Conversations with Taylor Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Thomas.

Hi Taylor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Dance is something that has always been in my life. I started exploring my creative side at a young age. As a child, I started with tap at a small studio in New Jersey. And thankfully for my teachers, I was introduced to all styles. In 2010 I discovered the commercial dance world and became a part of the Children and Teen program at Broadway Dance Center. I would spend close to 20 hours a week in New York City focusing on my craft. I trained in everything and tried to learn from as many choreographers as possible.

The exposure to hip hop crews and different dance conventions, like The Pulse or Monsters Dance, really allowed me to find my place in the industry. After years of training, auditioning and hustling in New York as a young adult, I decided to test my talents in Los Angeles. In 2014 I moved across the country and with the great support of my family friends, and agency, Clear Talent Group, made a home on the west coast. It’s been one of the best decisions and in spite of all the ups and downs this industry throws at you, I’ve been able to succeed and turn my passion for dance into a lifelong career path.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about this industry is smooth. And nothing about following your dreams and pursing your passion is smooth. The path we take always has ups and down, and things that were sent to make you quit. The true love comes from the fight.

The fight to keep going even when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. My road, specifically, has had more challenges than most would know. Putting all my eggs in one basket at such a young age really made me feel a tremendous amount of pressure. I carried the burden of thinking that all mine and my family sacrifices were only validated in my success. Leaving my family behind and taking a bargain on myself was extremely hard. And at every adversity, I thought of how I couldn’t let them down.

And let me tell you. There was so much adversity. One of my first major tours, I booked, rehearsed for months and then was replaced right before leaving for our first show. I’ve been told that my look was good enough to “work” in this industry. I’ve lost friends or relationships due to my commitment to this path. I’ve booked dream jobs and tours that were canceled because of Covid. I’ve seen days where I’ve had $5 to my name but was dancing backup to some of the top artists in the world.

They warn you that being an artist isn’t easy. But no one can ever prepare you for the struggles each unique path has. There is no rule book or specified recipe. And if you love it enough. And fully believe in yourself that will be the only thing to keep you determined on your road

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In this day and age, most creatives are a brand. They have multiple talents and forms of expression. I am a brand. A person that has used my skill set to inspire and aspire others like me. I have, in the past, been discouraged to just classifying myself as a dancer. While others were climbing the food chain to become a choreographer or director, I felt like I was putting myself in a box by just calling myself a dancer. However, over the last couple of years, I’ve redefined that “box”. I am a dancer. I am a performer that loves to be on stage. I don’t see dance as a stepping stone to another career. I see dance as a window into my brand. An inside look into me.

My strongest asset had always been my relatability. I love to just do what I love, share it, and hope to connect with others. I love getting to know people and their different walks of life. And I think dance is a universal language for that. I want to be someone that everyone can see a little bit of themselves in. I want my brand to be authentic. And I want all people to know that can do exactly what I do, in whatever form that may be, no matter what. We are allowed to have any dream or desire we want. And I think I stand out by being the walking testimony of that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @taylordeethomas