Today we’d like to introduce you to Darius Hickman
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Darius, I’m a 26 year-old originally born in West Palm Beach, Fl.. My story is pretty simple as far as the steps I took to get to this point in my career & life. I started dancing at about 11 years of age. It all started when my god- mother took me to see a local dance team’s recital. I had immediately became obsessed with the stage, and the feeling I got watching others perform. I remember thinking to myself “wow, I need to know what that feels like”. Due to my excitement, my god-mother insisted I be enrolled into the after-school program. I started to become exposed to all styles of dance (to some intermediate level). Shortly after discovering a (Bak) middle school for performing arts where I would audition, make it in, and go on to get into the sister school (A.W. Dreyfoos) school for performing arts. At these 2 programs I began to develop a real passion & love for the art of dance, and these creative spaces in general. I became so invested in wanted to learn, that I also started to attend a second after-school program that specialized in more “technique” & “performance” training. After graduating high school at that point I had been training in styles like Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Horton, Partnering, and more. Which initially led me to decided I wanted to be in a company, doing concert dance. However knew how important education was for my god-parents. So I decided to go to college, major in dance & Psychology, and then audition for a company after graduation. But after about 2 years & feeling like I wasn’t living up to my potential. I realized I wanted to see how much further I could go & learn. I went on to audition for SYTYCD, a commercial dance competition show where I would place top 6. This opportunity really launched me into the commercial space, and got me inspired to continue on the journey. Getting an agent, auditioning gig after gig, and booking dream jobs I didn’t even know I wanted or that was in store for me.
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 hasn’t always been smooth. From not having the most amazing childhood, my mom not being as present in earlier years, my aunt passing (who raised me a good portion of my life). My father being absent from my life altogether. Feeling bad sometimes for the blessings that have always been placed in my life, but not thinking I should enjoy them because others may be going through something.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional dancer, content creator, and choreographer. Im most proud of my worth ethic in any professional space. I’m proud of the outcome that I’m able to produce where my audience have felt something. They’ve left touched, inspired, motivated, or just happy. Whether it be touring, music videos, teaching class, or creating content online.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think life is abut taking risks. I know the talents and power that I’ve been fortunate enough to posses. However, I know there are also so many other people aware of this as well. I think the difference is some are afraid to take the risk & bet on themselves. If won’t take a leap of faith on yourself or for something you may want to go after, how can you except anyone else to. I also think my biggest risk that I take everyday is being my authentic self. I find this can become incredibly difficult in the world like today where everything can be so influenced. It’s important to have fully realized version of self especially in a creative space.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: dariushickman_
- Twitter: _Dariushickman_
- Youtube: Darius Hickman
Image Credits
@d.vision_
