August 19, 2020

S1E9: How to be a Triple Threat with Chavia Blankenship

1 hour 14 minutes

We sit down with a “triple threat” Chavia Blankenship in this episode. A truly inspirational, and hard-working dancer, choreographer and actor, Chavia has transitioned from community icon to industry professional. Chavia sits down with us for a virtual conversation about auditioning for Badgirl Rhi Rhi, dancing on a team versus actually directing the team, and the burden of always having confidence. We also reminisce on our time together at The BOX, the origins of Impulse junior dance team and coping with self doubt. Chavia shares his tips on preparing for an industry audition and hopes for change in the industry. We talk about donuts, Power Rangers, and Rick & Morty. We wrap up and talk about the best Haunted House in South Bay San Diego and share our love and eternal gratitude to Chavia for being a guiding light in our dance journey.

In this episode, we explore:

00:25 Introduction
03:32 Let’s start at the very beginning
04:39 The origins of Impulse
09:07 Chavia’s experience dancing on competitive teams
09:47 Dancing on a team vs. Directing a team
11:33 Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
13:14 Having confidence is exhausting
14:59 The path to industry
15:41 Finding inspiration in Miss Jackson
17:38 Chavia and The BOX
20:34 Training as an industry dancer
21:42 Transitioning from Community to Industry
24:29 First industry audition (for Badgirl Rhi-Rhi)
29:06 Tips to prepare for an industry audition
32:13 Coping with self-doubt in an industry of confidence
35:15 Transition from dancing to acting
36:46 Chavia’s favorite gig and current projects
39:00 Changes in the industry, post pandemic
42:45 A day in the of Chavia Blankenship
43:53 Let’s talk donuts
48:56 Chavia’s obsession with Power Rangers
55:16 Rapid fire questions
57:24 Rick and Morty
1:00:00 The freedom of dance
1:01:24 What’s next for Chavia?
1:02:26 The Haunted House in South Bay SD
1:08:41 What’s good in the dance community?
1:10:43 Closing remarks