Today we’d like to introduce you to Chehon Wespi-Tschopp.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chehon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, the word FORCE was always my favorite word. FORCE to me meant a special power or special quality that you possess. I feel like you can apply that to any performer (and especially dancer), which is how FORCEMEMBERS came to be. FORCEMEMBERS are dancers who act as representatives of the IAF brand.
At a young age, I didn’t necessarily have the ability to create my own things. This was the driving force behind my want and need to create. I always had a deep passion for film and photography so I started shooting my own little projects with FORCEMEMBERS and experimenting. The projects then evolved into creative events, like the IAF Experience which I told every year.
From there, I really wanted to open up a creative space of my own where I could tie everything together into one place, which is why I opened up my own studio in the heart of North Hollywood; the IAF Compound.
I am in the midst of running various projects at IAF. We currently host weekly open dance classes at the IAF Compound, the IAF Mentorship (a yearlong training program for dancers looking to break into the industry), FORCEMEMBERS (dancers who represent IAF as a brand), and the newest addition, my first professional IAF Company (a dance company dedicated to creating and performing quality on-camera works).
Great, 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?
My biggest challenge was to turn what was my passion project into a full-scale business. I quickly learned that running a business was completely different from growing up as a creative performer.
IAF has experienced an incredible amount of growth in a very short amount of time. I’m grateful it has grown exponentially in the last few years, but it has proven to be an on-going challenge on how to manage time. It can be hectic at times, but I am very thankful for the expansion and am excited for what the future holds!
IAMFORCE – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from others?
I began hosting the IAF Experience in 2015 with the goal of showcasing the art of performing on camera and making dancers movements and personality read to audiences. Above all, I wish for the Experience to challenge dancers to be unique in their approach to movement and to make bold choices. IAF is all about finding the special force that makes you unique, both as a person and as a dancer. The IAF Experience this year will be held July 29-August 1. (You can register at www.iamforce.eventbrite.com or through the link in our Instagram bios).
In general, IAMFORCE is a creative dance brand that is unique in appearance and feel! My goal is to connect aspiring dancers with top industry choreographers and directors to create job opportunities. The industry is quickly changing in a way where social media influencers are being requested for performances and branding opportunities. IAF is geared to give artists a voice through creative video content that is showcased on social media outlets and Youtube.
We now hold weekly open classes at the IAF Compound. Our class schedule can be found on our website or on the IAF app, where you can also register!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Hearing and receiving positive feedback from those I respect in the dance industry.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6933 Farmdale Ave
North Hollywood, CA 91605 - Website: www.iamforce.com
- Phone: (818) 358-2097
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @iafcompound @iamforce
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAFstudios/
- Other: www.youtube.com/user/CheForceDance
Image Credit:
IAF
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