My parents had no choice but to put me in dance classes – I just couldn’t stop performing. While other kids were out riding bikes or playing with friends, I was dancing around the living room, performing full concerts for my stuffed animals.
At restaurants, waiting for a table meant an impromptu show for anyone around, as I sang and danced for hungry people waiting for their food. For me, the stage has always been anywhere I could move, and I’ve never stopped. Dance became the heartbeat of my life, shaping not only my career but also my whole life.
Growing up, with the help from my parents, I was immersed in dance, studying tap, jazz and ballet from an early age. I was in every choir, every church play – I even participated in a children’s pop group that performed at local fairs. If it meant performing, you could sign me up!
By age 10, I was dancing 40 hours a week and competing every weekend from March to July. Later, I pursued my professional training at Oklahoma City University, where I graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and laying the foundation for my career in dance.
By 22, Las Vegas was calling my name. At 5’11,” I knew there was a market for tall, leggy dancers, and I was of ‘Fantasy’ at The Luxor: ‘Dance became the heartbeat of my life’ determined to find my place. On my very first full day here, I auditioned and booked my first show, a moment that solidified my decision to move.
After a year, I joined the cast of “Fantasy,” where I was fortunate to be surrounded by powerful female leadership. “Fantasy,” at The Luxor, provided an unusual but incredible opportunity for me to work through the ranks.
I started as a dancer, and I was then given more responsibilities and became the production manager, until last September, when I was promoted to my current role as performance director.
Today, I not only teach and maintain the integrity of the show, but I also serve as an advocate for the dancers and as the eyes and ears for our fabulous and inspiring producer, Anita Mann.
I’m still living my dream, performing every night in “Fantasy.” While the stage will always be my first love, I’ve discovered a new passion in helping others shine – finding their strengths and amplifying them.
In my own way, I’m contributing to the legacy of a show that has dazzled audiences for the past 25 years and am proud to be a part of the “Fantasy” family.
More: Luxor.MGMResorts.com
