Meet Daien Von: Creative Dancer

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

Hi Daien, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has played a huge role in my life; in both productive and non-productive ways. It was not until recently when I learned what taking risks actually took, and how beneficial it is. Not to mention how amazing it feels! I had to learn the hard way that settling for whatever feels more comfortable is the most toxic thing you can do in your life. For a very long time, I drowned in my thoughts of why I was not able to move forward in certain projects, and would find myself in yet another moment where I hadn’t completed something. Towards the end of last year, I decided to take the small visions in my mind and share them in the ways I saw fit. I realized that doing it my own way was the risk in itself. I grew tired of feeling as though I needed “stamps of approval” to do what it is that I am most passionate about, and be who it is that I dream of being. Risking the possibility of not being understood by fellow dancers, dance lovers, or people in general changed the purpose of my Dance career. I am a woman with a burning love for grooving in uncommon places, feeling free while doing it, and genuinely not caring about those who do not accept it. Feeling Free in the work that you enjoy doing, is the risk that I have taken, and I feel unstoppable because of it. With risks, I feel more confident, I feel more powerful, I feel more fearless, and way more possible.

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.
No confinement. This is how I describe my art. Ideally and mentally, I have no limits to what it is I am doing with my Creative Dancing. In actuality, however, with the current climate of COVID-19, I have been fairly limited on what I have been dying to share with you. Having the ability to reach everyone that enjoys dance in unconventional fashions motivates me in this business. Creating miniature dance videos (40 seconds -1 minute) packed with fun energy has been a stepping stone to other areas my art focuses on. Everyone should feel this good when they dance, and everyone is capable of learning how to! Dance is feeling, NOT a Technicality. I recently launched my Virtual Dance Classes, since I personally am unable to teach In-Studio classes right now, due to the pandemic. My classes are accessible to individuals of all ages, shapes, and learning paces, whenever it is most convenient for them to do. These Virtual Dance classes encourage Self-Love, confidence, and reminding us that it doesn’t always have to be that serious! What about the fun of it?! We all bring something different to every table, so why not embrace it? Let your hair down with me, babe! I just remember how awful I would feel, because of how slow of a learner I am when it comes to learning dance moves; I mean it really is embarrassing. I almost permanently quit dancing, because of it. But I decided to use it to my advantage and find a way to reach other AMAZING dancers out there, like myself, and help them master their gift in a way that empowers them as well. This is what I am most proud of. Extending the excitement and encouragement to anyone who longs for it. You can have it, you deserve it; let me help you get there! Many sleepless nights due to tears, endless fears, and countless fails. But I had to learn that there’s no stopping. Even when you stop, the clock keeps ticking and the world revolves without you. Then you look up, and you wonder how much further you could have gone, if you hadn’t stopped. So, for that, I will never stop again. All in all, I just want to create. There are so many things brewing for “Dai-Moves”. You just wait and see.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LaFonda’s on Ponce De Leon is my go-to spot for delicious and hearty Mexican food. They have fast service, comforting lighting, awesome Mango Mojitos, and a corner table on the balcony that sits under the shadow of a beautiful tree. A good time Will be had! And if you don’t like Mexican, then we can take a trip down Buford Highway and choose from their many choices. I’m not much of a club girl anymore, but on my devilish nights, I was recently introduced to “Whiskey Mistress” on Maple drive. I’ve only been there once for one of my sisters’ birthday parties, but if COVID wasn’t here, that would be the place I’d be. EVERYthing in there is a vibe: Live music, versatile Dj, beautiful ambience, friendly crowd, and again good food. For a fun night of games, The Painted Pin is a must try. Oversized Jenga, bowling, ping-pong, a bar and more good food. Free Fun is what I prefer though. So, a drive around the city is a show alone! The beautiful art work on some of our buildings are great for sight-seeing. Piedmont and Grant are two of my favorite parks to stroll through for a moment of quiet and fresh air.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been blessed with such a solid support system. I’m honestly always shy to list my thank you’s, because the list is so long. Thank you to my family, for always encouraging me to take that extra step, even when I don’t care to listen. Thank you to my friends for the endless vent sessions to help me bounce right back. Thank you to my cousin, for being my gentle-nudger, to remind me that I’ve Got it as the best hype man ever! Thank you to my teachers, for helping me understand that the way your body moves is the world’s first impression of you; so make it count if you can help it. You all know who you are, I love you beyond words, and am forever grateful for you! This would be so much harder if I didn’t have you.

Website: https://www.patreon.com/dai_movesclass

Instagram: dai_moves

Youtube: Dai-Moves

Image Credits
Shekinah Boudoir