Today we’d like to introduce you to Noah Laski.
Hi Noah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing at the age of ten at my local YMCA in Porter Ranch. My younger sister actually inspired me to start dancing. I saw her tapping one day and told my mom that I wanted to try it. Even before that, I have a memory of myself watching Step Up 3 on a little TV in Big Bear and trying to copy Adam Sevani doing the worm. Moving on from that, I danced at the YMCA for a year or so taking up tap, hip hop, and jazz. My sister and I then we’re introduced to a competitive company that we joined for years. I trained in jazz, basic hip hop, tap, ballet, contemporary/lyrical, and tumbling. Throughout that time, I began high school at Van Nuys High School. I left the competitive studio to focus on myself and my studies. This is where my passion for dance blossomed into what it is today. My teacher at the time introduced me to a company called Versa Style Dance Company, and I fell in love with their work. Versa Style Dance Company is a 501 C 3 non-profit organization and dance ensemble that consists of committed and conscientious artists representing the diversity and beautiful complexity of Los Angeles. Versa Style focuses on hip hop as a whole and all of its umbrella terms such as popping, locking, waacking, breaking, house, and so many more. I trained under Versa Style in their Next Generation program for a couple of years. I transferred high schools to Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley to focus closer on my dance career. After graduating high school in 2019, I began my college adventure at AMDA Los Angeles. I had to stop training with Versa Style a couple of semesters in due to school conflicts, but I will always go back. I would send anyone to them, they’re incredible. I’m finishing up college, graduating on the 12th of February, and am ridiculously excited to begin a new chapter of my life. My favorite styles of dance are hip hop, tap, and contemporary. Now, I work for Degas Dance Studio teaching students about dance and the industry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was definitely not smooth. My competitive company team was directed by a very toxic and abusive director. My friends and I were verbally abused for years on end. We were all told comments like, “you’ll never do anything in life,” or, “you’ll never be good enough,” and “you’ll never get into college the way you dance.” This was a huge mental setback for me and had me believing everything she was saying. It took a very long time to understand that she was just upset with herself and now, we’ve all proved her wrong by getting into colleges and doing amazing things in life.
Another setback was being transferred high schools between my sophomore and junior semesters. This was a very difficult and scary change for me because I was moved to a school where I knew absolutely no one. Little did I know, this school would change my life and get me back on track to keep my future bright.
Another minor setback was finding out that I have an older half-sister, but that turned out to be pretty awesome.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a very wide range of knowledge in the hip hop culture. I preach hip hop no matter what I do. Hip hop is a lifestyle. I walk, talk, dress, live hip hop. Beyond that, I love to educate. Education is my dream job, something I want to do for the rest of my life. People always ask why I call myself an educator instead of a teacher. I feel that a teacher gives you the tools, then says, “go.” An educator gives you the tools, helps you understand how to use them, walks you through the process over and over if you get something wrong, and will be a mentor for life. That’s how I’ve recognized the difference throughout all of my years as a student. Other than educating, I love performing. I want to perform on stages as long as I possibly can. When the light hits you just right, it’s the most incredible feeling. I’m also an editor for music and videos, but music first. Editing is such a rad skill to have because it can make people see a completely different perspective while watching the same footage over and over.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom and dad, I owe most of everything to them. My sister, for the constant inspiration, even to this day. Diane Hula from Van Nuys High School for helping me realize my true potential and keeping me dancing. Linda Lewis from Santa Susana High School for always pushing me in the right direction and not letting me fail classes because she knew how much dancing meant to me. Veronica Leonhardt, my health teacher from Santa Susana High School, she noticed how bad I was struggling and helped me get assignments in for all my classes so I didn’t fail, she also taught me how to stay organized. The entire Versa Style Dance Company, for giving me a home, a family, and knowledge as much as wealth is worth. Kyle Mchargh, for being a role model and pushing me to do my best all the time. Nancy Dobbs Owen, for also pushing me to always do my best and keeping me in check. My older half sister, for always being there for me and to talk when I need it.
Contact Info:
- Email: laskinoah@gmail.com
- Website: https://laskinoah.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noah_problem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noah.laski
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU00k22oBBdnLEmBI-00f_A
Image Credits
Ginger Sole Photography
