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

Hi Katelynn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Throughout my life, I have been drawn to the arts, and during high school, I realized that a career in this field is what I want to pursue. Growing up, I often watched class videos from Playground and concept videos on YouTube, and I was mesmerized by the dancers. Dance has always brought me joy, allowing me to feel free and release stagnant energy from my body. There is something truly meaningful about communicating in non-verbal ways and making a lasting impression on my audience. Dance, in particular, enables me to express my unique ideas and visions abstractly, without judgment or limitations.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began dancing at the age of 2 and trained at a competitive studio for 16 years, exploring a variety of styles such as jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, and contemporary. This extensive training gave me the confidence to make a significant move to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue dance in college. Relocating to LA was challenging as I made the cross-country trip, entering the industry with very few connections.

I quickly learned the importance of creating a personal brand for myself and my artistry to become successful and stand out. I was introduced to other styles after my move, such as heels, jazz-funk, and contemporary fusion, that have enhanced my versatility. My approach to my craft has evolved as I’ve gained knowledge in becoming more versatile and incorporating various dance styles into my artistry. Throughout my college experience so far, I have also gained experience and insight in film, production, and acting, which have enriched my ideas for the projects I want to create in the future. I am most proud of myself for continuing down this path for my career and persevering despite the obstacles that come my way.

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.
This is an excellent question. For starters, I always need to start my day with coffee, and the best place to do that is Philz coffee. Another great place to go is What a Peach, which is a small outdoor coffee shop. When it comes to eating places, I would take my best friend to Cava. It is a Mediterranean restaurant that I have loved since I first moved to LA that always hits the spot. If we are in the mood for some soul food, then Fixin’s would be where I would take them. Anytime I have someone come visit me, we always end up at Fixin’s, which never disappoints. What is a trip to LA without making it to the Grove for a little shopping spree and, of course, a stop at Barnes & Noble for some books. For a good time, I love an amusement park like Universal for the rides or an immersive experience like Bubble World, which is an interactive bubble museum. A place that I haven’t been to yet but would love to experience with someone is Tea at Shilo, which is a tea house located in Downtown LA that usually has live jazz music and seems like a great place to meet new people and vibe in a calm setting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to my parents. If it weren’t for them, I might never have started dancing. I am truly thankful for their decision to enroll me in dance at a young age and for their unwavering support as I pursue it as a career. Both my mom and dad have always pushed me to be the best version of myself that I can be and to push me out of my comfort zone to get farther in the industry.

I also want to recognize Marinda Davis, a choreographer who has profoundly influenced my journey. I first met her as a teen when she visited as a guest teacher at the dance studio I attended, and I immediately fell in love with her choreography. In 2022, I attended her Storytellers Intensive, where she selected me for a meeting with the GO2 Agency. That meeting has opened many doors for me, and I know it wouldn’t have happened without Marinda’s support. I am forever grateful for her impact on my life.

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

Image Credits
Alissa Roseborough

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