We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alyssa Myers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alyssa, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I don’t think you ever actually overcome imposter syndrome, it’s more like you learn how to face it and stare it in the eyes. This past year, I had countless moments where I walked into a room and thought, “How did I get here? There is no way I’ve been entrusted to lead this group of people”. I have a hunch that this feeling comes from the reality that no one has ever truly “arrived”. Instead, we are continually evolving – sometimes subtly in small intentional increments… sometimes in unexpected leaps!
My motto for this year was to step into brave, new places. Places where I felt like a novice, vulnerable and uncomfortable. Places where I knew I had room to grow and learn. For me, that meant my friend, imposter syndrome, was lurking close behind.
To face this beast, you have to recognize that you aren’t perfect… but, you are curious to explore, hungry to connect, and truly have gained the experience to be here. When you find yourself in a new place and with new responsibilities, stare down imposter syndrome and change the narrative. “I am strong, resilient, and intentional. Those qualities are valuable and that is why I am here. My authentic self is enough and it is selfish for me to keep that hidden from others.” Imposter syndrome holds us back. In its sneaky way, it hands us the knife and lets us destroy ourselves from the inside out. So instead, redirect the power you have within your own internal dialogue. There is no reason for you to get in your way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a dancer and choreographer based in New York City. I have been a performing artist with Terre Dance Collective (directed by Robert Rubama) for the past 2 years immersing myself in new creations as a dancer. I am actively pursuing projects nationally and internationally with the dream of sharing my craft across the world.
I have been teaching in NYC at Downtown Dance Factory for 3 years. It has been a joy to develop a pointe program for their students, giving them one more tool for their careers. Teaching and choreography have also brought me to Columbia City Jazz, Cincinnati Ballet, and, of course, my hometown studio Ballet Yuma.
Additionally, I spent residencies at MOVE|NYC| (directed by Nigel Campbell and Chanel Dasilva) and Falco Dance Company (directed by Maddy Falconer). I’m in the pursuit of finding a fiscal sponsor for my creative work – allowing us to better fundraise for productions and outreach initiatives. My goals for 2024 are to produce a full evening work in the NYC area giving voice to visual, musical, and contemporary dance artists and bringing back LENS|BETA – a choreographic workshop made for the everyday public to explore tools in connection, understanding, and awareness.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Keep a Humble Tone – Walk into any room with the mindset of a lifelong learner. Every experience, every conversation, every piece of writing is meant to inform you and offer a new perspective.
Be Curious – When you discover an opinion that does not align with your own, ask questions to better understand where the person is coming from. I find that resolution comes from a place of empathy. See the other person so they can see you.
Read, read, read… There is so much great knowledge out there! I am particularly fascinated with leadership. Find stories that inspire you, read about growth and resilience, and absorb tools and creative ways to problem-solve. It’s all available at your will.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I desire to connect with other creatives in multidisciplinary fields. The more I create work I am looking for collaborators. Visual artists, set designers, lighting designers, marketing experts, company managers, dancers, performing artists, other choreographers, producers… the list goes on. Most of all I want to work with people who do what they do for a greater purpose – to create connection and impact. If we pour all of this effort into a project, it better be to benefit a greater community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alyssamyers-dance.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssa.always/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alyssa.Janae.Myers
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user49845571
Image Credits
Rebecca Hurson Alana Campbell Whitney Brown
