Meet Alyssa Allen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Allen.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am in a stage of life where I am finally able to work independently as a freelance artist. I recently graduated from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance in the inaugural class and will be living in Los Angeles for the next year or so with my family. I grew up training with Jessie Riley in her pre-professional contemporary dance company, Westside Dance Project in Laguna Hills at the Dmtri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy studying Vaganova ballet. On top of this, I attended The Orange County School of the Arts and studied in the Commercial dance department under the direction of Jim Kolb. Also, I was fortunate enough to travel the country during the latter years of high school touring with various dance conventions (24seven, Nuvo, Jump) after having won nationals 2013 and 2014.

I honestly do not have concrete plans regarding the next year, but instead of letting that consume me with anxiety, I am living in the beauty of the present moment. I am thoroughly excited for what this year will bring. I recently did a job with Andrew Winghart dancing in the Country Music Awards for Little Big Town and performed repertoire by Crystal Pite all within the same month! It’s these differing opportunities in dance that excite me most and I love being able to do every job, as long as it retains its dignity and respect for dance. That being said, my goals are to work as much as possible within the concert and commercial realm this year. Beyond this year, I have dreams of joining a touring dance company that is based anywhere in the world.

Has it been a smooth road?
There are about to be many struggles that I face this year. One definitely being belief; belief in myself. Rejection from auditions or jobs is going to be tough and try to shake my foundation, but I have to remember to be strong when I want to feel weak by realizing that a closed door leads to an open window.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an independent artist. I am known for being an individual through and through. I am known for being more than a dancer… I am a person before I am an artist. I am known for my colorful behavior and weirdo tendencies. I am known to listen and respond with love. I am known to make mistakes. I am known that I’m a work in progress, a student for life, and a child at heart. I am also known as Papi Louise which is my Instagram handle that I randomly coined for myself.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Los Angeles. I’m born and raised here. There’s something magical about a city that is just developing its dance foundation. I see holes where dance lacks, therefore I am able to fill it because I am a unique individual. This city needs more individuals to fill these holes and less prototypes of what the industry wants. We definitely need more funding in this city to keep companies afloat. But I absolutely love this city.

Pricing:

• Setting Solo Choreography $650
• Private 2 hour Lesson $500

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @papilouise

Image Credit:
Personal: Kristin Lewis, Tilt is Lee Gumbs, Fabric is Maria Alvarez, Red beret is Cody Green

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