Meet India Hawkins | Professional dancer & creator

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

Hi India, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk-taking can lead to unpredictable outcomes. I think that’s why we are afraid to take them, MOST of the time. I was that person. I was afraid of what was on the other side, if I took a chance. I would play all the NEGATIVE scenarios out in my head and talk myself OUT of doing something. I still am that person, at times. Afraid to just go for it because of fear and the “unknown”. What we forget is,FEAR places limits on us. It prevents us from truly living life to the fullest! Risks can be a GOOD thing! Risks make you brave, build confidence, create feelings of accomplishment, open new doors, push limits, and break boundaries. Sometimes risk-taking stimulants the CHANGE we need in our lives. I ask myself, do I want to stay where I am currently ? Am I okay with my life how it is right now ? If the answer is “NO”, then it’s time to make a change and take a risk! I know that every time I’ve done it, I’ve been so proud of myself. There is never a time I say “oh, I’m so mad I took that risk” , unless I lost money gambling of course haha (which game it is I never play! Lol). Other than that, I am proud and excited at the outcome. I am taking risks NOW! As a professional dancer you are always taking risks(training, auditions, jobs, etc). I wouldn’t be able to pursue dance right now without taking risks. It’s a VERY hard work/life balance, but I am ready to be excited about THIS outcome! Take RISKS! It might seem scary at first, but you got this! The more you do it , the better you will feel and the easier it becomes to take them. Remember all the times you said “YES” to people in your life? Sometimes it was out of guilt or even fear. Well, when you finally said “NO”, how did that feel ? : )

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a professional dancer and I have my BA in psychology. I currently work in the medical health industry, while pursing a dance/modeling career. It has been a challenging road trying to do both. I am still trying to figure out HOW to navigate it all. You realize this is what you have to do, in order to do what you love. I have been back and forth about dance for a long time. It was always something I loved and knew I wanted to do. I didn’t always have the support I needed to pursue it. Now, that i am older and it’s on me, I’m determined to make it happen! Any artist you talk to will have a similar story. It’s never easy getting started in this industry and once you are in it , it doesn’t always mean you are IN IT. It takes work to get there and stay there. It is definitely not for the “faint of heart”, but if you LOVE it go for it! I enjoy the feeling I get from performing, telling a story through dance, and making it my own. I was a shy kid, but when it came to dance that was never the case for me. I do struggle with insecurities and fear of judgement, just like MOST of us do. What I’m learning is that you can’t take everything personal. It’s not a personal attack on your character when it comes to booking a job. It is something specific the choreographer or director is looking for. It is important to be nothing, BUT yourself! It’s not always easy trying to figure out WHO you are in this industry. Take some time to get to know YOU, so that you are confident in that when you walk in any room. It is okay to hear the word “NO”. That doesn’t mean you suck as a person, it just means you weren’t right for that particular job. It is important to surround yourself with loved ones and those who are TRULY there to support you. I want you all to know how important it is to NEVER give up. I am not where I want to be yet, still far from it. Sometimes it feels impossible, but just know all your hard work WILL amount to anything your heart desires! You will find the path meant for 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?
Let’s just say I had a week away from work. It’s a nice, warm, sunny day in LA. I would go to Malibu for a nice scenic drive and hit the beach. Then, on my way back I would hit the Calabasas Farmers Market. Oh, I love Mexican food ! So I might even go to Latigo Kid in Agoura Hills. If I’m in the mood for shopping, The Topanga Mall is great for that. I can always go into Studio City and go to FireFly or Casa Vega. I’m LA specifically, Century City mall is great and then you can eat at DIN-TAI-FUNG. Downtown has a lot of rooftop bars and lounges , if you want to go out with the girls. There are a few museums too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to my boyfriend Tymon Jones who is filled with infinite knowledge. The greatest teacher in my life! He’s determined, works hard, and does it all with grace. I would also love to shoutout my friends, who are more like my sisters. Maya, Steph, and Cecelia. We dance together, but these girls are the “jack-of-all-trades”. They inspire me on a daily! Professional, creative, beautiful hardworking, and caring they are ! I am forever grateful for their friendship.

Instagram: @itsindiarae

Image Credits
Ewelina Polnicka Katie McFadden