Featured Dancer Leighanna Kennett

Posted by Danzia on Monday, 11 December 2017
FEATURED DANCER
LEIGHANNA KENNETT





Tell us a little about yourself 

Originally from the small town of Canastota, NY.  I am a Professional Dancer/Choreographer/Fitness Model signed with Go 2 Talent Agency in Los Angeles, CA. 

How long have you been dancing for?

I have been dancing since I was 2 1/2 years old.



What styles of dance do you specialize in?

Contemporary, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Acrobatics, African and Bollywood...Pretty much everything!

What made you want to start dancing?

My sister Courtney, whom is 4 years older than me, was already enrolled in class so I was always at the studio watching and trying to imitate. I would be doing somersaults in the kitchen at home when she would be practicing haha...I couldn't help it. I discovered my love of dance through her.





What has been your greatest accomplishment on your dance career?

I don't think I can single one accomplishment out and i'm super thankful for all of the opportunities that I have had. I'm constantly setting the bar higher for myself and pushing to grow farther and tackle goal after goal. However a big goal of mine was to be sharing my passion and inspiring the world.  I've been very fortunate to share my passion with commercial dance....I have had opportunities to perform on TV shows, Music Videos and work with artists like So You Think You Can Dance, Freeform's The Twins, The Mindy Project, Brooke Fraser, Sarah Silverman, Amber Rose, Onzie Fitness Apparel, LA Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and more. Something that took a huge leap of faith though was starting my own Dance Company," Impavid."  Impavid defines as "Fearless" or "Unafraid" and I've built my pieces and chosen dancers whom I feel are truly fearless to be a part of it. I've been fortunate enough to get to perform my work at the industry's biggest dance shows, Carnival, Jete and RAW Artists Hollywood. We've had some really exciting opportunities come up for the company recently and i'm excited to see what's next for us.






What has been your most memorable moment?

I think my most memorable moment would have to be dancing on The Ellen Degeneres Show because, well, It was unexpected. I went to a taping with my friends and ended up dancing in front of the audience. The Producers and Ellen saw it and asked me to come to another taping and perform in the beginning of the show. It was crazy. When Ellen calls you her "Official Dancer" of the show you don't care what you are wearing either- you just go for it....I was flipping in sandals and a dress haha. I think next I want to bring my dance company "Impavid." on the show. That would be so amazing.



What has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge has been developing a thick skin I think....and not changing myself for anyone. This industry is not for the faint at heart. You will get a lot of "No's" before you get those "Yes's". People will tell you how they think you should look, act and dance. I thank God for giving me the strength to make it to the great opportunities I have had and for staying true to myself while I accomplished my goals... because at the end of the day, I've learned you need to be your authentic self. 


What advice would you give to other dancers?

As cliche as it sounds...My advice would be to Never give up. There will be good and bad times throughout your dance career. We all have them. It's knowing to keep your chin up and keep pushing when things get tough and being thankful for every victory you receive. And like I've said in the previous question, Stay true to yourself. Please do not change yourself for anyone. There is nothing more beautiful than an authentic and genuine artist. I say this all the time, but you can tell what kind of person someone is by the way they dance. Impressions are everything. Shine your light and inspire.


For more from Leighanna

Want to be featured? @Shopdanzia #danzia #shopdanzia