We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Newham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, why did you pursue a creative career?
The short answer to this is because I love the hustle and gratification! Ever since I can remember I’ve loved performing, teaching and helping people succeed in what they love and are working towards. I was definitely drawn to the stage and a creative career and knew that from a very young age. Being the middle child of 5, I’ve always loved the spotlight, so why not a real one! My career has taken me all around the world, traveling to places I would probably have never of been to if it wasn’t for performing. In the last few years I’ve come to terms with that fact that I will obviously not be able to “perform” forever, but know that whatever comes next will most definitely be something in the performing arts industry. It’s what gets me out of bed every morning!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, nothing comes easy, but performing definitely did for me. Dance is just it’s own unique world. Any dancer will tell you that it’s a continuous wheel of taking class, training, learning, performing, teaching and so on. It’s a never ending cycle of trying to improve to become a better performer and artist every single day! I’ve been dancing since I was 3 and I’m now 28 year old. So a total of 25 years of training, that is still a continuous pursuit. Like everything, there is always something that you think is “better” than yourself. In all my years of training it’s taken me a very long time to realize that it doesn’t matter if someone is “better” than you, they aren’t you and that’s what you need to hold onto.

I think what set’s me apart from other dancers is that I am a very ’rounded’ dancer. That means that I was lucky enough to be trained in all styles, from ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, Irish tap, contemporary all the way to Bollywood dance. On top of that I can teach any age from 2 year old to 92 year olds, and, I can choreograph a routine, show or dance in any style very quickly! Some of those skills have just developed over time and others I’ve had to work really hard for.

There are so many lessons I’ve learned along the way, but I think the biggest and most important lesson for me is to not compare myself to others! We all have strengths and weaknesses and you just have to find out what they are in order to take the next steps.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I’m Australian living in Los Angeles and have recently got engaged to my long time American boyfriend, so finding and creating a list of our favorite spots here is Cali is definitely something that’s in the back of my mind most days! We are so lucky to live in an upbeat, vibrant and sometimes crazy city that the list could go on forever. My number one spot is definitely Malibu. I love the ocean and the beach culture and that’s something that I grew up with in Australia, so I guess it makes me feel at home in a way. Another favorite of our’s is going to the Sunday markets around town. There are so many vintage, flea and farmers markets across LA from WeHo all the way down to Abbott Kinney. The list of places to eat and drink are also endless, but here are a few of our favorite spots. Joy in Highland Park, Musso & Franks in Hollywood, Quarters in Korea Town, Blue Stone Lane Coffee, Sugar Fish Sushi, Bludso’s BBQ in West Hollywood and of course In-N-Out and Chick-Fil-A! Over the years we have tried and visited so many restaurants that I’ve honestly lost track. My last thing that I always recommend to people visiting LA is to go on a hike! That is definitely one of our favorite things to do and there are so many beautiful hikes all over the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To all of my dance teachers, mentors, family, friends & very supportive fiancé!

Website: https://www.katenewham.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.newham/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katenewhamdancer

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/katelynlesleigh/videos

Image Credits
Dima Otvertchenko Sara Fletcher Lisa Young – Cloud Dancer Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.