Meet Linda Davis | Dancer & Singer

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

Hi Linda, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
There are an endless amount of things I’ve learned from pursuing a creative life professionally, but one of the most important things I’ve come to understand is that there is not a resume long enough that can ever determine someone’s worth, or touch their inherent divine value in any way. A person’s essence, character & dedication to their craft is so important. No matter what part of the creative journey someone might be on, our true value as human beings is untouched by circumstance or any amount of perceived success or visibility. Our creative gifts are an offering, and everyone has the ability to express that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I think about how I ended up where I am now, I think of how I really just spent so many years in training mode, (and still am actually.) but with no agenda attached. I was being led by my heart. I wanted to grow and get better in everything I’m interested in— singing, dancing, creating in general. I spent a lot of time putting in the necessary hours to develop in my crafts.

I remember early on when I seriously started dedicating myself to dancing, I would play around with making choreography. And that was mostly because I loved music SO much I was just itching to find a way that I could express my obsession with music, aside from the fact that I loved dance as well. I remember getting pretty frustrated because choreography wasn’t coming through me in the way I’d hoped. I felt like I couldn’t consistently create what I wanted to, it was very sporadic. When I look back on that now I can understand that you can’t rush that process. It takes so much time, care, patience, support, dedication and the right environments for you to develop your taste and abilities as an artist. I was always naturally influenced by who I was learning from, and it takes time for all that you’re ingesting to settle and be expressed uniquely.

It’s only NOW — 10 years later— that I feel like I have the capacity & abilities to hold what wants to come through me creatively. I understand more and more as time goes on that there is no time limit, just take your time when making your art and do what ever you need to do to execute your vision. So for me, that means not rushing myself.

So when I think about what I’m most proud of, it’s my ability to be patient and dedicated with my training and exploration of my creative voice. Every professional job I’ve been a part of as a dancer has absolutely had a role in shaping my own creative voice. I’m so grateful for the incredible musicians, artists, choreographers, etc that I’ve been able to learn from over the years.

What I’m most EXCITED about are the projects that I haven’t even put out yet— whether it be choreography visuals, solo music projects or live shows. And of course, the learning is what excites me the most. Learning an instrument, music production, directing, all of that stuff!

Any skill or collaboration that helps me to elevate my ability to express is what’s always going to be a driving force for me as a creative person.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I absolutely would not have had the courage to start performing with out the support and love from my sister Sidney & my mother Sharon. They do absolutely everything to be able to help me realize my dreams, and their support only grows stronger. There truly is nobody that encourages me the way my sister does. She is my greatest teacher, champion, and best friend. She really helps me to understand what is possible, and reminds me that I should go after anything I want to experience or learn. She has been my shining example from day 1.

My foundations of performing began at the show choir program at my high school, which led me to my first teacher/mentor/dear friend Gerald Espinosa. He was pivotal in encouraging me to get started with dancing, and he introduced me to some amazing teachers in LA. He took me to my 1st dance class @ Debbie Reynolds dance studio when I was a sophomore in high school! I’ll never forget that. He was one of my first inspirations as a young person. I’m forever thankful to him for taking me under his wing when I was so young.

In my late teenage years/early twenties I spent many years training with Beau Fournier & Maker Empire. That was another incubator of training where I really had the freedom to explore so many different styles and just learn how to move my body in an environment that was consistent and also team/group oriented. These were the years where I really decided to fully follow my curiosity and just commit to dancing with my whole heart. I cherish those times performing with Maker Empire, it really taught me so much about myself.

I also have to shout out another dear friend of mine, Matt Cady, who was another instrumental teacher & inspiration for me early on. Was always someone who saw a potential & a shine within me, especially when I was so young and couldn’t see it within myself necessarily. He’s someone that has allowed me to embrace curiosity & play on a deeper level, especially within making music! He’s always shown me so much love and I’m grateful for that.

My artistic journey definitely made a HUGE shift when I met Dana Foglia & Jose Tena. I absolutely would not be the artist or professional I am right now without their guidance, patience, extreme care and belief in me. They have invested in me in so many ways and again, was rooting for me & believing in me before I could really do that for myself on a deep level. Training with them, Lisa Ebeyer, and all the others who have been apart of the DFD training programs have 100% transformed me. On an artistic, professional and personal level. Dana & BoyBoi have become family, and I have an infinite amount of gratitude and love for them.

Instagram: @linda_celine

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCXng0EhaBLnWk1fFClvR1NA

Image Credits
Nathan Lusk @nateluskphotography Tomas Protivinsky @capturedbytomo