Meet Denna Thomsen: Dancer, Choreographer, Artist

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

Hi Denna, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by the human condition. As an artist, it is my responsibility to share my life experience to the audience without fear of being judged.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me a part from other dancers and choreographers is my honesty and vulnerability. In a world full of needing instant gratification, I don’t surrender to the trend. People want to escape reality, but they also want someone to connect. I feel that when I perform, I give them permission to face what they’re feeling.

I got to where I am today by believing in myself and staying true to my art. I never confined to what I thought they wanted. Most of the time, the people hiring you don’t know what they want. You have to show them something “different”. “Different” is being you.

Was it easy? Ha! Being vulnerable is the hardest place for humans to live. I was, and still am, rejected more than I am accepted. I continue to fight for it because I believe in it. Nobody has the power to tell you you’re wrong when you know everything in you is right. They will pay attention to you when you make them. Be you.

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?
I like to take people to watch burlesque or listen to live music! Wherever that may be, we would go there! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without my family, I would not have survived.

If it weren’t for the people who doubted me, I wouldn’t have pushed harder.

Kitty McNamee and Ryan Heffington are the reason I have a voice.

Website: https://www.dennathomsen.com/

Instagram: @dennathomsen

Other: https://legalize.dance/