Meet Devin Hicks | Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, and Instructor

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

Hi Devin, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided on my career long before I even grasped what it really meant to have one. When I was a kid, I would hop onto the stage and dance alongside the performers at the San Francisco pier. My great grandmother once predicted that I’d be a dancer during those moments. I vividly remember begging my mom to get me into talent agencies because I was dead set on making my way to Disney Channel and TV screens. Sure, it’s probably every eight-year-old’s dream, but the urge to perform, be in the spotlight, entertain, and stir emotions was just in my nature.

During my college years, I ventured into a more conventional career path, but nothing else felt right. I had a reputation as a dancer, the ability to act, a deep love for choreography, and a knack for not taking ‘no’ for an answer. After college, as I ventured into the unknown terrain of Los Angeles, I wasn’t quite sure how I’d make it, but I stumbled upon opportunities to teach dance, and I had faith in my skills. From that point, I dedicated myself to nurturing my artistic talents and eagerly embraced every opportunity that came my way!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I choreograph a diverse range of live shows, music videos, events such as Bat Mitzvahs and weddings, competition pieces, and dance performances for all ages and skill levels. I genuinely relish witnessing people uncover their talents and love for dance. My career as a choreographer has been incredibly rewarding, largely because I have a deep passion for storytelling. When I collaborate with an artist, my aim is to convey their unique narrative. I ponder over questions like, “Who are they? How do they move? What drives their passion? How do they envision themselves on stage?” I deeply care about the individuals I work with, from the artists to the dancers I hire.

My approach is always rooted in putting your best interests first. Sometimes, that means having those challenging conversations, but my commitment, loyalty, and creativity always shine through in the studio. This dedication is why I tend to build lasting relationships with the people I collaborate with – I take my role seriously, and while the studio is a place for work, it’s also a place where I’m here for you, offering my support as you strive to achieve your goals.

My journey as a dancer began when I was 14. I wasn’t particularly flexible, nor was I the best dancer. I constantly felt the need to prove myself. My dance experience, from my perspective, wasn’t what I would envision for someone in my shoes today. Along the way, I lost sight of my initial love for the arts because I became too preoccupied with seeking validation from others. These days, as I teach dance to students as young as 2 and adults, a fundamental aspect of my teaching philosophy is to remind my students that they can and will achieve anything they set their minds to, and that I wholeheartedly believe in them.

Living in LA has taught me that the world of artists is a constant battle. We’re always striving to maintain success and stay at the top of our game, amidst the sea of comparisons, negativity, and competitiveness that often defines the performing arts scene.

But despite these challenges, I’m thrilled to share that I’m diving headfirst into new projects that will span not only this year but also into the next. What truly excites me is my personal project, “Talent.” This endeavor is more than just an online visual piece; it’s a heartfelt performance aimed at dismantling the imposter syndrome that many artists, including myself, encounter.

I can’t wait to embark on this independent project that seeks to empower and incorporate artists across various creative disciplines. Together, we’ll rediscover the core of our passion and purpose in the world of dance and art. It’s a celebration of our love for the arts, a testament to our resilience, and a reminder of our undeniable TALENT. Stay tuned!

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?
When my best friend comes to visit, I’d start by introducing them to my wonderful circle of creative and supportive friends here in LA. We’d venture into West Hollywood, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Monica Blvd. A Duffy boat excursion in Marina Del Ray would be a must for a fantastic beach day.

My days in LA are typically filled with fun, hanging out and supporting my friends at their shows and joining my boyfriend Adam at the nightclubs and events where he DJs. A visit to the Grove, with its diverse shops and stores, would also be on the agenda.

To round off the trip, we’d savor the delicious flavors of my top pick for Mexican cuisine, Frida Tacos in Brentwood. I still have a lot more adventuring to do myself, so I am sure I would take the opportunity to explore the parts of LA I have yet to discover as well!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my family, the real champions behind my passion for the arts. My mom, my biggest fan, paved the way for my early pursuits in acting and modeling. My grandma and grandpa have wholeheartedly supported my performer dreams, going above and beyond in every way to make them a reality. My Grandma Taulese and Auntie Cherel would take me to LA for training at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and those summers will always hold a special place in my heart (shoutout to my cousin Erynn for graciously letting us take over your apartment for those weeks). My Auntie Judy has been instrumental in guiding my journey in the world of opportunities that LA offers. The constant support from Auntie Pat, Auntie Rhonda, Uncle John, Uncle Danny, and the rest of my aunts and uncles has been a true blessing.

To my chosen family, Kari, Marc, Ariane, Alvaro, Paula, Mia, Claudine, and many others, your love and unwavering support at my dance shows, performances, and musicals mean the world to me. You’ve made me feel like I can achieve anything, and your support has never felt like an obligation. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdevinhicks/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Devinlamar?si=EpE_QBn5T2cwHnMV