Meet Kyal Legend

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kyal Legend. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kyal below.

Kyal, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I’ve come to realize that being different, both in appearance and spirit, is something worth embracing and celebrating. I try to own my quirks, flaws and unique qualities because they make me who I am – one of a kind. When you understand that no one else is you, and that’s your superpower, it becomes a source of strength. At this point in my career, I’m used to being the only person in the room who looks like me. Growing up studying at the National Ballet Of Canada and competing in dance, I was often the only girl of mixed ethnicity with a single mother pursuing her dreams. No one looked like me or shared the same struggles I faced as a woman of colour in the arts. Later, as an actress, I was frequently submitted for roles originally written for a Caucasian girl because my agent saw my talent and believed in what I could bring to the role. Casting directors would see me because I was different, unique, and brought something fresh to the script that no one else did. They began to enjoy my performances for exactly what made me stand out.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Toronto-born and raised, I began my journey in the arts as a dancer, eventually finding my way into the world of acting. I starred as Julie Maslany in Backstage, a hit series that reached audiences worldwide on Family, Netflix, and Disney Channel. My horror film debut as Hayley in the third instalment of the cult classic V/H/S 94 brought thrills to audiences on Shudder and Amazon Prime, while roles like Sierra in Utopia Falls on Hulu and Candy in Centre Stage: On Pointe have further showcased my versatility. My path in dance has been an incredible journey too— from studying at the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York City, to performing with the National Ballet of Canada, and even touring with Nelly Furtado. From dancing in my living room as a child to now embodying characters onscreen, I’ve always felt most alive while performing. Acting is my passion and my purpose; to me, it’s not a job but a gift—a chance to step into different lives, tell meaningful stories, and connect deeply with audiences around the world.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Throughout my journey, three qualities have had the greatest impact on my growth and success: resilience, versatility, and dedication to my craft. Resilience has carried me through the ups and downs of a career in the arts, helping me push forward whether on stage, set, or facing the challenges of a competitive industry. Versatility has been invaluable, allowing me to fluidly transition from dance to acting and tackle a variety of roles, from Backstage’s Julie Maslany to Hayley in V/H/S 94. My dedication to perfecting each performance, whether through intense training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre or learning to embody complex characters, has kept me driven and passionate. Each of these traits has shaped me, not just as an artist but as someone who feels deeply connected to the stories I tell.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that “this too shall pass” and give my mind and body the space to experience whatever emotions come up before moving forward. Meditation has also been a huge help. I’ll do a 30 minute session before my call time on set or even between scenes on a busy day to ground myself and clear my mind. But I think the biggest key is having patience and being extra kind to yourself. This job comes with a lot of pressure, so feeling overwhelmed is natural from time to time. Staying calm and confident in yourself and your abilities, no matter how you feel, makes a big difference. And if I ever find myself in a funk, doing something fun and active, like playing pickleball or taking a Pilates class, always lifts my spirits.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

– @annawithlove (the white backdrop dance photos)

– Mario ( the city photos)

– Christine Miranda ( the central park on pointe photo)

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