Story & Lesson Highlights with Derek Mitchell of Astoria

Derek Mitchell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Derek , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I usually start my morning with lemon, apple cider vinegar and ginger in water.
Then I make my keto breakfast unless I am teaching or rehearsing right away.
I watch a little bit of YouTube just to see what news I might have missed that is important and then I begin stretching and head out.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am in New York City based choreographer and dance teacher with over 31 years of teaching experience and 43 years of choreography experience all around the world. I was the resident choreographer for the first national tour of Hamilton., I have choreographed for “so you think you can dance”, Wendy Williams, Jordan Fisher, the Brooklynettes and the New York Knicks dancers among many others.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I think my Mother saw all that I could do and be even before I could see it. She saw a deep reserve of passion and talent and drive and did everything to support it and to make it reality.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yes! Almost every couple of days I feel like giving up and living a simpler life but I remind myself that I love my career and life so much and that struggle is the only true way to appreciate what you have worked hard to create.
The view from the top is only impressive when you and you alone have climbed every step up that mountain.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
100 percent.
It’s the reason why I love my career.
I get to be me.
Not everyone likes it but at least I am being my true self.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
When I travel the world and explore new places, foods and cultures.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@coreyrivesvisualart

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