Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden Rivas.
Hi Hayden, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My passion for the arts began as a young child growing up in Canada. I was always putting on shows for my family and knew creative expression was my calling. In my teen years, I got my first major opportunities as a performer in productions like Disney’s Descendants 3 and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
Those thrilling experiences on professional sets only fueled my drive to immerse myself in dance training. I set my sights on attending the University of Southern California, specifically their prestigious Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. The rigorous BFA program was perfect to help me take my skills to the next level.
At USC, I spent the past three years training intensively under renowned faculty like Kyle Abraham, Grasan Kingsberry, and Fiona Lummis. I sharpened my technique across diverse styles from ballet and contemporary to hip hop and African. I also performed works by choreographic icons like Jiří Kylián and Tiffany Bong. Embodying their artistry has been a dream.
In addition to performing, I cultivated my own choreographic voice by creating original pieces for dance concerts. I enjoyed leading rehearsals with my peers and bringing my artistic vision to life. One highlight was serving as Associate Choreographer for USC’s Sondheim on Sondheim production, directed by Richard Israel.
I also discovered a passion for dance film at USC. My cinematic works have screened at festivals across North America, including my prized film “The Construct of One.” Combining my love of dance and the camera has added a thrilling new creative outlet.
I’m currently completing my final year in USC’s BFA program and eagerly anticipating what’s next. My goal is to join a professional dance company while also continuing to choreograph and produce artistic films. I know that with the solid dance foundation USC has given me, I’m prepared to take my career as an artist to new heights.
On top of performing and creating, I’m also working towards a Master’s degree in Studies in Law. I aim to advocate for equitable treatment of artists throughout the dance community. There’s still so much I want to achieve!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I first set out to become a professional dancer and choreographer, I naively thought the path would be linear – steady steps up until I “made it” as an artist. I imagined the road being smooth once I reached each milestone. But the reality has been far messier and filled with uncertainties.
From the outside, it may seem I’ve progressed steadily from early opportunities like Disney’s Descendants 3 to training at a prestigious dance program like USC Kaufman to performing in NYC. But behind the scenes, it has been a winding road.
One of the biggest struggles has been overcoming self-doubt as an emerging artist. Entering the competitive industry, it’s easy to question your talents when faced with rejection or critique. I’ve constantly had to wrestle with my inner critic and find the courage to put my work out there.
I’ve also faced setbacks with injuries that halted my progress. As a dancer, your body is your instrument – when it breaks down, it can derail your drive. I’ve learned to approach recovery as a chance to develop discipline and patience.
Financially, pursuing art full-time is highly unstable. Finding ways to support myself while also having the time and energy to create has required major sacrifice. But I’m willing to take those risks.
Beyond tangible struggles, the hardest lessons have been more existential. I’ve learned that an artistic career isn’t about reaching set endpoints – it’s a lifelong journey of evolving. Even at moments when I thought I “made it,” like performing on prestigious stages, I’ve realized there is always more room to grow. Staying curious, humble, and adaptable has been key.
Ultimately, the instability and uncertainty has shaped me. Learning to trust my voice, take creative risks, and overcome rejection – these have made me a better artist. Each twist and turn on the road has enriched my personal journey.
Though the path has hardly been smooth, the grit and soul-searching make the rewards incredibly fulfilling. Getting to share my passion with the world through dance makes any struggle worthwhile. For me, it’s about the experience, not the destination.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a dancer, my movement style blends narrative with technique and hybridity. I have a dynamic performance quality honed through versatile training.
At USC Kaufman, I studied intensively with innovators like Kyle Abraham while also training rigorously in styles from ballet to jazz and Musical Theatre. This diversified my technical skills and artistic voice.
I had the privilege of performing acclaimed works by dance legends like Jiří Kylián and Dwight Rhoden during my time at USC. Embodying their choreography expanded my understanding of movement and performance.
Outside of USC, I danced with companies like Blue13 Dance and Zeitgeist Dance Theatre. These experiences introduced me to diverse repertory and pushed me physically as a dancer.
I also worked closely with choreographers like Tiffany Bong and Doug Varone. Their creative processes informed how I developed my own choreography.
As a choreographer and dance filmmaker, I create conceptual works focused on tackling themes like mental health and human connection. My piece “the conversation” meditates on isolation and vulnerability through intimate contemporary partnering.
What makes me unique is the marriage of my versatile technical training with tireless creativity. I draw inspiration from any environment, always exploring new ways movement can interact with sound, visuals, and storytelling. My diversity as an artist allows endless exploration.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Reach out to me on my website or Instagram!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haydenrivas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydenrivas/
Image Credits
Cathryn Farnsworth and Lee Gumbs
