Meet Reanna Holt of Reanna Shay in Studio City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reanna Holt.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Reanna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in South Jordan, Utah. As a very young girl, I LOVED movement. My parents could not keep me still and after taking me to my cousins dance recital at the young age of two years old, all I wanted to do was dance in the aisle and entertain everyone. They enrolled me into my first dance lessons the moment I turned three. I started as most young dancers do, a combo class of ballet and tap. My parents said I loved it so much. We have footage of my very first dance recital on stage tears streaming down my face but I did not miss one step, you could say since that moment the stage became home. One of the studio directors noticed my love for dance and mentioned to my mom about joining the competition team, we were all for it. At the age of six, I started competing, in group and solo pieces. Traveling and competing locally and in California, as well as Nevada. I loved the ten years I had of competing.

I learned SO many valuable lessons on being a team member, as well as becoming competitive in something you loved. At the age of 16, I wanted to discover my artistry and was over worrying so much about a trophy and wanted to tap into the artistry and beauty of dance. I began training under the direction of Bonnie Story – Emmy award-winning choreographer and her company ‘Expansion”. I always knew I loved dance but in those three years of training my eyes opened up to the idea of actually pursuing dance as a full-time career. At the age of 19, I decided to take the leap of faith and move to Los Angeles to further my training and get my career going. My parents are literal angel’s and encouraged as well as helped me move at a very young age. As hard as it was, I knew it was where I was supposed to be. Since then, I have incredible opportunity’s and met some of the most incredibly talented humans. I have been pushed, mentally and physically. Discovering new art forms and passions. I am forever a student and feel very blessed to be in the position I am currently in.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has in no way shape or form been a smooth road. That has been the biggest lesson, but also the biggest blessings have come from the struggle. At the young age of 19, I thought I would move out here and instantly be doing everything I wanted to do right away. I learned quick it takes A LOT of hard work, dedication, and most important, being a good person and making genuine connections. It can be SO hard sometimes, being away from family while they are also growing older and stumbling over life’s challenges. Not to mention the stress of money and making sure you are able to take care of everything. However, I would never change anything. Everything I have been through has taught me all the lessons. I am excited to see what comes next.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a professional dancer and choreographer. I am an artist of all forms. I am completely obsessed with the concept of a vision and making it come to life. No matter what art form, it may be. I love the feeling of creativity and pushing boundaries.

There are so many things to be proud of, but I think to date are the two benefit shows I threw last year (2018). I hosted one to raise money/awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Another one for the American Cancer Society in partnership with Movement Lifestyle. To have the ability to come together as a community, sharing art, and raising money for things that REALLY matter was totally life-changing. I can’t wait to host another.

I was raised by two incredibly loving parents. They are the reason my brother and I are both pursuing what we love to do, no dream has ever been too big. They have encouraged and pushed and sacrificed so much just to make sure my brother and I had the lives and career’s they didn’t really have the opportunity to pursue. I believe having them in my corner (including my brother) has set me apart for multiple reasons.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I absolutely LOVE Los Angeles. I love the energy it gives off the people who come here to pursue what they love. Taking risks and kicking ass. I am completely obsessed.

I hate that my family doesn’t live in LA, that is always hard and of course the traffic lol.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @reannashay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reannashayholt/
• Twitter: @reannashay

Image Credit:
Alex Cole, David Gavi, Danie Frost

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