Meet Alyssa Baker | Dancer, Dance Educator & Model

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

Hi Alyssa, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Wow this is a great question! I don’t believe there is ever a time to really give up but I do believe that there is a time to pivot. What I mean by that is having the discernment to know when something or someone no longer serves you and your success. This could also mean changing the way you approach your goals or craft. As we grow and learn in our various industries you will find your niche by actively working on you and trying new things. In my experience primarily with dance I have done some pivoting and approached dance differently as I’ve gotten older. I have been dancing for over 20 years and while I am still young there has been wear and tear on my body, jobs haven’t worked out the way I wanted them to, and there have even been times when I wasn’t booking anything at all. Instead of being defeated I found ways to love my craft differently and see what doors opened for me along the way. After I sprain my ankle back in 2022 on top of shin splints and tendonitis, I had to rebuild my strength and heal my body while still finding ways to do what I love. While I healed to shifted my focus from being the dancer to being a dance educator and choreographer and my primary service to the dance world and fell in love with it. I have always loved the idea of teaching but never really had a chance to deep dive into it because I was still dancing full time. As I began my journey teaching in Atlanta starting with the Ballethnic Dance Academy more doors opened up for me to do guest classes at various schools in the Atlanta such as Woodward Academy, Dance Makers of Atlanta, and The Alvin Ailey Dance Camp in Atlanta. These have some of the more rewarding experiences because I get to pour into the next generation and share my knowledge and love for dance with artists who feel the same. As I healed I started back up taking classes and in addition to teaching and have networked with dancers, videographers, musicians, and other creatives and have been blessed with opportunities to perform, be a part of music videos, and even choreograph for shows and music videos. Long story short don’t EVER give up. Pivot and you will find your pocket and purpose! Giving up means you are okay with settling for less when you know you want more.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Right now my art is kind of all over the place in a good way. I’m in a season of trying new things, pushing the envelope and being even more intentional than I was about what I want to do with my creative ability. Performing will always have my heart. I love being on stage and putting on a show for an audience. I’ve also fallen in love with being a dance educator. It’s a gratifying feeling when you can watch children that you teach excited about learning, growing dance and life wise and pushing themselves to become stronger artists. I’m finding the balance so that I can continue to do both. I just finished my 3 year working with The Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive here in Atlanta and this was my first summer teaching jazz and it was such an amazing summer. I was so proud of the campers that I taught and how well they did at their final performance.

My other craft that I have been tapping into for quite sometime now is modeling. I have modeled for various clothing brands such as Kaieteur House, Good Garments, Fela, and more as well as done creative and editorial shoots. I also had the opportunity to do walk runway for many Atlanta based brands. I aspire to work with brands and artists around the world. Modeling has also brought me opportunities to be in commercials, music videos and attending events. How I got to where I am professionally today came about with networking with the right people. I have met so many dope artists here and even some connections I previously had from back home and college helped me along the way. Your network is truly your net worth. When you surround yourself with like minded, motivated and positive people your perspective and even work ethic changes. Was it easy? No. But, there is no success without some hardships along the way. You have to learn to roll with the punches and know that what is for you won’t miss you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This question is so ironic because my best friend was just in town and we went to see Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour! That’s my number one idea for having a great time, hands down! Outside of that I would definitely take her to a few places like Rock Steady the restaurant is great and the vibes on the lounge floor are always immaculate. We would also hit the beltline and look at the murals, art work, and food spots along the way. In addition to this I would recommend R&B Monday at Suite Food Lounge. The girls love a good R&B vibe. The Interlock in midtown is also a good move for good food, music and activities. There’s a PuttShack and an Escape Room place there in addition to restaurants and bars. Atlanta has so much to do sometimes it can be a challenge picking something to do. I say pick a few things and pick out of a hat and go from there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I have to thank God first for blessing me abundantly in my life and for listening to me when I’ve called him on the prayer line for 5th time in a 30 minute span. I am so grateful to have the village that I have had my entire life. From family, friends, and those adjacent. Without my village rooting for me and giving support I would not have the motivation and drive that I do. They filled me up with love and made sure I knew I was capable of great things. I would love to say a huge thank you to my parents who first put me in dance pouring into my passions and to my big brother for always showing up and cheering for me along the way. To Ms. Stephanie, Mr. Torens and the rest of my Baltimore Dance Tech family thank you for the foundation of my training and the consistent support you have shown me over the years. To Dr. Gaynell-Sherrod or “Dr. G” as we all her for her motivation, support and love as a mentor for not only myself but my fellow classmates at Virginia Commonwealth University during our time in the dance program. Last but not least I would like to thank the host of family and friends back home in Baltimore and loved ones I’ve gained along the way for their smiles, laughter, prayers, love, and authenticity! The saying “it takes a village” is true. As I proofread my response I realized how many times I said love and I’m so blessed to have been raised in it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biglyss_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-baker-93a420117

Image Credits
1. Outfit Designed by @calebthestarr / Photo taken by: @catoclicksalot
2. Outfit Designed by: @fela.atl / Photo taken by: @fela.atl
3. Nutcracker Performance with Absolute Entertainment
4. Still of Choreography by @tonydeberry
5. Ailey Camp Staff
6. Outfit Designed by @luthedesigner @honorbylu
7. Editorial Shoot taken by @cpskki