Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden Rivas.
Hi Hayden, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It’s actually really funny the way I got into dance. My parents always told me that I was a “chubby baby” and they enrolled me in any physical activity that I could do. I distinctly remember my first studio, “Joy of Movement”, led by Susie Green, and taking a dance and rhythm class. While the studio isn’t around anymore, I can still envision the flowers that would hang on the walls and the wooden floors.
Without Susie and my first dance teachers (Nathalie Enns and Cody Green), I would not be where I am today. When writing my first bio for da Costa Talent Management’s website, my mom added that I told her and my father that I needed to be on that stage again. While I don’t remember why I had the urge to say that, I assume that it had to do something with how I feel when I dance on stage. Something about the lights, the audience becoming silent, and my body transforming into an interpretation of the music is a magical experience. It’s something that I still can’t explain. After telling my parents that I needed to return to the stage, they started to enroll me in other dance classes held at Joy of Movement. This was my first taste of other forms such as jazz, ballet, modern, and hip hop. I continued my training at Spiral Dance, Dance Effect, and finally PULSE Dance Centre. When I was in high school, I started to take dance more seriously and realized that it was something that I wanted to do for a living. I started traveling to regional competitions in the United States such as Nuvo Dance Convention, Jump Dance Convention, Radix, and New York City Dance Alliance.
From there, I was invited to finals that took place in New York and Orlando which showed me that a career in the arts is not only attainable but also possible. I was grateful to be a part of some film projects such as Disney’s Descendents 3 and Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist which opened up my eyes to the film and television industry. I also took part in community productions of Beauty and the Beast and Shrek The Musical which emphasized the power that theatre has. When I was 15 or 16, I heard of a new dance program that started at the University of Southern California’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. On a road trip to California, I told my parents that I needed to visit the school. I immediately fell in love and made it a goal to attend that school. I appreciated the fact that USC Kaufman pushes for a “hybrid” artist and allows students to pursue interests outside of dance. As a rising senior, I’m proud to say that I’ve accomplished many of the goals that I set forth for myself and am looking forward to my senior year.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey as a dancer has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. While I’ve experienced many moments of joy and fulfillment through dance, there have been struggles along the way that have tested my resolve. One significant challenge I faced was during the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s summer intensive, where I received discouraging feedback that I would never be a dancer. This feedback was disheartening and made me question my abilities and future as a dancer. It was a challenging moment to overcome, but it fueled my determination to prove those words wrong and continue pursuing my passion for dance. Being a male dancer has also presented its unique set of challenges. Dance has often been associated with femininity, and as a male dancer, I have encountered social stigmas and stereotypes. Navigating these biases, challenging traditional norms, and breaking stereotypes have required resilience and self-belief. However, it has also provided me with an opportunity to contribute to changing perceptions and creating positive change in the dance industry.
Furthermore, the dance industry can be intensely competitive and physically demanding, with grueling training schedules and the risk of injuries. Balancing these challenges while striving to improve my skills and pursue my passion has required unwavering dedication and perseverance. Despite these obstacles, I’ve learned that struggles are a part of any creative journey, and they can be overcome with determination and resilience. I’ve surrounded myself with a supportive community and sought mentorship from experienced dancers, which has provided valuable guidance and encouragement. I’ve also learned to stay true to myself, believe in my abilities, and never lose sight of my love for dance. I’ve realized that my goal is to advocate for dancers within the entertainment industry to ensure that their voices feel heard and they feel seen. In addition, I never saw anyone who looked like me growing up so I hope that I can advocate for AAPI artists and show that there is a career for us here. Looking back, I realize that these struggles have made me stronger and more resilient as a dancer and as an individual. I’ve grown both artistically and personally, and I continue to push forward, striving to achieve my goals and make a positive impact in the dance world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Absolutely! I’m excited to share more about my journey as a dancer. My work is primarily focused on dance in various forms, including television, film, live/stage performances, and virtual reality experiences. In television and film, I’ve had the privilege to work on notable projects like “So You Think You Can Dance,” as well as “Descendants 3” and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” in which I contributed my skills as a dancer and performer. In live/stage performances, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned choreographers and directors. I recently performed with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham at The Joyce in New York City. I also served as the associate choreographer for USC’s production of Sondheim on Sondheim.
I danced at REDCAT Now 2022: Week One and the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. I have danced in the world premiere of Kyle Abraham’s “Medulla Problems,” Jiří Kylián’s “Whereabouts Unknown,” and Doug Varone’s “The Momentum of Memory,” among others, where I’ve showcased my versatility in different dance styles and my commitment to pushing the boundaries of dance as an art form. I’ve also been involved in virtual reality experiences such as “Body of Mine Virtual Reality Experience,” which allowed me to explore dance in innovative and immersive ways, and “The Conversation,” where I had the opportunity to use my body as a means of storytelling in a unique and cutting-edge format. One of my proudest moments in my career as a dancer was winning the PNB Dance Film Festival for my short film “the construct of one.” It was a rewarding experience to see my artistic vision come to life and receive recognition for my creative contributions.
I also am proud of Cameron Kostopoulus’ project “Body of Mine” which recently won a Special Jury Award at SXSW 2023 in which I was the co-choreographer and principal. What sets me apart from others is my passion for storytelling through dance, my versatility in different dance styles, and my ability to collaborate effectively with directors, choreographers, and fellow dancers. I constantly strive to push the boundaries of dance and explore new ways of expression, which has allowed me to create unique and memorable performances. I’m known for my dedication to my craft, my commitment to excellence, and my willingness to take risks and embrace challenges. I pride myself on my ability to bring creativity and innovation to my work while maintaining a strong foundation in technique and artistry. Overall, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in my career as a dancer, and I look forward to continuing to grow, evolve, and create impactful dance experiences for audiences worldwide.
What makes you happy?
What makes me truly happy is the presence of my loving family and friends in my life. They are my pillars of support and bring me immense joy and fulfillment. Being surrounded by my family and friends fills my heart with happiness because they are my source of unconditional love, understanding, and encouragement. Their presence provides me with a sense of belonging, comfort, and security. I cherish the moments we spend together, whether it’s a simple gathering, a special occasion, or just a casual hangout. Their laughter, smiles, and genuine care lift my spirits and make me feel truly alive. My family, including my parents, siblings, and extended relatives, have been my constant support system throughout my life. They have cheered me on in my achievements, provided guidance during challenging times, and celebrated my successes with unwavering pride. Their love and presence in my life have been a driving force behind my pursuit of my passion and have given me the strength to overcome obstacles and persevere.
My friends, both old and new, have also played a significant role in my happiness. They are the ones who have shared my joys and sorrows, laughed with me, listened to me, and supported me through thick and thin. Their companionship, loyalty, and unwavering support have brought me immense happiness and have made my life richer and more meaningful. The joy of spending quality time with my family and friends, creating memories, and sharing experiences together is unparalleled. They bring warmth, laughter, and love into my life, and their presence fills my heart with happiness like nothing else. Knowing that I have people who genuinely care for me and whom I care deeply about brings me a sense of fulfillment and happiness that is truly invaluable. In conclusion, my family and friends are an integral part of my happiness. Their love, support, and companionship bring me immense joy and fulfillment, and I treasure the moments we share together. They are my greatest blessings, and I am grateful every day for the happiness they bring into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haydenrivas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haydenrivas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayden.rivas.58
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenrivas/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKKVVO019p8nFrzZkEVL_xQ
- Other: https://vimeo.com/haydenrivas
Image Credits
Zay Monae, Hannah Doerr, Jonathan Cubides, Matt de la Peña, Rose Eichenbaum
