Meet Lanaya Cee: Dancer | Actor | Artist | Entrepreneur

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

Hi Lanaya, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Facing challenges doesn’t mean succeeding without fail, and that is fine! The way toward facing challenges may prompt disappointment, yet even that can make us a superior individual by expanding the ability to recuperate rapidly from troubles. Personally, I have always been a risk taker before knowing what risk taking meant. I simply called it believing in myself. Want to learn to do an ariel aka No handed cartwheel… grab a bean bag and believe you can fly. That’s exactly what I did and it worked. Want to be in a movie… attend an audition with adults and show out. I did this too and booked the job. Want to become an entrepreneur… just do it! Of course I did this as well and created a small business called Freestyle Frenzy and have inspired so many others to start a business while building mine. I taught myself a lot and I made a lot of decisions that were not considered normal. Taking these necessary risks opened so many doors for me. Risk is necessary for growth physically and mentally. I’m a strong believer in not being boxed in. Facing a challenge to accomplish an objective expects fortitude to confront the dread of vulnerability. Regardless of the result, in any case, we develop through the cycle and become stronger and certain. Even better, building those abilities helps in facing more challenges and improves the odds of accomplishing future objectives. Risk equals reward!

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.
I am a teen dancer, actress, artist, youtuber, social influencer and all around innovative. I’ve been told many times my authenticity is unquestionably one of my greatest flex. I’m a firm believer in doing your own thing and following your own path. I’m most proud of this because I encourage others to act naturally, set significant standards, and execute them. Inspiring others brings me immense euphoria, bliss and a sensation of achievement. Brought up in an unassuming community in South Carolina, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I’ve always had an affection for dance however it wasn’t until my mother moved to Atlanta, GA that the prospects got perpetual. August 2014 I was blessed to get noticed by Dance 411 studio director JJ Crampton and studio owner Sindy Schneider. I later joined the team, signed with the agency and my life changed. I’ve trained under the best choreographers including Sean Bankhead, Jamaica Craft, Jeremy Green, Brooke Bowe, Kiki Ely, Sakinah Lestage, Anthony Burrell, Anthony Marquis, Willdabeast Adams, Hollywood, Jacquel Knight, Josh Smith, Herman Charles, Desi-Ray Morris, Brya Woods, Naeemah McCowan and so many more. Some of my credits include Honey 4, Star on Fox, Step Up, Zaxbys, Sesame Street, Kids Foot Locker with Teyana Taylor, Reebok, BMI Awards Janet Jackson Tribute. Currently, I am working with That Girl Lay Lay and together we are “Tha Slay Gang.” My excursion was not a simple one but rather worth each snag I’ve ever confronted. I’ve developed as an artist and a person. I’ve learned balance, responsibility, thus substantially more. My mother forfeited so much to fuel my passion for dance. Not every person felt it was justified, despite any trouble, so we didn’t get a ton of help, however I’m so happy she had confidence in me just as the dance local area pioneers. Unrivaled dance preparing is a speculation. I’ve been awarded many grants and scholarships that keep me moving. I’ve also been blessed to have strangers support my journey. I’m always appreciative for every individual who has encouraged me on this journey. I’ve learned that deterrents are normal throughout everyday life. You face them and keep it moving.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Food: Jinya Ramen Bar The Juicy Crab Mary Mac’s Tea Room Slutty Vegan King of Pops Drinks: Sharetea Visit: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Botanical Garden Little Five Points Great Wolf Lodge Hangout: Cascade Family Skating Atlantic station Indoor Sky Diving Avalon Piedmont Park Six Flags Over Georgia Dance Studios Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many selfless people who have poured into my journey and I am truly grateful for each and everyone of them. None of this would be possible had my mom not decided to move to Atlanta. With intentions of attending medical school for dermatology, she knew there was something about me as a creative and sacrificed her dream career for me to fully pursue mine. She is my biggest supporter for sure. Huge shoutout to Mrs. Sindy Schneider and Mr. Ed for establishing Dance 411 Studios where it all got real for me. The entire Dance 411 family has been so supportive from Tia Brina donating and fundraising for my first solo, Brooke Bowe choreographing my first solo, to Jeremy Green creating Behind The Movement to support and share stories of this passion I share with so many. Thank you for believing in me. I also want to thank all choreographers who have inspired me, poured into my career and blessed me with their gift. I would also like to thank Nekendoll, initially a stranger, who has supported me on many occasions before ever meeting me in person. And huge thank you to Acie High of Fresh Rebel Musik and Alaya High. Acie pushed me way out of my comfort zone into the world of an artist. Acie is the father of Alaya High aka That Girl Lay Lay. I was originally chosen as a dancer for Lay Lay. Little did I know Acie had major plans in the works. He created “Tha Slay Gang” and gave me the name “Sweets.” We are now family! We released our first album November 2019. We have made countless videos, toured the world, and this is only the beginning. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this endeavor under his superior leadership. I hope that everyone is aware of the impact they’ve had on my life and feel that appreciation. Dedicating this shoutout to everyone who wants to see me win.

Website: https://www.shopfreestylefrenzy.com/

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lanayacee

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lanayacee

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/lanayacee

Image Credits
Brooke Bowe @picsbybrookebowe