Meet Octavian Canty: Choreographer & Dancer

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

Hi Octavian, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Favorite quote or affirmation? I believe in my dreams. Believe in yourself and all that you are. What this mean to me is: Taking steps actively towards reaching your dream and even with challenges on the way, you know you’ll get there in the end. It can be difficult and there may be moments of doubt. But deep down, it’s the belief in yourself that will keep you working towards your dreams. Who you are and who you will become is 100% down to you. The reality is you are in full control of your life. So you are the only one who can achieve your dreams. No one else will do them for you. So believe you can achieve those dreams and you will. Once you believe, your mindset will be set to succeed hence it will actively be focused on finding opportunities. You will see challenges as opportunities to learn, attract different ways of moving towards your dream and notice more options on what you can do to move forward. You need to believe in yourself to get started and to keep the momentum. Use every bit of belief to fuel yourself to take action after action towards your dreams. Your vision of yourself and your life is your greatest asset. What I like about it is that it’s all about MANIFESTATION!

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.
What sets me apart from others is: Loving what I do, balancing confidence and humbleness and understanding the importance of commitment. Why? Because being passionate about what I do is critical if I want to achieve greatness. It motivates me to keep going even if I struggle. If I enjoy what I do, those who witness me dancing will likely enjoy it too. I can be confident in my abilities and still be aware that there is room for improvement, which comes from a place of humility. Being committed to whatever I’m doing will make a huge difference. What I’m most proud of and excited about is my growth. It is a blessing to say that today I am a different person than the version of me from in the past. I am proud of my changes. I love what drives me in life today. I recognize the importance of celebrating who I am now. I embrace my values and my self-love. They give me confidence even when making tough decisions. I know what I deserve. Today, I smile in the mirror because I believe in myself. I evolve from day to day, molded by experience into a person of strength and confidence. How did I get to where I’m at today professionally? I would say that being focused, training myself, staying committed, and working hard at my passion and never giving up got to where I am today professionally. I began dancing at the age of 7, mostly self-taught with a natural ability to dance. Some of the inspiration came from watching and vastly picking up choreography from music videos, award shows, etc.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way? Don’t compare what you have (or don’t have) with others. You have that same special spark of Life given to every other living thing. You have being. You have self. That is special as can be, and worthy of celebration and thanks. Better yourself. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Look for the positive. Want to the world to know. As an African American male dancer the road hasn’t been easy. One of my main struggles along the road is dealing with the various perspectives of others, for example, how they picture my life and in the direction of where my life should be going. Over the years, there has been many obstacles but my biggest challenge has been trying to figure out who I am and where I stand in certain areas. From the struggles of my life being judged and bullied it has taught me to stand up for what I believe in, to never give up, and never let no one tell you any different from who you are or your life story.

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 say everywhere because it is so much to see in this world not just in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Cedric Bacon – Photographer Melody Sipp – Graphic Designer Adonis Blackwood – Videographer

Instagram: www.instagram.com/octaviancanty

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/octavian.canty

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/TayterTott123

Image Credits
Cedric Bacon Photography