Today we’d like to introduce you to Khamla Somphanh.
Khamla, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My parents enrolled me in gymnastics classes at a local studio when we lived in Alexandria, VA. They put me in class to keep me occupied after elementary school let out. Once I started with dance classes to complement my gymnastics routines, dance took the lead. The pivotal moment from hobby to a projected career of dance took place for me when changing high schools to attend Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. I am so grateful for Terry’s School of Dance to have instilled the interest of dance and tapped into my talents. A deep appreciation is for Duke Ellington. Duke Ellington paved the beginnings of the essentials needed to succeed in a career of dance. I honestly don’t know where life would have taken me if I hadn’t been introduced to the caliber of ballet and codified modern techniques I received from Duke Ellington. My eyes opened to a platform of dance, which expanded the world for me. I learned to honor the art of dance to be a sacred learning and physical experience.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Choosing dance as a career was a bit like having to swim upstream. My parents immigrated from Laos with five children, me being the youngest. Like most others fleeing their countries, my parents were looking for a better life for their family. Dance as a career was an unfathomable thought from my family, therefore not supported and definitely deterred. After I graduated from High School, I received a scholarship to attend the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. I learned a great amount while there; however, I was itching to perform. I picked up and moved to NYC and tried my luck. I applied for temp agencies to work flexible hours while auditioning and taking classes. Between luck, perseverance, being open to newness and setting ego aside, NYC proved to be the right move for me. I cannot let it go unrecognized to mention I had friends who supported me with generosity, kindness, and unconditional encouragement, I am forever grateful for them.
Challenges are part of life… I see it as checkpoints towards your goal. If you give up at a checkpoint, perhaps it is a sign to detour. I may have doubted myself at times, but I continued to push through the challenges. My journey was not typical; however, it was mine to cherish.
My performing career spans concert dance, Broadway, contemporary hip hop, and commercial work. My choreography has been commissioned by San Diego Dance Theater, Trolley Dances, The PGK Project, CCA Dance Conservatory and Visionary Dance Company to name a few. My next work of choreography will be set on LITVAKdance coming this fall. I currently teach advanced Modern Technique classes at Malashock Dance School and Dance PE at Canyon Crest Academy High School. I provide master classes and private lessons throughout San Diego County and am honored to have been invited to teach at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts for Dance Lab this summer in Washington, D.C.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I consider the role of being an instructor an extremely important position. That is why, I strive to teach classes that are creatively inspiring, physically beneficial, and most importantly, encouraging. I committed myself to see the development and evaluate each student versus the class as a whole. As it turns out, as each dancer progresses, the class also elevates. My hope is to provide a shared experience of learning, giving, welcoming, and acceptance. Together we create an environment which expects no less.
The same applies to choreographing. Although I am creating and applying the movement to the dancers, it is my responsibility to relay the movement by way of demonstration or verbally, so the thought process and intention are one.
The classes I teach range in levels and ages from young teens to professional dancers. I enjoy teaching dancers in various stages of their abilities. It is heartwarming to have students drop in for class during school breaks or vacation breaks from dance companies they have joined.
I do not compare myself to others; only take ownership for what I do and what I can provide for the dance community.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up as a child, I was quiet and barely spoke; however, always creating things. I remember working with whatever I had on hand. I would cut out and tape or staple together paper buildings, purses, and clothes… make mud pies, sand crafts and take walks collecting wildflowers to make bouquets for my mother. Once I found my passion of dance, I honed in on it.
My simple childhood allowed me to find myself, my interests, and arrive at what I am capable of. I’m fortunate to have made a career out of my belief in dance and the gift it provides to heal and empower. I wrote earlier how I wondered where I would be if one facet of my journey were different, although I can’t think of anything else I would be doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: khamlasomphanh.com
- Email: contact@khamlasomphanh.com
- Instagram: khamlasomphanh
Image Credit:
Sue Brenner, Jim Carmody, Doug McMinimy
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
