson – $80/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lcbathletics.squarespace.com/eric
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_oak/ , https://www.instagram.com/ericbison/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawkinse
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericbis0n
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LastCallBoys
Image Credit:
Wes Klain, MustBeMimi
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.
