Today we’d like to introduce you to Thijs Hogenboom.
Hi Thijs, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am originally a dancer from the Netherlands, where I’ve danced over ten years professionally as a contemporary and ballet dancer. About four years ago, I moved to the United States and threw myself in the acting and dance scene here, learning so much about my new crafts like acting and singing, as well as developing a whole different relationship with the craft I had already known for so many years; dance. Besides the usual struggles of an artist, I was also a non-American, having to deal with all other kinds of things like work/artists visas in order for me to work/live/exist here. It’s a journey that’s been incredibly tough but also very rewarding and fulfilling, after all this struggle, I made it happen! I can work and do what I love most, share my art with the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No such thing as a smooth road, and if anyone tells you otherwise, they’re lying (or incredibly lucky)! It’s been a tough journey, and I don’t think you ever really get to a point where it doesn’t become tough. Or maybe I don’t like it when it just gets too easy for me. Being an artist and being able to live and love from it is insanely hard, and I applaud everyone who made it happen. There’s definitely points where things get better, you definitely just gotta push through and keep believing in yourself!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am mostly known as a professional dancer, but I am also an actor and singer. I love the theater, the arts, any kind of creative outlet that is out there. If it is not to do myself, it’s to see others doing it (and doing it well!) I’ve trained many years for these skills to be build, and I am so happy to be able to release them into the wild while still building my craft. I am auditioning for musicals, theaters, film and television, but am also very aware that the work is never done. I come from a small town located in a small country, so I am very happy to have made it this far in my artistic journey already. I am a great fighter and a great adapter. If I want something, I’ll get it and I will make it work somehow in some way for me.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Go out there, and meet people. It is so incredibly important. If you are shy like I am, set yourself up for things that you will HAVE to speak up, communicate, or participate, even though it might be the scariest thing you’ve ever done in your life. Don’t go to classes with hundreds of people where you can easily hide; it’s maybe not a waste of your talent (and you will still learn, I admit those classes can be valuable, too), but if you want to network go to places where there’s no chance but you having to show up and show off. You’ll maybe hate yourself in the moment, but you’ll be thankful afterward. And most of the time, you learn that everybody is just as terrified about everything as you are! If you are not that brave yet, simply start by going to dance/acting/singing classes and pray someone will strike up a conversation with you. Thank your teacher, simple things like that!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thijshogenboom.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/thijshogenboom
- Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/thijshogenboom
Image Credits
Luke Fisher, Stijn Smulders, Luana Șeu
