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

Hi Dominique, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
OOF haha. This was and sometimes still is a major challenge of mine. I used to find myself thinking 80 steps ahead at all times and with that grew issues of getting overwhelmed with what needs to be done and telling myself “I have time for nothing else”- whether that’s family, friends, food, or even myself. One tasks branches into 50 and I got to get it done- so I would zone in. And while hyper focusing to knock out what you need can be important, I learned that, like your body, you cannot operate at your fullest potential without fueling yourself in EVERY way. Your body needs a lot of nutrients and fulfilling them all correctly with a healthy balance allows for optimal performance. If you don’t balance your emotional, physical, and mental, it can have an affect on work and vice versa. It’s ok to take a break, address other problems in your life, sleep, go outside. You need it. Take care of yourself so you can take care of work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So as cliche as it sounds haha, I’ve been dancing since I was 2 years old. I realized at about age 13 that dance was something I wanted to make a career out of. However, throughout those 11 years I was in a choir, had a vocal coach, was a competitive swimmer, did theatre, was into art, played piano, as well as other sports and hobbies. With that, music was always the underline of my life though and something I have a very personal relationship with. And for me, dance was the most fulfilling of it all. It’s an out-of-body high I can’t describe. I would train in every style as a kid and just became a sponge for everything around me, and then as a grew older I got to hone in on what type of dancer I was.
I think the biggest battle in dance for me was actually loving myself. I realized over the years that that was my biggest road block. As a kid, I did everything in my power to hide myself, my body, and as I got older my femininity or feeling like I had to conform to one definition of that.. And even when I would try to show it, it all felt forced. In the recent years that was definitely one of my biggest focuses- loving yourself in every aspect, and knowing the power you have in that and how that can be translated into your movement.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok. This is a great question. I’ve visiting LA since I was about 13 and I’ve been living here for 7 years. And honestly, while showing people the “touristy’ places are always great, for the gems, the less touristy- the better haha. I like to go on drives to clear my head and in those drives I’ve covered every INCH of LA at this point in my life lol. There are so many amazing people, views, culture, food places, etc. You really just have to drive. Veer off the popular streets, leave the common cities go explore. I promise you’ll be surprised at the gems you’ll find hidden here- for everyone. And as much as I take pride of being a southern girl, LA always surprises me. As much as I’ve seen LA, I feel like I’m till discovering. The gems are endless here and you’ll never get bored of it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I honestly would like to thank God truly. Throughout the years my relationship with Him has grown and my through that my understanding of life has become clearer. He has really showed me how much of a comedian He is truly haha. For anyone who knows me knows how big I am on the phrase “everything happens for a reason” And that mindset has DEFINITELY been tested. Even in my lowest and darkest moments I knew it was no accident. And I trusted that even if I never learn “the reason”, He knows the reason and I trust that He always has my best interest in mind. And from all those ups and downs, I gained this perspective on life that changed everything for me.
If you look at a heart monitor you seen the line going up and down right? Proof of life is IN the ups and downs of that line. THAT MEANS YOUR LIVING! And while some “downs” may feel longer than others, remember to face it head strong and know an “up” is bound to come. Now in those ups- don’t thinks “oh no! Something bad must be on the way” STAY PRESENT. And know if you made it to those “ups” you can handle ANY “down”. And with that I PROMISE God, or whatever higher power you believe in, will come and bless you in ways that feel so surreal in timing that is so perfect… it’ll make you laugh.

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

Image Credits
Alissa Roseborough

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