Meet Dominique McDougal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique McDougal.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born and raised in Polk County, FL, I started training as a dancer at age 14. I credit Florida Dance Theatre under then Carol Erkes and Ferdinand “Freddie” DeJesus. I later moved around the US to further my training and research as an artist. Philadelphia followed by LINES Ballet in San Francisco. Eventually, I moved here to Los Angeles to freelance.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. So much adversity throughout my path as an artist that usually traced back to money… I grew up with a single mother raising four children and as the oldest, it was difficult to have financial freedom to travel wherever to train. With that being said I was awarded scholarships to different summer dance intensives and I had mentors taking me under their wings. Friends letting me crash on couches for months on in. It took a village for sure. My art has allowed me to travel the world and experience so many cultures, processes and people. So the reward is worth the blood, sweat and tear.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a dancer, choreographer artist that dabbles in drag and femme vogue adjacent performance in nightclubs. I work all throughout LA and for some reason, perform drag mainly in SF but for would like to extend my platform here in Southern California onward.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I enjoy best about LA is my community of artists. I am very blessed to have the circle that I have and for it to be so eclectic. Just real down to Earth people who continue to explore their art and leave the inflated ego at the door. Which brings me to what I dislike about this city. The pretentiousness of it all. It can be too much sometimes. Just make art, spread love and don’t take advantage of people’s art for “exposure.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dom.mcdou

Image Credit:
Moi Michel, Shae Walsh, Davide Laffe, Yudo Kurita

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.