Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Boyd.
Hi Allie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dance has always been a constant in my life for as long as I remember. My lifelong love for dance began at the age of 6. I spent many years competing in national dance competitions led by some of the best in the industry. I have been trained in all areas of dance, but especially enjoy contemporary and commercial dance. Dance saved me and was my safe place. It has made an impact on my life in ways that have molded me into the person I am today. Dance makes me feel alive, and I wanted to chase that feeling forever. Growing up in small-town Amarillo, Texas left much to be desired in the creative arts scene, so I needed to make a big move. I graduated high school a year early and began training full-time at a ballet conservatory, but that’s not what I wanted. The passion wasn’t there. I needed to find my way. I knew I wanted to pursue a professional career in dance, so at the age of 18, I moved to the east coast to do just that. I settled in Charleston, SC, and began teaching dance at many local studios in the area and training at Dancefx Charleston.
You hear a lot of “nos” as a dancer, more than you hear “yes.” When I started transitioning into a choreographer, a lot of people in the industry were saying I was too young to be doing this and that I’d never make it. But I knew if I wanted it, I had to go for it. I started as the quiet, shy underdog who danced in the back of the room and has now grown into the Co-Studio Director and Adult Program Manager at Dancefx Charleston. I teach multiple adult dance classes per week of all different styles and direct and choreograph pieces for our professional contemporary and hip-hop performance companies that we perform throughout the low country area. I have been with Dancefx Charleston for almost 10 years. What has helped me is not just my talent, but I don’t take no for an answer. I am super hard working and I wanted it so badly. I never let fear overtake and overpower my love for what I do. Taking risks and my “just got for it” attitude has brought so many amazing opportunities such as: choreographing for the NFL Cheerleaders, and Disney, being featured in multiple music videos, shows, and productions along with working with artists such as Yella Beezy, Nicky Cortez, and Greg Keys. It’s unbelievable how far my career has taken me. My passion for dance helped me achieve my self-confidence and accept myself for who I am. It’s been a struggle, but this journey has inspired me to help others do the same. I felt like I had a bigger purpose than going to an audition. I didn’t want to have to fight for a spot anymore or fight for validation. I knew that I was talented and that I had something to say I just needed to create my own lane and stop trying to fit into others that weren’t for me. I don’t know what my future holds, but I just want to keep inspiring people along the way and lifting others up with my passion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Any road less traveled is never smooth and being black and growing up dancing in a small town came was a very bumpy ride. When I was younger, there was no one that looked like me in my dance classes. There was no Misty Copeland to look up to at the time. There wasn’t a lot of representation for black people in the creative arts. It was lonely.
Subtle comments are put in place to remind you to stay within the box that society is comfortable with you residing in. Don’t look too eccentric, don’t get too angry, don’t wear your natural hair, don’t, don’t, don’t… “You don’t have the right body type for dance, you couldn’t possibly dance there because there are no others like you, you need to wear pink tights so you blend in, you’re so good at contemporary.” And also, the whispers behind our backs: “They have to be featured because they’re the only Black person.” All of this amounts to the realization that no matter what work you put in, your dancing will always be overshadowed by your skin color. These are the experiences of most dancers of color: your friends, your peers, your teachers. Yet our resilience is clear. We continue to show up because despite the systemic racism that follows us like a shadow every day, we have the right to be here – and it’s exhausting.
After the outrage we saw over the murder of George Floyd, which has sparked the kindling of oppression that has plagued people of color for years, you might be asking yourself: How can I help? Have the hard, uncomfortable conversations and check on your friends. Reaching out to those close to you shows that you support them. While they might not always have the words or energy to express how much it means to them (because quite frankly, we are exhausted), it matters.
In having these conversations, listen to them and really hear what they are saying. As uncomfortable as it might be, try your hardest to pivot your feelings away from yourself. This isn’t the appropriate time to show your empathy by inserting your personal experiences because, in a way, it belittles the severity of what we are experiencing right now.
Continue to educate yourself about why this is happening. Learn about the history of Black culture and oppression.
Learn about the history of organizations and steer your support towards brands that don’t promote hate or have a racist history or tendencies. The internet is an excellent tool for learning about the history of just about any organization if you take the time to dig in a little. Keep the conversation going! You have a voice, too, and the world needs to hear what you have to say!
It has been a mission of mine to be able to provide a safe space for people of color to dance. A place where we can feel comfortable. I believe Dancefx Charleston provides that space. Although there is much more work to be done in the Charleston community, I won’t stop working to bring everyone together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work ethic and unique style has proven me unstoppable. A dance class with me is more than just training. I create a safe space by motivating you with love and discipline to reach your fullest potential. I value each and every person’s uniqueness and push them past their limits. I create choreography and movement to inspire others to push the boundaries of dance and become well-rounded individuals. I teach all styles of dance to any age but specializing in my own personal styles of contemporary and commercial dance. I focus on performance and movement quality while centering your energy through body and mind connection. Dance is a way to mend and heal. Whether you’ve never danced a day in your life, you used to dance when you were younger and took a break, or you’re an advanced dancer looking to make it in the professional world – I help you find the YOU in your dancing.
I teach classes every week at Dancefx Charleston, downtown’s premiere non-profit dance studio.
What makes you happy?
Sharing happiness with others makes me happy. I have a wonderful loving husband that inspires me to be the best version of myself and a beautiful, resilient daughter that is a childhood cancer survivor. I’ve suffered a lot of loss and it’s made me appreciate the good things in life.
I’m one of those people who just want to make everybody’s day. Sometimes in class, people can feel bogged down by insecurities or anxiety because they don’t believe in themselves. But when someone else takes the time to acknowledge their worth, it can change the way they perceive themselves. Helping others see the light in themselves is what brings me the most joy.
Pricing:
- Trial Drop-in Class: $10
- Drop-In Class: $20
- 1/Class per week: $67.50/month
- 4-Class Card: $75
- 10-Class Card: 180
Contact Info:
- Email: dfxchs@dancefx.org | allieboyd.dance@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.dancefxcharleston.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancebarbie/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtIvYH8FKSBt_OnUPnVZc_A
Image Credits
Jenn Dukes
Presley Williams
David Seginer
Brandon Allan
