Rising Stars: Meet Erin Gray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Gray.

Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing at the age of three. I studied Ballet, Jazz & Contemporary. I started Modeling at the age of eight and then began acting at the age of 13. Showbiz has been my life. I continued my dance studies throughout the years, where I also began training in Hip Hop. I did a full-time performing arts course at Brent Street Studios in Sydney, Australia (where I’m originally from) and received my Certificate IV in performing arts. After that, I continued to do some dance gigs, worked four different jobs including teaching dance, and then later on booked a feature film as an actress.

Also, during this time, I auditioned for Hong Kong Disneyland as a Specialty performer/Dancer/The little Mermaid in a stage show and booked it, so I moved overseas to Hong Kong. After my Hong Kong contract was up, I then went to Singapore and worked in a Pop group show called the ‘Maxim Dolls’ for a few months and then once that was up, I was hired into a different show at Universal Studios. I also worked other dance jobs, taughter dance classes and modeled on the side.

I was able to save up my money and make my dream move to LOS ANGELES. It had been my dream and goal since I was a little girl. I told my Mom when I was 13 that I was moving to Hollywood when I grew up… and here I am nine years later.

While being out here, I landed an agent and have been blessed and able to work in Stage Shows, TV Shows, Music Videos, Commercials, Film, Corporate jobs, Choreographed for Jobs and Judged major dance competitions.

Some artists I have worked with include: Ariana Grande, Sean Kingston, Chromeo, The Beach Boys, Red Foo, Mila J, Dawn Richard, Marques Houston, Daddy Yankee, Natalie La Rose, Lexy Panterra, Patrick Star, Laci Kay Somers… to name a few.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I have always worked really hard to get where I have gotten. Nothing has been handed to me but I believe in hard work. I have been told along the way that I would never have a career in dance, I would probably not get my visa to America because it’s difficult, I should look for another career and even from my family side that I should move back home and move on to a new life.

The thing is, I have the strength and willpower in my heart to keep going because I know what I love to do and I know where I want to be. All those discouraging comments have only pushed me to try even harder and keep ongoing. I have proved to myself so far that I have what it takes.

Lastly living on the other side of the world is incredible, but it means you are very far from your family and friends. In order to live the life I want over here has meant sacrificing or missing major milestones back home like Weddings, Birthday’s, Births, Deaths and Holidays.

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?
As a professional dancer, I don’t just do one thing. My work varies from Stage Shows, Music Videos, Commercials, Judging Dance Competitions, Corporate Gigs, TV & Film, Choreographing and I am also in a Synchronized Swimming performance group. That’s what makes my work fun because there is always something different happening. I have danced in a lot of venues and events around LA and so a lot of dancers know me through that. I have done some fun jobs doing Burlesque, Showgirl, Cabaret and dancing to live singers/bands.

On the side… I love comedy!! I love to make people smile, so for years I have been creating my own comedy sketches for fun at home and posting them. I get good responses from them, so I will continue to make people laugh when I can 🙂

What sets me apart is that I’m a hard-working, fun Australian girl who isn’t just a one trick pony 😉

One day you will see me in a Hip Hop on a Music Video, the next I’m synchronized swimming, then I’m writing my own comedy skits to choreographing for Disney auditions to performing on stage with a live band at the W Hotel 😉

I’d like to call myself a creative random!

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I always take risks. I am a go-getter. Apart from everyday life… I look at skills I want to learn, even if they seem scary or dangerous and I go for it because I like the challenge and to have different skills up my sleeve.

I have trained in Aerial Hoop, Synchronized Swimming, Sway Pole & Acrobatics since being in LA.

Taking life risks… always. I believe taking risks is important in order to grow and learn more about yourself and your potential as a human being!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.erinannegray.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/erinannegray
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinannegray/
• Other: imdb.me/erinannegray

Image Credits:
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: THE BEACH BOYS, ARIANA GRANDE, DAWN RICHARD, RED FOO, VIVICA FOX