Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandie Phan.
Hi Sandie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas then moved to the DFW area to attend the University of North Texas in Denton after graduating high school. I moved in with my older brother who stayed in Lewisville so that I could get the best of both worlds dancing at UNT and dancing in the Dallas area. I wish I could say that I have been dancing my entire life, but I started dancing in my late high school years. Being a captain of the Don Diamonds high school dance team and meeting my coach/mentor Kaylee Keith-Morrison was probably one of my moments of realization that I wanted to keep dancing. Growing up, I was always the quiet shy girl and never said too much. I found that through dance, I was able to speak what I needed without even talking. I found dance to be my therapy. It was a way for me to connect with myself and the audience. It was a way for me to not be afraid to speak my truth. Living in an Asian household, dance was not a career of choice, but over time, I was blessed to have my parents understand that this wasn’t something I was going to give up easily. Throughout my college years, I have met so many amazing people and gained lifelong friendships. I have been on teams such as Choreo Block, The Neighborhood, Meraki, A.T.L.A.S. Society, and now currently, Team Athena. Even though I’ve only been on Team Athena for a short amount of time, this feels like home. After winning World of Dance in Houston with the girls, I know there is more to come. We are just getting started, and I am excited to see what’s in store for us.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is never a smooth road. Growing up in an Asian household, I’m held to the expectation of choosing a life that is sustainable. My parents moved to America to give their kids a better life. My parents are very traditional, so learning that their daughter wanted to be a dancer and knowing the term “starving artist” scared them. I don’t blame them because it is definitely a risk, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take. I know that dance can be a career and a real job. Looking in the mirror makes me realize who I do it for. I do it for my younger self who needed the person I am today. The little girl who was too afraid to speak her mind and be her now extroverted self. The little girl who was afraid of speaking in front of large groups but can now perform in front of hundreds. I think my current and most difficult struggle right now is trying to figure out life after graduation. All throughout college, I’ve balanced having a part-time job and teaching at a studio while being in school, and now that school is out of the picture, I need to find a sustainable job to help finance my dreams. My main goal is to be financially on my feet to support my dance dreams and move to either LA/New York/Atlanta, so I can step into the industry scene. I strive to give young Asian Americans hope that they too can succeed and live out their creative dreams.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and am currently in the process of obtaining my teacher’s certificate. I’ve studied styles such as Modern, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Heels, and Tap. I specialize in Hip Hop but can also teach beginner modern/ballet/tap/jazz. I currently teach/sub around at multiple dance studios in the DFW and love meeting new students. I feel like I am known for my patience when it comes to teaching and working with the kids; I have a soft spot because I imagine what I would’ve needed at their age. What most people don’t know about me is that I love creative directing. I typically journal out my ideas but like any other artist, kept it in the vault. I have a few videos on my YouTube channel from the past years and hope that in the future, I can settle into creative directing.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My wonderful and supportive family – Ngoc Huynh, Han Phan, Tony Phan, Giang Phan, and Catherine Nguyen. My mentor – Kaylee Keith-Morrison (high school dance coach)
Directors of Team Athena – Kylah Henry and Darius Brown
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sandie_phan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWNFr-0umkHhKLahkLCfCOA
Image Credits
Victoria Nguyen
@iso400.club
Britney Nguyen
Ramon Grande
