Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaleyah Hicks.
Hi Aaleyah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is really about learning how to pursue multiple passions at once and refusing to choose just one version of myself.
I started dancing as a teenager, and it quickly became one of the biggest parts of my identity. Over the years, I trained and performed through high school, college, and even at a semi-professional level. Dance has always been more than just movement for me, it’s been my creative outlet, my stress relief, and a space where I feel the most confident and expressive. Recently, I’ve leaned even more into that side of myself, exploring styles like classic burlesque and preparing for bigger opportunities, including being an entrepreneur for an adult showcase and working toward goals of bringing the Dallas dance community together.
At the same time, I chose a path in healthcare, which speaks to a completely different, but equally important part of who I am. I’m currently in graduate school pursuing my Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree, and that journey has been intense, demanding, and incredibly rewarding. Nursing requires discipline, critical thinking, and compassion, and it’s pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.
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?
Balancing both worlds hasn’t always been easy. There are long days where I’m going from studying complex medical concepts straight into rehearsals, or vice versa. But learning how to juggle both has shaped me into someone who is resilient, driven, and deeply committed to my goals. It’s taught me time management, sacrifice, and how to show up fully in completely different environments.
Where I am today is the result of not putting myself in a box. I’m building a career in healthcare while still pursuing my passion for dance at a high level, and I’m proud of that balance. My journey is still evolving, but at its core, it’s about creating a life where I don’t have to choose between being analytical and creative, I get to be both.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work lives at the intersection of structure and creativity. Professionally, I’m in graduate school specializing in acute care as a future Nurse Practitioner, where I focus on clinical reasoning, patient care, and making high-level decisions in fast-paced environments. But outside of healthcare, I’ve built a space for something just as meaningful to me; dance.
I specialize in creating performance opportunities for adult dancers, especially those who may not have had the chance to perform growing up or who miss that feeling of being on stage. I recently produced and choreographed an adult dance showcase centered around that exact idea: giving people the opportunity to perform for their loved ones, to feel seen, celebrated, and accomplished in a way that’s often reserved for younger dancers.
What I’m most proud of is that I said yes to something that felt bigger than anything I had done before. I choreographed 13 full pieces for this showcase, something I had never taken on at that scale. It pushed me creatively, mentally, and physically, but it also showed me what I’m capable of when I fully commit.
What really sets my work apart is the experience itself. This isn’t just about posting a dance video online, it’s about creating a live, emotional moment. The dancers perform in front of a real audience, and their loved ones show up, sometimes traveling from across the country to support them. There’s something powerful about witnessing that in real time: the nerves, the excitement, the pride, and the connection between performer and audience.
At the core of what I do is creating space for expression, for confidence, and for people to step into a version of themselves they may have never had the chance to before. And being able to bring that to life, while balancing the demands of a completely different career path, is something I take a lot of pride in.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d also love to share that this is just the beginning. I’m currently preparing for my next showcase coming this fall, and I’m especially excited about the theme, it’s centered around “Dancing Around the World.” Each piece will highlight different dance styles inspired by cultures and ethnic backgrounds from across the globe, creating a really dynamic and meaningful experience for both the dancers and the audience.
This next show is all about celebrating diversity, storytelling through movement, and continuing to create a space where adults can step into the spotlight and feel proud of what they’ve accomplished.
If anyone is interested in being a part of the next showcase, whether you have years of experience or you’re just looking for something new and exciting, I’d love to connect. You can reach out to me directly for more information. It’s truly a special experience, and I’m always looking to bring in new faces who are ready to challenge themselves and be part of something unforgettable.
Pricing:
- $50 entry fee to perform in showcase
- $30 to watch showcase
