Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Rush
Hi Olivia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Olivia Rush (a.k.a. Sunshine)☀️
I am a Professional Dancer, Model, and Philanthropist from Allentown, PA. I currently reside in Los Angeles, CA. Dance has been an outlet, safe space, and form of expression; not just for me, but for so many. I fell in love with dance when I was 3 years old and began my professional journey at 15. At 14 years old i suffered from a traumatic brain injury as the result of severe bullying at my local dance studio at that time. I went through over a year of extensive therapy’s with little to no improvement. The Doctors told me I would basically never dance again and that I was lucky to be alive. I had given up hope on almost everything and that’s when my Mom decided to get through to me the only way she knew how and push me back into dance. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I want to help people from my experiences. I started my nonprofit Dance to Make a Change when I was 17 years old. Our mission is to create a safe space & outlet for those who have been the victims of bullying and trauma in the dance industry. I want to be that same love and light for others that I wish I had at that time. I am represented by
Bloc LA/Bloc NYC, and have been blessed to be mentored and trained by some of the best in the dance industry who also support me in my mission. I am also honored to be a Champion Teamwear Partner. I started out having free donation based classes in NYC in 2018 and have expanded to having larger events on the East Coast over the years. Last year we partnered with another non profit, Unique Movers, to create a second event called “Younited.” The main emphasis of my events are inclusivity and kindness. I also conduct yearly food drives / care bags to deliver much needed items to the homeless in both LA and NYC during the winter time. All proceeds from my events go to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
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?
I suffer with lasting effect from the TBI to this day. Along with migraines, nausea, and vertigo. I suffered trauma to the part of my frontal lobe that connects my peripheral and central vision, as a result I am not medically cleared to drive.
Unfortunately, I did still continue to bullied, stalked, and harassed by the same group of people for years following the incident.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional Dancer, Model, and Philanthropist. My main dance style is commercial hiphop, but I grew up classically trained in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, tap, etc.
Personally my favorite has been learning the foundations of hiphop and studying the culture. I’ve been trained in house, breaking, poppin, locking, vouge, waacking, litefeet, Chicago footwork, and more.
I’m very grateful for everyone who’s taught me and helped me get this far in my journey. I’ve been blessed enough to get to work with some amazing artists like Lil Wayne, Snoopdog, The Jonas Brothers, 5 Seconds of summer, Alyson Stoner, etc. Along with my first Netflix appearance on “That 90’s show” this June!
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to make by sharing my story. There is so much more power in our words than we realize. I was terrified to speak my truth, until I saw how sharing my experiences helped someone else. That first day after I shared my story for the first time, I remember waking up to an influx of DMs from kids, teens, and adults thanking me for sharing my story and how it inspired them. They then proceeded to tell me they went / were going through similar situations and asking for advice, etc. From there I started mentoring kids through social media. I remember walking into my mom’s room that same day and saying “I finally get it, this was the reason it happened. I’m supposed to help people from my experiences.” That was the day I started Sunshine Loves You and within a few months it quickly became Dance to Make a Change.
What sets me apart from others is my authenticity and fearlessness to stand apart from the crowd. I stand very strongly on my morals & values. I will always be the first one to speak up and advocate for others no matter the circumstance.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
In 2019 I was awarded the DIGITAL4GOOD award from #icanhelp, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping delete negativity online and promote digital safety. I was honored to be able to present my nonprofit at Facebook & Instagram headquarters which was lived streamed to thousands of schools across the country. I also got to pitch my nonprofit to their “Shark Tank” of mentors and investors that taught me so much about how to run and grow my organization. Getting connected with #icanhelp was such an unexpected blessing. Since then #icanhelp has invited me to speak at multiple seminars, conferences, assembles on the East & West Coast. Through that I’ve been able to discover my love and passion for public speaking, which is something I’m very nervous, but excited to continue pursuing in the future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshine_loves_you_?igsh=ZTl2ZmU0ZWE4a3Yx
- Soundcloud: https://www.iheart.com/artist/olivia-rush-37546751/songs/here-to-stay-159129836?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/dancetomakeachange?igsh=ZTJ4b2N6ZW1pbmcy
