Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie La Rose
Valerie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started as a girl who loved dancing and performing back in Amsterdam where I grew up. When I had the choice I decided I wanted to study dance and got my BA in Performing arts. Right after I graduated I started working as a professional dancer in The Netherlands and all over Europe. But I’d always loved acting as well. So next to working as a dancer I started taking more acting classes and courses and just wanted to dive deeper into theatrical acting. Till I got the confidence and made the decision to apply for a US work permit, move to LA and pursue acting even further. I’ve been lucky to have had and still have the opportunities to work in national commercials, short films, web series and independent films. I also love creating my own stories. This year I wrote and shot my first short film and am currently writing and making another film.
Next to my acting work I also teach yoga classes here in LA. Because I’ve always loved movement and had been doing yoga for many years next to dancing, I decided to get my teachers certificate. I think it’s a beautiful combination of being creative as an actress and filmmaker and staying grounded and mindful with my yoga.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely not just been a smooth road. You have to have thick skin when it comes to auditioning and be able to brush off the ‘no’s’. It can also be hard to miss family and friends at times, especially when work might not be going great.
I also had to be adaptable in many ways; I stopped dancing professionally partly because of an injury I had for years. But that lead me to dive deeper into yoga and eventually turning that into a profession.
And of course other curve balls life throws at all of us, like Covid. I had lived in LA for about 2,5 years before Covid hit. I was visiting Amsterdam March 2020 to renew my Visa, and got stuck because of the borders closing. When I came back to LA after 2+ years it felt a bit like I had to start all over. But with clear goals I always try to get back on track!
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 love creating stories with my acting work and also through writing and filmmaking. I always try to incorporate something of myself and my own personal world view, being from Amsterdam with South American decent, to anything I create.
I’m most proud of that I’m able to work consistently in the entertainment field, doing what I love.
I also love creating my yoga classes with the underlying knowledge of the body through my dance background. I always try to add a sense of story woven through my classes.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
There is no linear line to success. Have healthy habits, work on your craft everyday, collaborate, create your own stuff, Enjoy life and do things that inspire you. That can be as simple as a walk in nature daily. Be bold.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valerielarose.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerielarose
- Other: https://vimeo.com/892423946
Image Credits
Orlando Pitaro, Hanna Hachula, Chaya, Dan Smarg
