Meet Timothy Tristan | Artist, Producer & Creative Director

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

Hi Timothy, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
For me, this question has become much deeper over time. I do not think it is always about deciding whether to give up completely. Sometimes the real question is what exactly you are being asked to release, and what part of you is still meant to remain.

I have dedicated my life to being an artist. My love for dance began at five years old, and with the support of my mother, I was accepted into a performing arts magnet school. From there, I spent years training, performing, competing, and building a foundation that shaped who I am. I studied ballet at Michelle Langley Dance Studio and had a seven year mentorship with Shirley Martin at MKM Cultural Arts Center, where I trained in Modern Dance, Horton Technique, and Afro-Cuban forms. Over time, my career expanded across many different corners of the dance world, from commercial and contemporary spaces to teaching, choreography, and live performance.

I have had the privilege of performing and training in Los Angeles, New York City, and Alaska, with experiences that include the Alvin Ailey Theater through Jazz Roots Dance Company, the Salvatore Capezio Theater, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Hollywood Bowl, the El Portal Theatre, the CBS Studios backlot, and many other stages and creative spaces that helped shape me. I have also taught students from young children to adults, from beginners to professionals, and built a teaching voice of my own that has always been rooted in empowerment, discipline, and heart.

That is why this question means so much to me, because there were seasons where I truly thought I might have to walk away from all of it.

Before Covid, I had already been building original work in a serious way. I co-owned Art Evolution Inc. at seventeen; an artist festival that showcased local artists across film, music, fashion, fine art, jewelry, and more. In high school at John Burroughs, I co-wrote with Lindsey Whitener, helped direct with Mari Sandoval, and starred in my first original danceplay, “Enchanted”. I later co-produced “Rock the Goats Music Festival” on the CBS Studios backlot with David Keeton. I spent time supporting important creative spaces, including helping backstage for the World Choreography Awards with Allen Walls. Music Artist development for Ricky Rebel, Justin Renaissance and more. Years later, I directed, produced, choreographed, and performed with my seasonal company, Timothy Tristan Dance Company, in our original danceplay Craving at Dust Studios LA.

Then life shifted. Covid happened. Health challenges happened. Injuries happened. Survival happened. There were moments when I almost gave up on being an artist entirely. Not because the dream was gone, but because I was exhausted and trying to make sense of what came next. Without even realizing it, I started placing myself behind the camera, behind the scenes, or in the wings. I was still creating, still helping shape the work, still building, but I was also protecting myself.

What I have come to understand is that there is a difference between surrendering and abandoning yourself. Sometimes life asks you to pause. Sometimes it asks you to heal. Sometimes it asks you to rebuild your body, your confidence, your faith, or your strategy. But that is not the same thing as quitting.

The truth is, I have always wanted to perform. I have always wanted to sing, dance, act, tell stories, and create work that moves people. That dream has never left me. If anything, the years have only made it clearer. The producing, directing, media work, and building Tristan Media Group all matter deeply to me, but in many ways they are also me taking my destiny into my own hands. They are a way of creating the structure, opportunities, and creative home I need so that I do not have to wait for permission to become who I know I am meant to be.

So for me, you keep going when the dream is still alive inside of you, even if it has changed shape. You give up what no longer aligns, what was built from fear, or what is keeping you disconnected from your truth. But if there is still a fire in you, even after setbacks, heartbreak, illness, failure, or time, that is not something to abandon. That is something to honor. That understanding is a big part of why I created Tristan Media Group. It is not just a business to me. It is the foundation for the next chapter of my life’s work. It is where all of my experiences as a performer, creator, teacher, director, and producer come together so I can build original work in film, theater, music, and beyond, while also helping other artists and select individuals shape their own voice, identity, and future.

In a world moving quickly toward automation and AI, I feel even more called to create work that is rooted in humanity, craftsmanship, storytelling, and soul. For me, the goal is not just to keep going, but to keep going with intention, to create opportunities for myself and others, and to build a body of work that reminds people what is still possible when we choose courage over fear.

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.
I am a multidisciplinary artist rooted in storytelling, movement, and emotional expression. Whether I am performing, teaching, choreographing, directing, or producing, I am focused on creating work that feels powerful, intentional, and deeply human.

Right now, I am excited for this next chapter. Through Tristan Media Group, I am building original work across film, theater, music, and media while stepping more fully back into performance. This year, I am focused on more content, collaborations, live creative work, launching a monthly modern jazz workshop in North Hollywood, and developing a new dark fantasy musical for film and theater.

More than anything, I want people to know that I am building a body of work rooted in artistry, storytelling, and soul, and this is only the beginning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I would definitely keep it rooted in local gems and creative energy. I would take them to Carnival Restaurant in Sherman Oaks for incredible Lebanese food, then spend a day exploring the shops along Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, especially “Horror Row,” which is full of unique small businesses and great local character.

I would also make sure we took class while they were here. Shoutout to Ash Moss (@itsashmoss) for her amazing hot yoga and barre classes, and Eric Ellis (@ericlamarellis_) for his incredible classic jazz class at Hama’s Dance Center in Studio City. For me, some of the best parts of LA are the places that bring together art, movement, and community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Above all, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Rance Shaw-Tristan, whose love, belief, and support have carried me through some of the most challenging and transformative seasons of my life. I also want to honor my mother, Sonja Tristan, for nurturing my creative spirit from the very beginning and always believing in me.

I am deeply grateful for my sisters, Racquel, Christina, and Natalie, my best friend Bebe Fischer, and the many friends, mentors, collaborators, and loved ones who have encouraged me along the way. None of us build our lives alone, and I truly would not be who I am without the people who have loved me, challenged me, and reminded me to keep going.

Website: https://www.timothytristan.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytristan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialtimothytristan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@timothytristan

Image Credits
Susy Miller, Ramses Pacheco, Joseph Williams Jr., Dust Studios LA, Millennium Dance Complex, Emily Iva, Brady Martin, Anita Colon(Sangervasi), Cesar Valencia