Meet Angelica Leontyne | Choreographer & Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelica Leontyne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelica, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Like many others, the pandemic has completely shifted my thoughts on balance. I’m a single mom that not only works but is in graduate school…on top of that has the nerve to start her own business! This past year I’ve learned to do what you can and relax. Being busy is one thing but being productive is another. Being at home more has taught me so much about balance and protecting my mental health that even when times were really hard, I appreciate the lessons within a year. So, prioritizing what’s important (ME! my sanity & relaxation, my sons & my personal relationships) are what really took over.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
“I’ve experienced a lot & I’ve survived a lot. I’m not supposed to be here, but God had a plan for me. Every single step in my life led me here, so the dance must continue. From childhood abuse, divorce, bankruptcy, depression & surviving as a single mom, it all pushed me to keep dancing.

Storytelling through Dance is my motivation. I’ve always wanted to choreograph but with passion & and an energy that is magnetic to an audience. My hope is that whatever I create is much more than just 8 counts, more than just moves, more than the rhythm. It will all be inspiring, impactful & insightful to the story being told.

“My mother was a single mother of four, she couldn’t afford to put me in dance class, so my cousin who was actively involved in dance and my cousin, who was currently taking dance classes, would come over and teach me.” I caught on naturally and quickly and not only took lessons from my cousin but would faithfully record and watch shows like “Fame” and the Fly Girls from “In Living Colour” and mimic all of their dance moves. I soon realized that dance was what I wanted to do! But not just learn from others, I wanted to create art using dance as my platform

My love for choreography began and I later studied theater & dance in high school & college. My goal as an Artistic Director & choreographer is to do way more than teach dance steps and yell ‘5,6,7,8’ but to inspire performers to use their very own stories to push them to perform, get in shape, express themselves artistically or to just have fun!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The funny thing is I am a planner but also love spontaneity! Atlanta, is one of the best places to do anything fun. I would definitely take my best friend to grab some yummy pizza from Antico’s, some barbecue from Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt, some hibachi from Oriental Express or soul food from Hattie B’s Chicken. Of course with all of that good eating we can burn it off by going skating at Cascade Skating Rink, take a bike ride on the Atlanta beltline starting at my favorite entrance by Gordon White Park, visit the SCAD Fash Museum or go bowling at the Painted Pin. If all else fails a nice picnic at Piedmont Park is always a winner.

It’s so much that goes on in Atlanta and the surrounding areas that you will always find some fun, interesting & exciting people anywhere every day of the week. This is the A!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shout out to my two amazing sons, Shaun & Austin, my parents & my little village of supporters that encourage me on a daily! You know who you are.

Website: https://linktr.ee/lifeisan8count

Instagram: @mustbejelli @lifeisan8count

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelicaleontynepugh

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGlSp9ABZRmM7SC9rJ5vq2A

Image Credits
River West Photography Tamd Photography