Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Doll
Dani , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started 13 years ago when I began working as a gogo dancer in Dallas. I was only 17 years old at the time! That was my entry into the entertainment industry. I loved everything about it. The freestyle form of gogo dancing, the glamour of the costumes, the fast-paced and fun nightlife venues. I quickly made a name for myself and danced for 13 years in Dallas. Along the way, I became interested in aerial arts as well. I trained for years to be able to also become an aerialist. Fast forward to today, I recently started my own entertainment company “Team Dollhouse” and aerial fitness studio “Dollhouse Fitness.” I have officially retired from gogo dancing in nightlife but still perform aerials. Most of my focus is now on my businesses and growing them. I am incredibly passionate about the entertainment and fitness industry and knew I wanted to stay involved even after I retired completely from performing. I am proud to continue my legacy and be able to now pass on the knowledge and guidance to the younger performers. Community and culture is something that is really important to me and inspired me to build all this, so us fellow performers can grow, inspire, and support each other.
The transition has been hard from being the performer to the one who teaches and manages them. I am still getting used to it and at times I will admit I even miss it. But, I am very excited to see what the future has in store for me! My businesses just launched this year and have already been successful. I feel like I am only just getting started.
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?
It was not an easy journey. No one ever took me seriously when I shared my dreams with them. They told me that my line of work was not realistic or a “real job.” I am even amazed at how successful I have been in such a niche market.
The entertainment industry is also very tough. I received a lot of “no’s” when I first began, but that somehow just motivated me to work even harder to get a “yes.” In this industry, I’ve had to learn to build tough skin. With constant pressure to look your best, perform your best, be the best-it is not an industry for the weak. I think that’s what attracted me to it and I thrived under that pressure.
With my current businesses, I also felt pressure and a lot of doubt. I would now be competing with people I worked with for years, I was worried about the dynamic shift and if I would be received well in this change. Both are very competitive markets.
We’ve been impressed with Team Dollhouse & Dollhouse Fitness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Team Dollhouse is a brand-new entertainment agency. We offer all kinds of talent for venues, parties, and events. And if we don’t have the requested talent already on our roster, we are experts at scouting specific talent requests. We are quickly making a name for ourselves by providing passionate performers and unique custom costuming. We are a team, hence the name Team Dollhouse, and I think that really shows in our performances. As a former performer myself, I make sure to scout the best of the best. The ones who are equally, if not more, passionate about performance arts than myself.
Dollhouse Fitness is a private aerial fitness studio. Right now we are just starting out and offering private appointment only classes. We are a small, humble, and niche focused studio. Focusing on customized classes based off of our clients level and goals. We also offer a variety of niche classes such as pole-silks and lollipop lyra. We work with all levels, from beginners to seasoned performers. We do have plans to renovate the studio and host public classes soon. However, we plan to keep our super customized and niche vibe that sets us apart.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was a bit of a tomboy. I was the only girl and had 2 brothers. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I became a “girly girl” and my interests changed. I became interested in arts-dancing, singing, fashion, makeup, etc. I really started to express myself then through how I dressed, joining dance class, and choir. I remember having the nickname “heels” in high school because I wore high heels and really fashionable outfits to school. I even won “best dressed” at prom! Personality-wise, I was outgoing and bubbly. I got along with pretty much everybody. I remember at school lunches the kids would link up into their cliques to eat together. Meanwhile, I would bounce around and eat with different groups because I was friends with a lot of different people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danidoll_xo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaniDoll
- Other: https://linktr.ee/danidoll
Image Credits
Dark room photo studios and moto foto works
