Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz LeGrande.
Countless children are introduced to dance daily as a mere means to burn excess energy. Different was the case for three-year-old Liz LeGrande, whom couldn’t explain love at the time, but experienced it as she commenced a passionate journey of self while entering Christine’s School of Dance with her father. As her matchstick like legs connected with her first pair of ballet shoes, it was that exact moment that sparked a fire within that would only burn brighter. In a world constantly requiring us to recreate ourselves, dance became Liz’s greatest tool for transformation. This small studio, comprised of nothing but mirrors and ballet barres, became a catalyst in Liz’s personal development. These studio staples respectively taught her how to not only look at but within herself. This experience shaped Miss LeGrande’s motto, “How she showed up on the dance floor is how you showed up in life.”
Liz’s early dedication in dance provided world renown training, but most importantly, an escape. Liz channeled her experiences growing up mixed raced in a racially repressed community through dance at Pebblebrook High School, Cobb County’s School for Excellence in the Performing Arts. Liz graduated a year ahead of schedule as a dance major and vocal minor, departing early to train with The Atlanta Ballet. Her efforts afforded The Promising Artist Scholarship from The University of the Arts, where shortly after her journey to Philadelphia began, she was forced to withdrawal for an injury resulting from malnutrition. In the summer of 2008, Liz checked herself into a rehab facility for an eating disorder in fear of her life. Unbeknownst to her at the time, something inside her had already died. Liz learned that the road to recovery was about waking up to the glory of God already within her. She began letting go and surrendering to life so deeply that she rediscovered love in places within herself she hadn’t before.
Against even the discretion of her own agent, who suggested she would never make it in LA, 19-year-old Liz moved across country in pursuit of her dream. She fearlessly packed her belongings, relocating to Los Angeles to find haven on a friends’ couch and crash any and every audition that she could gain access. As reward to her faith in her God-given abilities, Liz booked and booked often. Her unique ability to cross genres has resulted in her being considered one of the most versatile dancers in the world, which is exemplified through her work. Liz has made stellar appearances in a host of T.V shows and films such as; Glee, Dancing With The Stars, My Crazy Ex GirlFriend, Disney’s Shake It Up, Step Up (HighWater), Bun Heads, X-Factor, America’s Best Dance Crew, Behind The Candelabra and more. Not to mention, providing stage and video support for some of the industry’s biggest artists such as; Usher, Beyoncé, Ciara, Katy Perry, Robin Thicke, Jessie J, Iggy Azalea, Jennifer Nettles, Charlie Puth, Kelly Clarkson and more.
Liz’s journey through life and dance has brought the opportunity to submerge into different cultures and customs, resulting in Liz’s advocacy for equality and human connection. Her latest project, abunDANCE, is a one of a kind workshop series that is designed to reconnect you with your body, mind, and spirit.
Has it been a smooth road?
Like airplanes, as we spread our wings to defy sky as the limit, turbulent experiences will always be a part of life. In these perils is where we will learn some of life’s most valuable lessons. Let me be clear, I’m speaking about life-altering moments capable of changing the trajectory of one’s life. And so, against everyone’s advice, I moved to LA at the age of 19 to make reality of my dream to become a professional dancer. I had no idea what to expect as social media had yet to grow into prominence and connect the world as we know it, so moving away from family, friends and all that was familiar was truly terrifying.
Once in LA, I quickly learned that my agent was right: there were hundreds of women who looked just like me vying for the same position. I felt like I was transported to an alternate dance universe where technique and skill did not reign supreme. Choreographers at auditions would line us up side by side, military-style, then make cuts based on body type, skin tone, age, and sex appeal. Sometimes it felt like the countless hours of training for this moment were in vain. I mean, imagine working your entire life to dance professionally, only to have the importance of your Instagram follower count supersede your talent.
Then the dancing begins…These auditions can last up to 12 hours with no real breaks and if we are lucky, they’ll book the dancers with just one audition day. While ideal, that is usually not the outcome and instead, we have to come back for more rounds, another day. For the small percentage of us who book the job, there are still many trials and tribulations to endure. When working for artists, dancers are usually hired as independent contractors, which means (among other things) that we do not receive insurance, so it’s our responsibility if anything happens to our bodies on the job. Also, our standard pay rates are far less than other career paths in the business, (although we are typically expected to work many more hours). Minimal pay isn’t always the worst of it though, as I’ve had to quit several jobs after not receiving compensation for months. And then there was the time I was sexually harassed on the job… I quit that one too!
To me, this is what life is all about: seeking and understanding truth so vividly there is no turning back. Something Dr. King understood is that there are no “quick fixes”, and that equality can only be acquired over time and through persistent effort. He said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
The tests I endured along my journey taught me that my voice matters and using it to make an impact here on earth can be fun! My experience becoming a professional dancer has propelled me into the power of expansion and while no words can describe the depth of what I’ve overcome; no words can describe the wonder of childhood dreams coming true. Was it difficult? Yes. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with abunDANCE – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
abunDANCE is a creative arts workshop encompassing dance, yoga, meditation, and art therapy. Our uniquely designed workshops bring forth a truly liberating experience by breaking past the limits we’ve previously set for ourselves. Together, as we shift levels of consciousness (through guided creative experiences) so too does the world shift around us.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about Atlanta isn’t something words can describe… only felt from the heart! It’s forever home and I’ve missed it. What I like least is the small selection of Vegan restaurants and health food stores… After living in LA for ten years, it’s been a culture shock, to say the least.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abundanceIAM.com
- Email: abundanceIAM22@gmail.com
- Instagram: LizLeGrande
- Facebook: LizLeGrande
- Twitter: LizLeGrande
Image Credit:
C.S. Rutledge, Wes Klain, Q Burdette
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
