Meet ruby pappan | choreographer and dancer

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

Hi ruby, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking plays a huge role in my life and career. I love to push myself to do things outside of my comfort zone. I believe that is is a big factor in reaching new heights. If i allow myself to be comfortable… whats the point. Risks are where reward lies. Putting myself out there and trying new things experimenting, i find it fun. I welcome challenges with open arms. I believe that risk taking and failure is what inspires growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a choreographer and professional dancer. I started dancing when i was two and haven’t looked back since that day. Call it intuition but i had this fire inside of me calling me to my profession. I”m most excited about the future. I feel like I am just starting even though I am ten years deep into my professional career. I look at each day and each project as a new opportunity to experiment with my artistic vision. To push the boundaries and offer a fresh perspective. Persistence and resilience got me to where i am today. This industry can tear you up and spit you out in the blink of an eye. By no means was it an easy path to get to where i am today. My career journey has been full of rejection and twists and turns. Many tears have been shed along the way. The thing that gets me through it all is Love for what I do. I also find it very important to surround myself with people that charge me up. I’m constantly reminding myself of that fire that burns inside of me there is no option but to accomplish all that i set out to do. The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is to be prepared for the unexpected. There are so many moving parts that go into one project. Its like putting together a 1000 piece puzzle. Every piece serves its own unique purpose, one is not complete without the other. The other big thing i have learned is to be open and find humility along the way. Loving what i do isn’t enough, my day to day has to be full of laughter and collaboration. This is a crucial part of the process for me. I want the world to know that I am not afraid of taking risks and doing things a bit differently. The creative process to me is all about experimenting and tapping into something new each time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay so i would start by taking them to my favorite hike in Ernest Debbs Park. There is a secret turtle pod at the top of the hill that is just pure magic. The way the light peaks through the branches is so peaceful. If your lucky theres sometimes someone up there playing an instrument that adds to the magical environment. We would also have to explore the Hollywood reservoir walk and check out some flea markets. My favorites are Silverlake flea, Rosebowl flea market and melrose trading post. Now for food and drink we’d for sure grab some brunch at Bubba and Grandmas, Superba, and great White. Im a huge sandwich lover so sandwich shops are a must. Sandwich shops would include but not limited to Wax Paper, The Heights Deli, and Perry’s Joint. Im also a sucker for a good bookstore, I’m sure we’d stop by a few along the way! To finish the trip I’d gather a group of our close friends at Momed to share a meal and laughs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents for sure!! They have believed in me since they signed me up for my first mommy and me dance class. They then picked up their lives and moved out to Los Angeles so i could pursue my dreams. The sacrifices and love and support they have given me words do it no justice. If it weren’t for them believe in my dreams i would not be where i am today. Like i said no words can describe what they have done for me and how much it means to me. I’d also like to give a shoutout to all my friends that have been rocking with me since day one. My friends and family are so important to me. They make the moments of victory that much sweeter and give me so much support when things don’t necessarily go to plan.

Website: www.rubypappan.com

Instagram: @rubypappan

Image Credits
Image 1 : David Avalos Image 2: Claudio Robles