Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiné Harris.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It was 2019, I was a sophomore in college looking to find an additional source of income. I came across a dance job that I felt I would be a good fit for. I later found out that it was an audition for the Atlanta Hawks dance team. I was unaware of what the program truly was and, hence, completely unprepared for the audition. I was cut in the first round of the audition. It really took me out lol; my little feelings were hurt because it seemed like something I could do and be good at. I took my devastation and invested time and efforts into actual dance training; I’m originally from a little city, Fayetteville, NC so I hadn’t had any real dance training outside of an hour dance class in school. A few months later, I came across an aspiring choreographer, at the time, and decided to trust our process together as we consistently created content and visuals to push our career into the right direction. Fast-forward, we did a few submissions and was able to book Doja Cat for her upcoming tour!
Its now 2020, we were in the middle of tour rehearsals, COVID hit, and we were shut down in the middle of rehearsal. Months later, Doja Cat was booked for the VMA MTV Awards, where I had the opportunity to book and work as a Principle Dancer on the job. At this time, I am now a junior in college, and I finally received my first check as a professional dancer. When I saw how much I had made, I was so excited and knew I’d be able to make a living off this dance thing!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
– There have definitely been some bumps in the road. Going from thinking I’d be working corporate in some accounting firm, to then pursuing a more entrepreneurial field in the commercial industry was a huge adaptation. Preparation was an issue I kept running into– dance resumes, head/body shots, curating a “dance bag” that readily prepares you for class or rehearsals.
– I’m also not a huge socializer so having to get more comfortable networking with other creatives and even posting more to my socials because socials are our new form of resume.
– There are also some inevitable struggles you’ll run into such as being away from loved ones, missing out on planned events/vacations, or just simply hearing too many no’s.
All in all, each of these struggles have helped me to be a better creative each day. I’m overly grateful for my success and the opportunities presented to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional commercial dancer. I am blessed with opportunities to perform on big stages with both legendary and newer artists and creatives. Professional dancers have the pleasure of booking a number of jobs from music videos, award shows, and tours to even commercials and movies. I’ve personally had the pleasure of:
– Working with artists like Doja Cat, 2 Chainz, & DaBaby
– Perfoming on lengendary stages like the Apollo Theater
– Honoring icons such as Missy Elliot, SWV, and Nelly on award shows like BET and AMA awards
– Dancing for legendary artists like Mario
-Touring internationally with legend Nelly where I was privileged to also travel with legends such as Ja Rule and THE Janet Jackson
I am a bit newer to the industry so I am still navigating my career path, but I am a creative that specializes in dance and fitness.
I am most proud of coming into a competitive industry with little to no training, exploring my lane, and still being able to flourish in a field I had no idea I’d even be interested in pursuing one day. I didn’t let me being “late to the party” discourage me or excuse me from being anything less than great. I’ve accomplished career goals in a time span that typically take others years to accomplish– and for that I’m extremely grateful and proud.
A few things that differentiates me from others would be my wisdom, discernment, and innovativeness but what sets me apart from others the most within my workspace is my grit, perseverance, and determination. A favorite scripture of mine is Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” and a favorite quote of mine is “Mind over matter”. These sayings are the foundation of who I am. From navigating and excelling in a foreign industry, graduating as a Cum Laude Honor’s student 2021 and 2023 where I obtained my Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts in Accounting while away on tour, to being triple booked in a single weekend for two separate events– I know there is nothing I cannot do.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Born in New Jersey, but I was a military brat so I moved to Fayetteville, NC where I was raised. Growing up, I was always an overachiever. In class, I took pride in trying to be the smartest or know the most in the room. I hated missing school, even if I was sick. I always wanted to read the most difficult excerpt, solve the hardest/longest math problems, and I was always the student to challenge the teacher– whether they made a mistake I never hesitated to correct or if I just simply needed them to further elaborate for a deeper understanding. I was often misunderstood, which is why I find myself now taking pride in understanding individuals regardless if I agree or not.
My main interests were sports. I have always been genetically athletic. I played basketball, volleyball, and ran track mainly but I also played softball for a year or 2. I did weight lifting competitions in middle school. I’ve always had a love for music. I played the trumpet for marching band and the oboe for concert band. The oboe was my way of being different and original… I was the only oboist in the band lol.
Yes, dance has always lived inside of me but it wasn’t something I was interest in pursuing someday. In middle school I did Color Guard for the band and traditional cheerleading. It wasn’t until I got to high school where I was introduced to majorette style dance where I was able to do 2 years on the team, my second year as captain. Being from a small city I wasn’t really given the opportunities to explore my artistic talents. I didn’t grow up as a technically trained dancer, in and out of dance/arts programs, gymnastics, etc. Dance was just something I naturally enjoyed doing with friends and peers, gathering around having fun freestyling and jigging to any beat.
Although I’ve always been more of a loner by choice, I’ve always had a spark that gravitated others towards me. As I got older, I started finding my humor more and that’s how I made a lot of acquaintances. I was a student athlete who was in all AP classes so I could interact and get along with just about anyone– athletes, honors students, math club, jrotc, and even faculty. I won Homecoming in 7th grade and later won Homecoming Princess as a junior, Prom Queen as a senior, and the superlatives Most Popular and Most Athletic as a senior. I found relatable ways to engage with people through humor and it would make me feel good to make others laugh and feel good.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: desti.ne
- Other: TikTok: desti_ne
Image Credits
Branden Adams
Jamal Peters
Laura Collins
Victor Brown
