Meet Vania Bynum | Creative Artist – Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer of Life

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

Hi Vania, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
VC Bynum Arts and Education (VCBynum Arts) was created out of the powerful influence of Black artistic expression and its impact on my life as I recognized how dance and Pilates became a powerful medium for my personal healing, cultural identity, social justice, and building community.

In my youth, I was good at math and science. I also excelled at music, theater, and public speaking, with a little bit of dance. Due to family pressure and concern for financial security, I earned a degree as a computer engineer, creating software that increased the productivity of millions. Although I was thankful and enjoyed my job, I desired to have a more direct impact on the lives of others. After experiencing the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, I had a profound desire to return to my roots as an artist. After leaving Microsoft and later graduating from Cornish College of the Arts,  I was filled with gratitude for how dance and Pilates saved me from a life of pain after I was struck by a pickup truck on the way to an engineering class in Auburn AL. To express my gratitude, I focused on utilizing my artistic talents to serve communities through dance and arts education.

My vision was further defined when I recalled a childhood arts program that provided exposure to the arts called Culture in Black and White (held at a historically Black college, Bishop State, in Mobile, AL.)  It was through that program that I leaped into the “Congo” dance and fell in love with the arts. A seed planted in the past by Mrs. Gwendolyn Hall had sprouted to share with the world. Culture in Black and White made a big difference in the lives of countless artists.

I aspire to make dance and the arts more accessible to everyone and inspire others through movement as I walk in my purpose to share my passion, inspiring artists of all ages. For many years, my mantra has been “Dance is Life!”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

The ultimate form of expression is dance. Just as the emotion of music flows from a musical instrument, I share emotions of life through dance. And I become the instrument. As a professional artist, my goal is to share a story and have those who witness it feel as though they become the character; To evoke emotion tells me they have been touched in some way by what I have given.

One thing that I am most excited about is seeing the pieces of my life puzzle come together. My journey as an artist and a leader in the arts community is still unfolding. VCBynum Arts, my 501(c)(3) organization, will be positioned alongside other progressive arts organizations that are making a difference in the diversity of the arts.

I don’t believe that any artist has an easy path in the beginning. It takes hard work and dedication not only to excel in your art, but to also find your path. My path is unique because I took a totally different career path before my love of the arts prevailed, and I took a risk to pursue my art. It took me almost three years to make the change. When I left my engineering job, I read a book called “The Gift of a Year” by Mira Kirshenbaum. My gift to myself was to gain enough dance training to be accepted into Cornish College of the Arts, and at 3 months shy of 33 years old, I started my performing arts degree. There were many, many challenges then, and as a wife and Mom of two, there are different challenges now. I overcome these challenges one day at a time, evaluating and prioritizing the necessary actions. I also lean into my faith and my family as I push through.

I believe that success happens when preparation meets opportunity. However, the preparation may take longer than we expect or desire. Inevitably, challenges in life may change your trajectory, but it does not have to change your final outcome. I have learned to be patient, but to keep my “Eyes on the Prize”, consistently working toward my goals and dreams.

I have also learned to have more gratitude for life, for everything that I have, and for the space that I am in. While you are on your journey, joy comes from being grateful for where you are in the moment and acknowledging those things that are positive in your life. If I am thankful and focus on the good things that God has provided for me, I can move through the challenges in my life, knowing that “trouble don’t last always.” Ideas, like seeds, will grow in time if sown with faith and good work. Take time to enjoy and learn on your journey so that you mature and are prepared for your calling.

With a gratitude for life, Vania C. Bynum utilizes her artistic gifts to uplift diversity and community, bringing beauty and perspective to our unique experiences.

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.

If my BEST friend visited, ideally, I would house them in the Westin Hotel in Bellevue where they could have access to shopping, bowling, comedy, movies, late night hang outs, and great food on the weekend. During the week, we would visit Seattle and take in the arts scene at the 5th Ave Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet or other local dance performances. During the daytime hours we could visit the Museum of Pop Culture, the Northwest African American Museum, the Seattle Art Museum, and head down to Pikes Place and the Pier. Of course, time at home with my family is a must. And a Sunday show at Jazz Alley would round out the visit.

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?
There are so many people to thank who have influenced my life and contributed to my journey, and I am grateful to each of them. But today, I will dedicate this Shoutout to my mother, Rosetta T. Clemons, who has been a pillar of love and support all of my life.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for all that you have done to mold me into the person I am today. Thank you for your grace, your honesty in challenging times, and your belief in what I could achieve. Your Mary K enthusiasm was uplifting when I needed it and your focus on a building a spiritual foundation has seen me through. You are so many things to six kids plus a village. I love you to infinity.

Website: www.weinspirehumanity.org

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

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

Other: www.vaniacbynum.com https://www.facebook.com/vania.bynum/

Image Credits
Alnuzan Productions Enavant Photography Dancewear Center Motionwear Mirella ProofNThePlay Destiny Hammond Christine Mitchell Justin Chan