Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Davis.
Grace, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My mom grew up always wanting to be a dancer, but it was something her parents could never afford. She used to tell me that she would love to watch the ballerinas dance, and that she knew she would put her daughter in dance. I started dancing at the age of two. My mom actually lied about my age so that I could start with my cousin Madison. I started dancing competitively at the age of five and did that until I graduated. Performing was something I’ve always loved and knew I was meant to do. I spent my junior and senior year at all the college dance auditions, but AMDA was the perfect fit for me. I attend AMDA on scholarship where I am getting a BFA in Dance Theater. I spend about 35 hours a week dancing from classes and rehearsals.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I never got acceptance or support for my dreams to become a dancer and an actor. I am from the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, and a lot of people don’t move away. Moving to LA to become a dancer, actor, or anything in the realm is frowned about where I come from. I had friends tell me I wasn’t good enough or that it would never happen for me. My school counselors and teachers told me my dreams weren’t realistic and I needed a backup plan. I remember we once talked about our future careers in my genetics class junior year of high school. Everyone in my class said they wanted to be something in the medical field and I said I wanted to be a dancer and I will never forget my teacher’s reaction. She looked at me up and down and laughed in front of the entire class. I was shocked that an educator would put a student down for their dreams. I was lucky that I had supportive parents who always had my back and pushed me to go after my dreams whatever they may be.
AMDA (school) – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Dance Theater major at AMDA. I am dancing about 35 hours a week and have singing and acting classes as well. After I graduate, I hope to do more Commercial Dance. I also found a new love for acting because of AMDA, so I would love to be in a television show where I could act and dance. My school really gets you ready for the real world and gives you all the necessary tools to become successful after you graduate. You take every style of dance, so that you can become a very well-rounded dancer. AMDA has such diverse and talented faculty that cares about each student. Going to college for dance was the best decision I made because it allows me to network with LA dancers and choreographers, so that I can start working right after I graduate.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Delaney Glazer is an LA dancer who has danced for Chris Brown and Justin Bieber. She is from my town and is someone who I have always admired and looked up to. Moving to LA from my small town was pretty scary, but I saw that she did it and was successful, so I knew I could do it too. My mom was my biggest cheerleader throughout my dance training. She never missed a performance or competition and was there front row cheering me on. I have my dad to thank for my character. He always taught me the importance of kindness, loyalty, and working hard. People don’t want to hire dancers who are hard to work with, so my dad taught me that side of working.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @gracekatherinedavis
- Facebook: Grace Katherine Davis
- Twitter: @gracekdavis
- Other: LinkedIn- Grace Davis
Image Credit:
Joan Fisher
Alyssa Park
Juan Aguilar
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