Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendal Villa
Hi Kendal, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am currently studying at UC Irvine to receive a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography as well as a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. My passion as a performing artist remains versatile as I continue training in dance, theater, music, choreography, and videography. I have been training consistently with various instructors in Los Angeles and Orange County, Liberate Commercial Artists Collective, Entity Contemporary Dance, Lume Dance Collective, Offstage Dance Studio, and MashUp Contemporary Dance Co. I remember my first inspiration to become a professional dancer was seeing an extravagant set in a dance competition and now I am an ambitious dance choreographer, director, and performing artist. While searching for a higher education, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the arts and explore avenues such as entrepreneurial work, film production, and bridging together collaborations amongst artists from various disciplines. In my second year of college, I co-founded the Jazz Co-Lab club at UC Irvine in order to set up a community for musicians, movers, and observers to enjoy playing in jam sessions. The best way I feel I can offer my knowledge is by navigating life consistently curious and engaging in new experiences. My purpose as an artist is to cultivate a collaborative environment and learn from other creatives in order to grow as an individual.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like anything in life, there are doubts, fears, or even people that may hinder oneself from pursuing something. I came to a realization really late in my life that through navigating my hardest obstacles by myself, I gave no grace or relief to heal. It is by allowing myself to be vulnerable that strengthened my support system so that I was not stuck bearing so much weight on my shoulders. So much has happened in life that still brings me grief and circumstances about the unfairness of certain industries, but I truly believe a support system has been the greatest contribution to continue pushing forward. This pertains to personal growth development as well as my career as a professional performing artist. I didn’t know I wanted to make a career out of the performing arts my whole life, dance was simply a part of my life from the beginning. As I grew up, I strived to be a strong, compassionate, and reliable member of any team I was a part of. There were not always those with the same values, in fact, I was often outcasted because of my dedication. It took me a long time to recognize all of my accomplishments in the midst of feeling like I had accomplished nothing. To anyone that is terrified of not knowing what to do in life, follow your passions and do something you love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional dancer and choreographer, and I am adding film direction into my repertoire as I have found a love for creating artistic pieces for the stage and dance films. Some of my recent choreographic work includes Claire Nichols “Good Politician” music video, a Cracked Egg Co. dance film, Far Beyond Forever, a dance break in the documentary, Dancing in Tomorrowland, and a dance film I directed, Dirt Von Dutch.
I carve out time to workshop personal projects to hone in my craft as a choreographer by writing my concepts. This helps me cultivate my visions that can be for either the stage or screen. When I picture my concepts, they are vivid and clear in my mind so I feel comfortable expressing my visions to my co-directors or director of photography. As I continue learning the terminology and techniques of video production, I will be able to communicate effectively with those working on the projects and involve them in the creative process. This sets me apart from other choreographers because I often see each role so separated that there is almost a barrier between getting the message across, which is why I am actively learning to bridge the gap between the artists and technical departments.
I have been keeping busy this summer with projects and training, which includes Liberate Commercial Artists Collective’s two week intensive at Loyola Marymount University and Entity Contemporary Dance’s one week summer intensive. We had dance classes in various genres, educational seminars pertaining to money, branding, and sustaining a life as a performing artist, as well as rehearsals that prepared my peers and I for industry work in agency showcases and mock auditions. My 2024 summer schedule now includes my Offstage internship, where I train under videography, liaison work, management, and financing branches. I am doing my part as an artist to ensure that I am as reliable in a business as I am versatile in my dancing, which is why I work so hard in my studies and training. I also guest taught tap classes at a dance studio for their summer intensive, which reminded me of how a young dancer feeds off the environment the instructor gives. I have had my share of both inspiring as well as degrading teachers and peers, so I make it my priority to ensure that my students are supported and motivated to continue their training while learning some practices that can be applied to their artistry and livelihood.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Life is unpredictable, why not give yourself opportunities? I lead with the concept that if I do not try, I won’t get the results. Whether I succeed right away or not, each attempt is a step in my progression to a goal. In my heart, I know that I will make a sustainable life for myself doing what I love. My mother was the first to go to college in my family, and she graduated from Cal State Fullerton while working multiple jobs and carrying for her family all at once. As the oldest sibling I carry a lot of responsibility to set the example, so that pressure has always been so stressful. I saw every single day when my parents went to work that they risked time and energy so that my little sister and I could have opportunities, but they took that risk so that they would be there when we needed them. A home, good school district, dance classes, choir competitions, drama performances, and home cooked meals were things I have been lucky to enjoy because of my parents. All I wanted was to be successful so that I could get them out to enjoy the fruits of their labor, and they still tell me that seeing my sister and I accomplish our dreams is what they want most. My whole life, I witnessed firsthand how risk can come with fatigue and perseverance, but I have been instilled since I was a little girl to commit to what I stand for and follow through with my choices.
My first experience with risk and decision making was before entering high school, when there were athletic and art program auditions being held. As a singer, dancer, and tennis player, I tried out for all three because otherwise I would never know what opportunities would arise. I was grateful to be accepted into the Advanced Dance level of the Dance Program and Dance Team, the highest level in the women’s choir, and the tennis program. While I wish it was possible to be involved in all departments, finances and studies for college preparations took precedence, so I decided to join the dance program my freshman year. This decision as a teenager showed me the breadth of options available when I give myself those opportunities because I went out and tried. I have been focused, dedicated, and headstrong my whole life, so I am where I feel I should be in life because my younger self fought hard to get me here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kendalv
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendal__villa/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kendalvilla?si=n1Rns4KoMVyb9cIs
Image Credits
Jan Origenes, Gio Morales, Lillian He, Lindsay Rosenberg, Lillian He, Therese Lagrimas, Skye Varga, Therese Lagrimas
