Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayanna Butler.
Hi Ayanna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started dancing at the age of three, I grew up in the arts community… my parents actually met each other at an audition. I trained in ballet, modern dance and took private vocal lessons throughout elementary and high school at the School For the Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, OH. In the summers, I’d go away and train at vigorous dance programs and return a different dancer every time.
That’s where my passion for teaching dance comes from now, living through these types of transformations made me want to help students achieve the same. I danced for several companies on the East Coast as well as performed with theater companies as a singer and dancer. In 2014, I decided I had done my time in New York City for a while and that I should give the West a try. After a tour with my dance company in Seattle, WA I visited a friend of mine who lived here in California. That was it for me, I knew the West was calling me and I moved a little less than a year later. Since being in LA, I’ve expanded myself in so many unexpected ways and grown as an artist in many different facets. I am able to use all of these experiences to mold my lifestyle here. I have worked here professionally as a makeup artist, actress/VO, singer/dancer, and instructor. It seems like a lot, but I am surprised everyday at the things that fall in your lap living in Los Angeles. My experiences led me to even travel overseas and expand my love for all of my passions and some of my hobbies such as being a self-proclaimed foodie! All of my friends know they get free laughs, good food, probably a workout, or some beauty maintenance and great stories with me!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has never been smooth, even from early on. Being a young black dancer, options are limited and you are taught that very early. Beyond that, dance in general is extremely competitive and requires a lot of life commitment. As an artist, especially in New York, you learn that honing other skills is important. In the struggle, you learn how to survive and develop love for the things that help you to do so. This is how I discovered my love for the beauty industry; taking a side job and learning the artistry behind it can open new ventures. I lost many people along the way, had so much rejection, and just life beating you up at the worst times. New cities are hard in general, then add in trying to chase a dream. Not being afraid to go into the blaze regardless of how scared you are comes from these kinds of struggles.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am a dance instructor, and I freelance in the beauty industry. I have worked as a makeup artist and am also a licensed nail technician. When I’m not doing any of that, you can find me in my home setup submitting voice overs! I work for myself and welcome any and all opportunities to use the experiences I have. That’s what sets me apart, I am obsessed with learning, and most importantly putting the work in to do the job efficiently. Depending on where you know me, you may know me for different things! But no matter what, I am always known as a dancer, that is a huge part of my life. On stage, I’m known for taking the audience with me wherever I am going. Performing is something I love, and it’s impossible not to share that. I am most proud of the amount of students in my life that I’ve had the privilege of sharing the room with. Those were extremely valuable and teachable moments for me as well. I wouldn’t be any of the things I am without fantastic instructors. It is absolutely a full-circle moment.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to networking, I find that being pleasant goes such a long way. Many people forget the ‘human” part of networking. If someone respects and wants to be around you than it is more likely that a professional relationship will form. Being too forward about what you need all the time or even what you can offer rubs people the wrong way. Mentor-ships were earned when I was younger. You showed someone how dedicated you were despite any hardships, and they knew it was in everyone’s best interest to help you get to the next level. Being patient, professional, able to execute, a good listener/observer, and generally pleasant is a really good cocktail for longevity. It reads genuine, and those you want to network with and share or learn from appreciate you being genuine.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @YannaLuvLife
Image Credits
Bill Hebert David Hao
