Check Out Mengeh Windlander’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mengeh Windlander

Hi Mengeh, 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?
I think I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts. As kids, we’re always asked what we wish to be when we grow up. Even though I wanted to be many different things throughout the years – bunny whisperer, president or equestrian being some of them, I always held on to – artist, performer and creative. Growing up with a lot of support and creative freedom as well as being exposed to different cultures, attending festivals and performances from a young age definitely helped nourish that side of me and see what I wanted in life.
My dance journey began in classical ballet, training at Kulturskolan in Stockholm, Sweden.
At age 14, I started expanding my versatility and began competing nationally and internationally with my local dance studios’ hip-hop crew – New York Dance Crew.
In high school, I gained further experience performing on stage and branched out into singing and acting at Lunds Dance & Musical Gymnasium. Simultaneously, I began exploring my love for creating and choreographing and was given the opportunity to teach various classes at my local dance studio. Upon graduating I got accepted into The American Musical And Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Los Angeles, CA and moved across the globe to pursue my dreams in America.
During my time at AMDA, my dedication to developing my craft and training grew stronger, broadening my technique and versatility. My interest in film and editing also piqued at this time, letting me direct, create, edit and produce short films, dance and non-dance. Committed to my craft, I graduated with a BFA in Dance Theater in the early spring of 2024. Upon graduating, I got signed with Bloc Talent Agency, which was a dream come-true for me. Although it’s been a challenging year acclimating to life outside of the comfort and structure of school, I’ve had so many beautiful experiences and opportunities throughout the year and look forward to even more growth and opportunities in the new year and future.

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 to where I am today – I can say with certainty has been the rockiest and most unreliable roller coaster I’ve ever stepped foot on, but every second, sacrifice or tears lost in the process of it is worth it in the end. Everything I’ve experienced so far in my journey and upon moving to the states to pursue my dreams has taught me a valuable lesson whether I understood it at the time or later down the line. One of the biggest struggles has definitely been leaving family, friends and everything I saw as familiar – acclimating to the American culture, its people and completely switching from Swedish to 100% English was one of the biggest struggles and having to figure out a lot by myself, not having a support system here in America felt very daunting and lonely at times. Standards and expectations have also been a huge struggle for me through it all – especially the expectations I hold for myself, which has created a very toxic relationship between myself and my art, stripping me of my confidence and love for it. The challenges I’ve faced and/ or are currently facing are building resilience and strength for whatever the future has in store for me and I am very grateful for the community and friends I have today and the constant support I’m given.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dancer, actor and creative. For the past year, my focus has been within the commercial realm, where I’ve had the opportunity to perform in music videos, live stage performances and shows where I have been back up dancing for artists as well as acting in commercials. What I am most proud of would definitely be the connections I’ve made and all the wonderful people I’ve met throughout all the various projects I have been able to take part in. How I’ve been able to bring the choreographers’ or director’s vision to life are also the most heartwarming and meaningful moments to be proud of. What I think sets me apart from others are my experiences, thoughts and feelings. I am my own unique person with my own baggage, views and perspectives, which allow me to move and storytell only the way I can.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like the most about LA is the variety of people I’ve met. It’s such a mix of locals, internationals and people from all over America, which is so amazing. I’ve met so many kind and genuine people here in LA that I’m extremely grateful for.
What I like the least is the extreme homelessness problem – it makes me very sad seeing so many people struggle with addiction and just trying to survive on the streets of LA.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mengehwindlander/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Image Credits
Jocelyn Campbell
Yancy Perez
Vince Trupsin