Meet Abby Fenwick | Artist & Dancer

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

Hi Abby, what matters most to you?
Staying true to your morals and what you believe in.

I was born and raised in Indiana which is the total opposite of Los Angeles, California, when I first moved here I felt like I was thrown into an entirely different world, which I was. The way people dress, talk, act was something I hadn’t really seen before. I’m all for people doing whatever they want to do as long it makes them happy, but that doesn’t change the fact that it can be taken too far too fast. It’s very easy to get swept up with the wrong crowd so it’s very important for me to stay true to who I am.

I won’t lie it’s really easy to feel outcasted when you first move somewhere and feel like you’ll do anything just to be accepted. Since moving to LA, I’ve gone through a couple different friend groups, not because there was anything wrong with the people necessarily, but I’m very selective with where and who I share my energy. I am very content being alone rather than being in a room with twenty “friends” who really couldn’t give a second thought about you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I honestly think growing up outside of California has given me such a great work ethic and sense of gratefulness. I am very proud of my work ethic and drive but that also comes with the downsides. I’ve gotten a lot better with balancing my life as a dancer as well as a human being. I’ve learned that for me personally I need to force myself to not take class at least one to two days every week. On those off days I love hiking, which is a win- win because I get to be outside in nature and I get to explore more of California.

I got to where I am today by saving up and just going for it. The biggest thing people downplay is how expensive it REALLY is to live here. I went from living in a place where gas was two dollars a gallon to now seven dollars. Save save save! I would say before you move save up at least six months worth of rent just to have a little cushion. It sounds like a lot but boy does it go fast.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is what you do outside the classroom is one of the most essential components to your development as an artist. I would get so frustrated because I would be going 110% in the classroom and be discouraged as to why I’m not seeing radical improvements in my dancing. I was in a. toxic “relationship” as well as suppressing with a lot of internal issues I didn’t want to face during that time. Self discovery is so important for artists, what’s even more important is not trying to do everything on a strict timeline. I will admit even now I get frustrated that it’s not “my time” yet but I know it will be, and I will be able to be incredibly grateful because I’ve had to tough it out during the development period.

What I want to world to know about my story is that I lead with gratefulness and determination.

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.
As I’ve mentioned my favorite thing to do during the day is go on hikes. There’s this beautiful hike about 45 minutes away from where I stay that has a waterfall at the end. No one is a fan of gatekeeping the name of it is Big Tujunga Canyon. I honestly was just bored on an off day and googled “hikes with waterfalls” and that was one of the first ones to pop up.

I also looooove going to dog parks, there’s a park in Studio City called Woodridge Park that I’ll go to all the time. I grew up always having a dog so not having one is really tough for me. I actually almost adopted this beautiful little German Shepard named Tigger, but sadly a family adopted him before I could. I tend to get married to ideas really quickly so I don’t want to talk about the dog leash, dog bowls, and a dog collar with Tigger on it, in a drawer in my kitchen.

Being an hour drive from a wide selection of beaches is one of my favorite things about California. Back in Indiana only the rich kids had a lake house, I was always so jealous lol. My heart is being restored now that I can go every week. I’ve been going to church with my older brotha Jordan who pretty recently moved to California, which has been awesome. He lives right near a beach so I get to be by the water every week.

If I were to give a friend a list of the classics it would be: Melroe’s Trading Post, the Hollywood Sign Hike, Griffith Park, Lake Hollywood Park, farmer’s markets, Grand Central Market, Big Bear, Malibu beaches, etc!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I LOVE a good shoutout moment.

Starting at the beginning, Premiere Dance Center in Muncie, Indiana was my safe place growing up. The instructors pushed us students fueled by love and seeing our potential. I am so grateful for that studio and will always pay respects for helping me find what I’m supposed to do with my life. Michelle Jones Haskell has been my second mom since I was nine. Every time I go back home for Christmas I’ll make sure to stop by and have a check in with her. She was my very first mentor and still to this day whenever I book something she’s one of the first people I tell. I remember I was at an audition and I made it just before the final round and I called her to ask if she’d pray for me. Lol I didn’t get it, BUT it wasn’t meant to be apart of my story so I can’t be bitter.

As far as my mentors in LA, Cameron Lee, Kolanie Marks, Antoine Troupe, just to name those most dedicated in my journey so far, have been the biggest help. I was so scared moving to LA that no one would help guide me in the right direction but these individuals have gone above and beyond for me. I’m so grateful every time I get to train with them because I know the exchange is mutual. I could go on and on, but, to summarize, they’re the best.

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

Image Credits
Donovan Cole