Today we’d like to introduce you to Grayson Micaela.
Grayson, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began my love affair with the stage and all things art at the age of three as a dancer. For years, I danced and poured my blood, sweat, and tears into every step, every arm movement and every facial expression. At the age of eight, my parents pulled me out of school to homeschool me, because my father had gotten a new job- and I could further my dance training without the time limitation of school. Until one day, I tore my plantar fascia during the busiest season of the year: Nutcracker season. So many shows of the iconic winter treat and my foot couldn’t handle it. I went from dancing 50+hours a week to barely being able to dance a two-hour class. After a couple of months of trying, I had to put my pointe shoes up, for good. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I had taken a couple of TV/Film classes, but all I knew at that point was dance. Nothing else mattered to me.
For weeks, I didn’t know what to do with myself. And then, a friend of mine told my mom and I about this audition that she was doing, urging me to audition as well. After a while, I agreed and though I had no training, I auditioned for Wylie Acting Group for Children’s production of Oklahoma! And I nailed a lead role. Thus, beginning my career – two years of countless shows, new strengths and old ones (dance) being used. I found who I was and I began to fall in love with the world of musical theatre. And then, I decided to audition at 16 as a freshman, two years older than my peers, at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. I walked in, not knowing my future, only knowing I loved art, and a couple of months later, I was in! I walked the halls for the first time, music blaring through the halls, like a scene out of Fame. I had found my place. A couple of years later and here I am now: a dancer, choreographer, actress (in movies and on the stage), singer, songwriter, designer, FX artist, blogger, YouTuber, and business owner. All at 18 years old.
Great, 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?
Like most people, I have faced struggles down my path to becoming who I am. Bullies, insecurities, dealing with people and the ever-changing world we live in, etc. Finding who I am as an artist and how to make it. Learning how to deal with conflict, be it person or thing. Learning how to work around things I had issues with and be able to look them in the face and smile, as well as being professional.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an artist. Dancer, singer, actress (both movies and stage), designer, blogger, YouTuber and I also run a babysitting business in the Oak Cliff area. I have a couple of movies coming out soon, both feature and short film. I had the honor of performing at the Dallas Summer Musical Gala with Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Loren Allred, Joshua Henry, and Shoshana Bean. I am 18 years old and full of commitment and professionalism. I dedicate myself to my craft(s) 150%. I love what I do. I think that is what sets me apart from other 18-year-olds. I love what I do, I do it until I can’t hold my eyes open any longer and I do it all with a smile on my face and a professional attitude, despite the situation.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Professionalism is a must to me. Being as perfect as I can be. Thinking everything through and being kind and open to what is going on around me. Being able to see my goals and the people around me who help me make them come true. That is when I’m most myself and able to succeed.
Pricing:
- Choreography – either $40 an hour or $150 for an entire piece, 3-week max
- Movies, Gigs, etc – dependant
- Babysitting- $10 an hour for 1 kid, $12 – $15 an hour for 2
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.blogspot.com/renaissancegirlworld
- Phone: 2144486230
- Email: graysonmicaela@aol.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ballet_grays18
- Facebook: Facebook.com/GraysonLesleyMilburn
Image Credit:
Renae Lesley
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