Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Jane.
Tanya, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia I began dancing when I was five years old. Ever since I can remember dance has always been my main focus and a priority of mine that I’ve put first in my life so naturally. When I think back to my teen years, there was never a second option or plan B for me, I always knew I would be a professional dancer and I always knew I would move to LA to pursue that dream.
My move to LA happened quicker than I had anticipated. I was 19 years old and just finished a 13-month contract at Universal Studios Singapore, where I was a part of the original cast to open a new show at the park. I was in LA on a holiday and staying by myself at a hotel where a friend of mine told me that a dance agency was having an audition. I thought why not go, I have nothing to lose! I ended up auditioning and getting signed by MSA agency. This lead to me being informed about the visa process to move here, and I started to realize that this huge dream of mine to live in LA could become an actual possibility if I really wanted it. My flight back to Australia was scheduled for a few days later and I decided to cancel it and trust my gut instinct to stay in LA and make this visa happen.
The visa process is not a simple one, and thinking back to that time I truly believe not knowing what I was getting myself into worked to my advantage… Instead of being overwhelmed by the task at hand, I was able to tackle the obstacles of the visa as they came without over thinking and doubting myself.
This visa process moved very quickly for me, which was my sign that I was exactly where I needed to be. Before I knew it, my visa was approved and I was packing up my life to live in LA for the next three years.
I have now been living in LA for seven years and am currently on my 4th visa. In this time I have had the opportunity to achieve more than I could’ve imagined! I’ve had the chance to dance for artists such as Bebe Rexha, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Nick Jonas, Faith Evans, Sage the Gemini and Kat Graham, as well as perform on 3 USA tours and a European tour.
These past seven years have not been easy, I have worked extremely hard, learned a lot of lessons about myself, life and this industry and have been through plenty of ups and downs! I am extremely grateful for the friends I have in this city and to my family for being my support system over these past seven years, because of them I have been able to fulfill my dreams and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! 🙂
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
This industry is a crazy one and can definitely take you on a wild ride! Something I tell people who are trying to achieve that big goal or dream is to believe in yourself and your greatness, know how much you have to offer. If you don’t believe in that, then who will?!
Staying grateful is another key to success! It’s so easy to get focused on the goal ahead, but don’t let it overshadow the journey you are currently on and all the incredible things you have already achieved. There is enough opportunity for everyone, put in work and trust the process!
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is the amount of auditions that get held each year in the dance industry is becoming less and less each year. This, in my opinion, has to do with social media, and is not necessarily a negative at all! I think being able to put out the work you are proud of and to be seen continuously from such a wide variety of people is incredible and provides a lot of opportunity! With that being said, I know how overwhelming social media can be, so I personally make sure what I post is content that I would be happy to send to a casting agent or submit to an audition and just overall be proud of myself and what I have to offer. 🙂
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My Instagram @tanyajane_ is where I put all my work up to be seen… There will be a mix of photos, dance videos and the jobs I have had the chance to be a part of.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 818 270 6993
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @tanyajane_
Image Credit:
David Crespin, Wes Klain
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