Meet Nayomi Van Brunt | Dancer, Model, Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nayomi Van Brunt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nayomi, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the people I have chosen to surround myself with has played a huge role in my success. For me, having a strong support system keeps me balanced. I am extremely self- motivated but at times I can doubt myself. So, I feel that it’s important to have people in my life that help remind me who I am. It’s a beautiful experience to have people who have stuck by you in different stages of your life. I am in awe of people who are self- made but I think I’m communally-made.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For the longest time I only saw myself as a dancer. I spent most of life dedicating myself to dance, so I was unable to see anything else. I truly thought that being a dancer was the only artistic thing about me. Which I think that level of dedication was essential to my growth as a technical dancer, however it was extremely limiting. In the last few years I have found the courage to start exploring. When I stopped putting myself in a box I started to grow. Not to be cliche but the world is so much bigger than I was allowing myself to see.

My path up until this point was not linear at all. As an artist I think you have to skim the line of bravery and insanity. You have to be brave enough to keep trying even when you get the same results. A phrase I like to live by when it comes to my career path is “ A no right now, is not a no forever.” It is difficult and I don’t always believe it. But when I look back I realize that my path is proof of that.

Currently, I am excited about the next chapter of my life. For many years I have been attached to different dance companies thinking that’s where my value lies. It has helped give me an amazing amount of exposure, but it doesn’t determine my worth. My value lies in who I am. I am inspired by passionate people who go after their art. So, I’m looking forward to a new path as a freelance multidisciplinary artist.

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.
There is a lot of pressure when it comes to planning trips for out of town friends so I like to offer suggestions and hear how they’d like to spend their time.When my friends visit I like to incorporate a mix of relaxation, quality time and fun. So to start I would take them to the Korean Spa to help them settle into their vacation. After that I would take them to Borit Gogae for some delicious Korean Food. Then the next day we would spend the day at the beach. Everyone who visits LA must spend a day at the beach. There is nothing better than a day at the beach with food, drinks, music and good conversation! My favorite place to take people from out of town is Laurel Hardware the food and vibes are always right. Then over the next few days we would spend time at restaurants, art galleries, shops, and my favorite hiking spots. Shout out to the Francois Ghebaly gallery. The art is amazing but the staff is even better. I’d also have to take them to lunch at KazuNori for some delicious hand rolls. Then if there was time I would take them to the Long Beach Flea Market, Pine and Crane, walking around Highland Park, exploring the Arts District, a comedy show, and wine at Cafe Triste followed by dancing at General Lee’s. There are so many great places in LA! I currently have list of places I’d like to try that is organized by different parts of town. I love trying new places and am always open to suggestions.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shout out to my amazing support system! To my friends and family you all have been my biggest cheerleaders, inspiration, supporters, mentors, and comedians. I have BIG love for you all! Thank you for continuing on this journey with me.

Instagram: @nayomivanbrunt

Image Credits
Lorrin Brubaker