Meet Sam Donohue | Dancer, Choreographer/Instructor, Model

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

Hi Sam, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I love risk! Calculated risk are great, they open up doors of possibilities. I believe even If you take the risk and fail epically you can learn from that failure and you will have many small wins that you may not notice in the moment, however in hindsight you’ve learned, experienced and grown. This life is about experiencing!! You’ve put yourself in a position you’ve never been before and that requires a different level of self. Let’s say you take the risk and you succeed greatly, you’re still going to have mini failures and wins on that journey.

I believe Risk are opportunities to learn, experience and explore new avenues. There is an old saying “if you don’t try you’ll never know.” I’ve lived by that. I fear not taking the risk and living with regret!

Choosing a career as and artist is already a huge risk that most will call you crazy for choosing. Its unconventional, there is no stability or security. We hope that the art we create is loved by others and can provide us the means to live. Its not the norm-Although the world idolizes artist they also judge and scrutinize us. Our life style is a risk because we put the art first always. We allow creation to guide our walk.

I have taken many risk in life/career all with the belief I could become a better creative and version of me. If I wasn’t willing to take a risk I would have never ended up in LA. Lets talk about my first big risk- Believing there was more!!! At 18 years old, two days after graduation I was on my first flight ever to Los Angeles, CA! I knew nothing about the city aside from that dance was popping and this was the place to be. With $1,500 to my name and 3 suitcases I moved on to the couch of a young actor I had met on the internet weeks prior. I did not have financial support from my family, I did not have any friends or family that came with me. Just me, sam and my big dreams that I believed in more than anything. I stuck my foot on the ground and decided to never give up and never turn back. It was scary!! I made a lot of mistakes. I learned a lot of things!! The one thing that wasn’t a mistake was taking the risk and getting on that flight and moving across the country by myself. From that one risk Ive build a life, had a more magical experiences than I can count. One risk changed my life forever, and one risk made me believe that taking the risk is worth it!!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is I am Sam, I am me, I am the only person who may define myself and no one else can be me, as I can not be anyone else. I have walked in that truth and I have not wavered or tried to shape myself to fit someone else’s mold of who they wanted or thought I should be. Its easy as a creative to feel like you need to fit in- or do what others are doing, to get a gig or be apart of something, however the true artist within knows that we will only ever fit into our own mold that we create. The gigs that are for you are for you, the projects and art that are from you are from you and your own creative mold.

I am most proud of myself for staying true to this, and by staying true to self in every aspect. I have never lost my love for dance and creating. I have never allowed money to define me as an artist/person, I have never allowed opportunity to change my DNA. I have changed out of growth- but the fire burning inside is the same one that’s been lit since the day I fell in love with dance. I am Sam through and through.

I got where I am today by always finding a way! “If there’s a WILL there is a WAY.” I will find a way because this is important to me, this is my life. It has not been an easy road- but its been the most rewarding road ever. I always say to myself “keep pushing Sam- because more opportunities to share art will come. More opportunities to give your art a place to shine will come. You gotta bust your ass though..keep busting your ass, you are a fighter. Push past this temporary discomfort to get where you want Sam.” There is not a single day I am not working on my craft! EVERYDAY! I love it, I’m obsessed with it and Im NOT willing to live with the regret of not give it everything I have, everyday.

On this journey I’ve learned its so important to keep the LOVE for your craft at the forefront. The art has to be genuine always. STAY TRUE! Ive learned that teaching and helping others experience art is so rewarding. Watching another human experience pure joy in a space of creation is an honor. I love that. I love seeing others love what they do and doing anything I can to help support their journey as an artist. Ive learned to be okay with the unknown and to put ultimate trust in myself.

I want the world to know that you’re worthy of your dreams. You are worthy of being you!! I stand on that, I teach that, I believe that- there is room from everybody and those that have the courage to take risk and fight for their dreams with the utmost will power and an open mind with always be rewarded. My story is a testament to this. Keep pushing and keep your mind open to honoring all art!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are starting are day by having breakfast and coffee at Blue Jam Cafe and then taking a little journey to Runyon canyon for a little hike!! I love Runyon!
after our hike we will check out my favorite spot the universal overlook.
Sushi is the best in LA so of course we will have to get sushi for lunch! My favorite spots are Tao or Katsuya.
we will also make a pit stop at Santa Monica pier and hopefully meet up with some friends down there for some introductions!

I love LA (:

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My nephew Brian Jr and Niece Renèe – They we my inspiration! My driving force to never give up! I wanted them to grow up and one day look back and say their Aunt showed them they can always have more and be more. That they are strong and capable of anything they put their mind too.

Id also shout out all my mentors and teachers who took their time to believe in me, teach me and guide me through all the ups and down of this journey! I am forever grateful!

Website: www.iamsamdonohue.com

Instagram: @Iamsam_iam_

Facebook: Sam Donohue