Today we’d like to introduce you to Oriane Serveille-Nlate.
Hi Oriane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when I was about four years old. I had tons of energy as a kid and my mom decided to put me in dance so I could get all my crazy energy out. When I was around 11 years old I discovered that dance was more than just a passion and that I really wanted to dedicate most of my free time to this. At the age of 13, I started traveling on my own to various dance conventions and dance camps all around the World. I grew up in Austria and dance was not so popular at the time. Seeing all these amazing choreographers and hearing about their role in the industry opened my eyes on “Dance the Career”. I never thought I could make a living out of dance but they showed me what the industry was about and how big Dance actually is. I trained in various dance styles so I could have as much knowledge as possible. As soon as I graduated from high school I hoped on a planed and went to the city of dreams: Los Angeles. I trained as a beast all day everyday day. I had one goal in mind: becoming the best of my generation. I stayed there for a few months, and it became my little ritual. I would come to the States multiple times a year to train, build up connections, learn about the industry, and hope to be able to move one day. When I came back to Europe I started teaching and became one of the best female dancers from Europe. I had the chance to work with amazing artists like Ed Sheeran, PinkPantheress, Central See, Tinashe, Virgil Abloh, M.I.A., Fally Ipupa, and many more. Not only did I work as a professional dancer but also as a Choreographer, Creative Director, Model, and Influencer.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but what is? Dance is a very competitive world and like everyone says: only the strongest survive. Coming from a family where artists were nowhere to be find, choosing that path wasn’t easy. I had to “prove” to them that I could make a living out of dance and build a strong career. Having that constant pressure of making someone proud or making them believe in you was not always easy. Unfortunately, the reality of this industry also came at me pretty strong and I had to deal with it. Becoming a professional dancer is not easy. I decided to quit college two years in to pursue dance full time and it was probably one of the toughest decisions I had to make. Wanting to fulfill your family’s expectations and your own dream at the same time. Hearing “No” at Auditions or seeing someone else get the job in front of you. Being rejected because you don’t fit the “standards”… that is hard and hurtful but it is also a way to grow and It is your choice to turn it into strength and learn from it. I am more than proud of myself for sticking to it and believing in myself. Thanks to that motivation I did manage to make a living out of dance and I am now able to discover the world, blessed with amazing opportunities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional Dancer, Choreographer, and Model. I recently danced for Usher on his French Residency here in Paris and I am now an Assistant Creative Director on Fally Ipupa’s current Tour. I have appeared in multiple music videos from Ed Sheeran to Shy’m. Collaborated with brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Stella McCartney, Off white, L’Original, JD Sport, Snipes…
I am mostly known as Oriane, the dancer and teacher for my unique style and energy. I am passionate about my work and I truly believe that people see it and love me for it. I am proud of myself! Sure, my jobs matter and there is definitely some big goal achieved in the mix but beyond finally proud of myself is my biggest achievement.
I think the way I approach everything is what sets me apart. Over the years I realized that dance became way too serious for a lot of us. Classes were all about filming and being seen; auditions were about crushing the person next to you so you can have the job… People were losing the spark and that is what I am trying to bring back in my classes and wherever I am in general. My versatility is also a big plus in my career. I am not the typical Ballet/JAzz/Hip Hop package dancer. I also focused on different ways of moving instead of thinking strictly “Styles”. Like that I was able to discover my way of moving and my personal touch.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Okay fun anecdote, I am Austria’s Junior Badminton Champion. Dance was not the first one of my extracurricular activities until late in the process. I was more of a Tomboy growing up and did all kinds of sports from Boxing to Horse back-riding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oriane2504/
Image Credits
Oriane Serveille-Nlate Henri Mahieu JUNGLE Aloïse Sauvage Jena Divol
