Life & Work with Alana Caston of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Caston.

Hi Alana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started dancing when I was just 4 years old in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and I haven’t stopped since! This year actually marks my 20th anniversary of dancing, so when I say it’s been my whole life, I truly mean it.

Growing up, I was a member of the competition team at Myrtle Beach Dance Company, where I trained under Brandy Miller—the woman who taught me everything I know. The competition dance world was intense, but it was also incredibly exciting and rewarding. It didn’t take long for me to realize that dance wasn’t just a hobby—it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

If you had asked 10-year-old me what my dream job was, my answer was never the typical “nurse” or “astronaut.” It was always, “I’m going to be a professional dancer and choreographer!” I probably would have thrown the word “famous” in there too—but we’re still working on that part!

My original plan was to move to Los Angeles after graduating high school to pursue my dreams. However, I graduated in 2020, the year COVID changed everything and put those plans on hold. At the time, it felt like a huge setback, but looking back now, I realize it happened exactly the way it was supposed to.

That unexpected change gave me the opportunity to return to my home studio and gain valuable experience teaching and choreographing dancers of all ages. I also had the chance to work at dance conventions and competitions, which helped me grow not only as a dancer but as an instructor and choreographer as well.

When it was finally time to begin my professional dance career, I auditioned for the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team and made the team, which led me to move to Atlanta. That’s where things really started taking off. Although I only spent one season with the Hawks, it opened the door to so many incredible opportunities.

Since then, I’ve performed at music festivals, appeared in music videos, taught dance classes, and continued building my career in the industry. Most recently, I’ve been working as a performer on cruise ships and am currently traveling the world with Norwegian Cruise Line.

I’m incredibly grateful that I get to live out the dream I’ve had since I was a little girl. While I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished so far, I know the journey is far from over. I’ll continue working hard, growing as an artist, and chasing even bigger dreams. I feel truly blessed to do what I love every single day, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, of course not! A career in professional dance is far from easy. It’s something that can easily be romanticized without people truly understanding the heartbreak that can come with this industry.

I’ve heard far more “no’s” at auditions than “yes’s,” and that’s never easy—especially when you’re just starting your career. You walk into an audition with huge dreams, big goals, and confidence in yourself, only to hear a “no” that seems to come out of nowhere. It’s easy to let those moments make you question your talent and your worth.

But I learned pretty quickly that a “no” isn’t the end of the story. It isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough—it’s motivation to keep going. Every rejection made me want that first “yes” even more.

I’ll never forget the first time I booked a professional job. I cried and cried and cried. It felt like something straight out of a movie. But once that moment passed, reality set in, because that “yes” wasn’t the finish line—it was just the beginning.

This career is not for the weak. It can be physically exhausting, mentally challenging, and emotionally draining. There are constant auditions, long rehearsals, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But through all of it, my passion for dance has always been stronger than the challenges. That passion is what keeps me pushing forward, chasing the next opportunity, and continuing to grow as both a dancer and a person.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I’m working as a professional dancer, performing on stage aboard a cruise ship—and it truly is one of the most incredible experiences. I’m on my second cruise contract, and no two contracts are ever the same. Each one brings new adventures, unforgettable memories, and lifelong friendships. The people you meet and the experiences you share are unlike anything else, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

When I’m on land, I love creating just as much as I love performing. Teaching dance classes, choreographing, and collaborating with other artists are some of my favorite ways to stay inspired. One of my biggest goals is to continue growing not only as a professional dancer but also as a choreographer for artists, live shows, and other creative projects. I also enjoy sharing my work on social media, and lately I’ve been exploring ways to create more visual content that allows me to experiment with my creativity and artistic style.

One project that has been especially meaningful to me is my business, The ULTM8 Company. Over the past several years, I’ve been developing and growing it, and I’m incredibly proud of my first product: The ULTM8 Dance Journal. It’s an all-in-one planner and journal designed specifically for professional dancers, choreographers, dance teachers, and other industry professionals.

The journal includes a yearly planner, audition and job trackers, choreography pages for formations and notes, income and expense logs, and space for daily journaling—all in one place. It was created from my own experiences navigating the dance industry and designed to help other dancers stay organized while pursuing their careers. It’s currently available through my website, and I’m working with graphic designers and manufacturers to develop an even higher-quality version for future releases. Seeing this idea come to life has been one of my proudest accomplishments.

What I believe truly sets me apart is that I don’t create only for myself—I create with others in mind. Whether I’m choreographing, teaching, or developing products for my business, I always try to see things from another person’s perspective. I want my work to inspire, support, and make a difference for the people who experience it.

Of course, I have big goals and dreams for my own career, but I also know I’m not the only one chasing those dreams. I believe there’s room for all of us to succeed. Instead of viewing others as competition, I’d rather collaborate, lift people up, and create something meaningful together. To me, that’s where the best art—and the best opportunities—come from.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being optimistic and understanding are two qualities that are incredibly important to me. In an industry like professional dance, I truly believe these characteristics can set you apart. They’re not just helpful—they’re necessary. Without them, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of overthinking, self-doubt, and negativity.

I’ve learned that staying optimistic about my future, auditions, jobs, finances, and overall career helps me maintain a healthy relationship with the ups and downs of this industry. Not every opportunity will work out the way I hope, but choosing to believe that the right opportunity will come keeps me motivated and moving forward. Most importantly, it helps me maintain confidence in myself.

Being understanding is just as important. It’s about recognizing that everyone has their own journey, and that success looks different for every person. It also means understanding the nature of this industry—sometimes a rejection has nothing to do with your talent. There are so many factors outside of your control, and learning not to take every setback personally is one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned.

These qualities don’t always come naturally, and they’re definitely easier said than done. But I believe they help me approach every opportunity with an open mind, continue learning from every experience, and build positive relationships with the people around me. At the end of the day, optimism and understanding allow me to stay grounded, keep growing, and continue chasing the career I love with confidence and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alanacaston.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/alanacaston
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alanalynncaston?si=dAfMKWqJ_jV7n_K8
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alanacaston?_r=1&_t=ZT-985mN6Vjiv8