Today we’d like to introduce you to Aimee Smyke.
Hi Aimee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a dancer, teacher, and choreographer living in Los Angeles. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio and started dancing at age three. My mother put me in dance classes as a form of therapy – I was born 10.5 weeks premature and needed extra help developing my physical, mental, and social skills. I remember dreading being in a dance class at first. Little Aimee was so shy! I loved to dance but the concept of being in a room with other kids I didn’t know and an adult other than my mom terrified me. As a kid, I was in and out of the hospital a bit because of my Crohn’s disease diagnosis. My mom was always there to help me through the scary parts and not being able to have her by my side in dance class terrified me. It took me a few years but I kept going and eventually realized that I loved dance class. It pulled me out of my shell and got me into my body. It also connected me with so many other kids- I would be much more introverted if it weren’t for dance class growing up. It was my freshman year of high school when I realized how much dance meant to me and that I wanted to do it as long as I possibly could. I realized how emotionally therapeutic it was and I began to find my own artistic voice as I entered my teen years.
High school was incredibly stressful for me so I always looked forward to getting out of the classroom and into the studio. I knew I wanted to go to college for dance so I did everything I could sophomore-senior year to make that happen. That meant keeping my grades up, extracurricular/volunteer activities, teaching/volunteering at my dance studio, and spending every free second I had training in the studio or attending dance conventions (it also meant sleeping very little). The hard work paid off and I got into my top school, Pace University. Although it was an intense schedule and training, Pace really helped give me the tools and make the connections that better transitioned me into the professional dance world. I think what’s helped me navigate/enjoy my career post-college is both honoring the fact that I am an artist with her own distinct voice as well as finding community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While dance requires you to stay on top of your physical health, I think an even bigger challenge may be caring for your mental and spiritual health. This means (although it feels impossible at times) avoiding feelings of comparison and the acceptance of rejection. In a career where you are so easily judged on your body and your art, it is extremely challenging to get past judgement. I’m continuously learning and re-learning how to can avoid self-sabotage and be confident in myself and my voice. Along with comparison, a huge aspect I’ve dealt with is body-dysmorphia. Body dysmorphia is, unfortunately, something so many dancers and athletes deal with every day. Again, when having your body be a sort of product or advertisement in this industry, it’s easy to judge aesthetics and the physical self. Lastly, honoring when my body or brain needs a break is a huge challenge. If you don’t listen to cues of exhaustion, then burnout is inevitable.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. I specialize in contemporary, jazz, theater, and tap dance. I am most proud of my ability to bring character and individuality into my movement and choreography.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What makes me the happiest/what matters the most to me is definitely inspiring others as well as being inspired. This is because to me, feelings of inspiration is the absolute best feeling in the world. It’s invigorating, exciting, thought-provoking and brings people and ideas together.
Contact Info:
- Website: aimeesmyke.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aimeesmyke/
Image Credits
Justin Villanueva
