Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeriane Louisy.
Hi Valeriane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in France and began dancing at a young age, long before I understood that it could become a vocation. Growing up, I rarely saw dancers who looked like me represented in those spaces. That reality eventually fueled my desire to explore movement beyond traditional European frameworks.
My path shifted when I moved to New York City ten years ago. New York was the place that expanded everything for me — my technique, my voice, my sense of belonging, and the range of possibilities I could imagine for myself. Over the years, I built a multi-disciplinary career that bridges concert dance, musical theatre, commercial work, and teaching.
In 2024, I joined The Lion King North American Tour as a Dancer. Touring the U.S. and Canada with this show has been a milestone, not just because of the scale of the production, but because it affirmed the artistic path I’ve worked toward for years. The role demands technical excellence, versatility across styles, and the stamina to perform at a high level eight times a week while maintaining artistic consistency. Being part of a company of this caliber has expanded both my national visibility and the impact of my work.
If there is a thread through my journey, it’s the idea that every opportunity builds upon the last. The risks have been real, but so has the reward.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all but every challenge has helped shape my path. Like many artists, I’ve faced moments of uncertainty, adapting to new environments, balancing work while training, and navigating a highly competitive industry. There were times when opportunities felt out of reach, or when progress didn’t come as quickly as I hoped.
But each obstacle taught me something valuable: a level of resilience, discipline, and a deeper trust in my craft. Those experiences strengthened my voice as an artist and made the journey that much more meaningful
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional dancer specializing in contemporary, Afro-diasporic movement, and musical theatre. I’m currently performing in The Lion King North American Tour — a milestone that followed a year in the production of The Lion King in Paris. I’m one of the rare performers who has bridged both the European and U.S. company, bringing the show’s legacy to audiences on two continents.
What sets me apart is the blend of technical precision and cultural storytelling rooted in my Caribbean upbringing, European training, and the artistic growth I found in New York City.
To be honest, I never set out to be on stage. My original goal was simply to sharpen my artistic voice so I could translate it more powerfully while teaching. Sharing has always been my calling. Over time, I learned to move past my shyness and let my voice carry across the stage and not just within the safety of the dance studio. Performing became another language for me, a way to deepen the knowledge I hope to pass on. Ultimately, I aspire to use every part of my training and experience to guide younger artists and help them see possibility in themselves.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One book that has had a real impact on me is The Untethered Soul. It’s a book that encourages presence, awareness, and letting go of internal limitations. It helped me tap into my inner world with more clarity, and that grounding has shaped the way I show up both in my artistry and in my daily life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valelouisy.wixsite.com/valerianellj
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerianellj/
Image Credits
Brown background with headshot – John Gress @johngressmedia
Pink Nike set – Nhlanhla Ndlovu @umsocomedia
2 dancing photos courtesy of Evidence A Dance Company
