Where are you from originally? I was born in raised in Richmond, CA
How long have you lived in Chattanooga? I came here in 2002 to attend Covenant College and have been in the South ever since!
Tell us about your childhood: I had a great childhood– growing up with 2 older siblings and 5 younger, there was always someone to play with! Plus we had great neighbors. I loved playing outside, riding bikes, etc. I was also homeschooled, so I spent a lot of time with my family. We are all pretty close.
Do you have a nickname? Lyte Bryte
When were you introduced to dance? My mom put me in ballet at a young age. Maybe 5? I didn’t dance again until 7th grade when I started Scottish Country Dance classes. When I began high school, that’s when I signed up for dance class again and I got a taste of hip hop. I fell in love with it as well as performing!
How do dance and the community play a role in your life? After pursuing a professional dance career in Atlanta for 6 years, I came back to Chattanooga in 2013. I took a turn towards the fitness world by starting with teaching Zumba®. The integration of dance and fitness was perfect. I later got hired at Sportsbarn teaching Hip Hop Cardio classes. The community of students everywhere I teach has been SO supportive and loving–reaching from a professional level to a personal level. I am beyond blessed to know and party into shape with so many great people here in Chattanooga!
What dance style do you love the most and why? I’m in love with Contemporary which I feel is a fusion of lyrical and hip hop. You have so much room to emote and express while hitting amazing beats in the music. I didn’t get to take very many contemporary classes while training in Atlanta, and so my favorite style to execute is hip hop:) You can be hard-hitting and full of energy and swag or you can be smooth and cool.