Meet Lyndsey Arorash | Dancer and Choreographer

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

Hi Lyndsey, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am constantly being inspired by my surroundings and interactions, at least for my choreography. That includes people, nature, animals, and since I’m living in a city where there is always something happening, there’s constantly something I see that can spark some ideas in my mind. I also aim to choreograph relatable relationships between people and how that causes us to act for feel. So in some way my life is also my inspiration for my choreography.

When I’m dancing I sometimes like to think about the ocean and the waves. How it’s seamless and smooth, but can also be sharp and have the ability to adapt to whatever is happening. I get inspired by the people around me and their subtle movements. I feel like it’s also good to find inspiration within yourself. Reminding yourself where you are now compared to months or years ago and letting that inspire you to continue to grow as a person.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting to where I am today in my career definitely wasn’t easy but all the hard work is worth it. I’m an international dancer, so that alone has brought up many challenges. Going to both Joffrey Ballet School in the Jazz and Contemporary Program and Peridance center in NYC has helped me create connections with people who have helped me get to where I am. Whether this was by believing and trusting me to work with them for their company, or assisting their classes which then led to subbing a class for them in the summer.

Being international, originally from Bermuda, it was a struggle finding people who could relate with what I was going through and feeling. But in New York theres people from all over the world. For example, I had roommates from Turkey and Italy. Throughout the years some of the international situations included figuring out what to do when school is done because that meant so is my visa, or waiting to receive a notice for if my visa is approved or not, which for my current visa could’ve taken up to three months. However, throughout the time I’ve been in New York, I have made friends that try their best to help me through these struggles and hard times. Without them I would’ve probably allowed the unknown to drastically affect my mood and how I view things. Moments like these are what help me remember that it’s ok to ask for help and you don’t have to do everything alone.

I have faced many obstacles and struggles throughout my career and life, and a way for me to cope with it all is through dance. It’s hard not to be overwhelmed with everything going on around you. Whether it’s feeling like I’m not where I’m supposed to be in life or I can always be doing more. Feeling like I can always do more stems from my perfectionism and if I’m just sitting around that sometimes feels as if I’m being lazy. I have to keep reminding myself that doing nothing is also needed sometimes. We all need to rest our bodies and minds. No matter what I face, I try to push through without any doubt in the back of my mind.

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.
I would definitely want us to go on a brunch buffet cruise. La Barca Cantina does Sunday brunch cruises which sail near the Statue of Liberty and back to the city. They also have options to eat outside not on a boat. Other places to eat would most definitely include Mom’s Kitchen and Bar, The Mean Fiddler, and Cantina rooftop. For things to do I would suggest Mini Golf at Pier 25, The Beast Speedboat Ride, Paint and Pour classes and even just walking around the park or pier and siting to have a picnic. To add onto the list of things to do, I also enjoy going to House Of Yes in Brooklyn to dance the whole night, and they also have themed nights so you can dress up if you’re feeling up for it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course the dance studio that helped get me to where I am now is InMotion School of Dance in Bermuda. This is the place that helped me realize what I want to do as a career and helped me focus on technique and all styles which has helped me become a versatile dancer. From there another person who majorly helped me get to where I am is Michael Blake. He was the artistic director at Joffrey Ballet School Jazz and Contemporary Program while I was there, for the first three years out of four. First moving to New York at the age 14 I felt lost and excited for the new chapter in my life. I found Michael to be such a bright light to be around. He knew when to give tough love and having experienced this, it has helped me throughout my career. There are moments with him that I haven’t forgotten, and his energy was infectious.

Instagram: @lyndsey.aa

Image Credits
Maria Castellanos Jacqueline Zilberberg Alice Chacon