Today we’d like to introduce you to Gareith Swanigan. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Gareith has always had a passion for dancing. From contemporary to classical, and the wide spectrum of hip-hop dancing techniques, Gareith has been equipped with multiple styles that have helped him achieve great success in the dance world. His resilient passion for showing his emotions through dance and applying his energy to positive public formats have opened quite a few doors for him.
He has had many major dancing overseas trips that gave him the opportunity to travel to Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo and other parts of Asia to show his talents. He has also been a part of the Just Dance video game dance team for the past three consecutive franchise games. He’s perform on various tv show, commercials, awards shows such as Victoria secret show, and the VMA’s. He has been featured on music videos and the list goes on.
Currently, due to his spirit of giving back to his community through doing things that he loves, Gareith works as the head coach of the Dancing Dolls of Birmingham, Alabama and dances professionally nationwide.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It wasn’t an easy road getting to where I am now. After losing my father at 17 and leaving a very toxic home environment I became homeless and lived out of my high school’s band room and bounced between friends’ houses. There was a lot of time before I got situated with my best friend when the only meal I would have was the meal at school. With the help of my Godfather and my support system which was a group of women in the community school. I made it through and really learn that situation was setting me up to win even though I couldn’t see it at the time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since being back home from overseas because of the pandemic, I work as the head coach of The Dancing Doll of Birmingham along with traveling teaching and choreographing. I’m known for my dynamic performances, unique teaching style, and my creative eye. I’m the most proud of the students that I touch and now are professional dancers and some of my colleagues! What sets me apart from others is my drive and passion. I used all of my childhood trauma and negatives to fuel and propel me forward which I also instill in all my students.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m a big risk taker. The biggest risk I took was relocating to China. After I was casted as a dancer and choreographer for a club out there, millions of people tried to talk me out of it. I was on the fence for a while and missed the first opportunity. I then told myself I would never do that again. So when the chance came back around I jump on it. I moved to a place where I didn’t know anyone or speak the language and that was the best decision of my life. China opened some of the biggest accomplishments for me such as 3 international tours, being a dancer for the Mj experience show in Macau, the Victoria Secret Show in Shanghai and my favorite job being one of the dancer/ avatars for the video game Just Dance!
Contact Info:
- Email: Gswaniganproductions@gmail.com
- Website: www.Gswaniganproductions.com
- Instagram: Its_gareithl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gareith.swanigan
Image Credits
Tevin Keith
