Today we’d like to introduce you to Aika Doone.
Aika, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My interest in movement began at 8 years old, when I studied martial arts at a dusty old karate studio in Fountain Valley. At the time, the only aspect of the training that I enjoyed was the choreographed portion, in which individuals would “perform” a culmination of combative positions in front of their peers, and in more formal, competitive settings, in front of judges. I developed my love for performing through showcasing these movements in front of people, and quickly realized that it greatly outweighed my interest in the actual combat.
Meanwhile, I had taken my first ballet class in an after-school program at my elementary school, and fell in love with its elegance. Upon noticing my newfound passion, my mom plucked me out of martial arts and enrolled me in classes at my local dance studio. Since then, dance has been intertwined in every aspect of my life. In addition to training at the dance studio, I attended the Orange County High School of the Arts within the Commercial Dance Conservatory, and I am currently furthering my dance education at Chapman University as a BFA dance performance major. I also work as a teacher and choreographer for West Coast School of the Arts in Costa Mesa.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I believe that dance is such a sacred art form, because it allows audiences to experience a connection to something otherworldly through the physical body. In my performances, I strive to be a vessel to embody all of the love, beauty, tragedy, and mystery we encounter in the world. In my choreography, my goal is to stir any sort of emotional reaction in the viewer, and ideally, find a way to invoke a widespread understanding of just how moving, truthful, and important dance can be.
What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
My biggest piece of advice is to be fearlessly unapologetic about who you are. There have been too many instances where I fell into a dangerous hole of criticism, not only from others but from myself. While notes for improvement are always valuable, it can be easy to drown yourself in the need for validation, and lose sight of why you do what you do. Trust your own instincts, and celebrate your individuality!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
As I am currently a student, all of my live performances occur within the several shows we have throughout the year at Chapman University in Orange. I also set choreography for my local dance studio’s competition teams, which perform in various venues throughout California.
Contact Info:
- Email: aikadoone12@gmail.com
- Instagram: aika.doone
- Facebook: Aika Doone
Image Credit:
All photography by Vickie Roan
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