Raised in Vancouver, dancer/choreographer Teya Wild has been making a name for herself bringing life to stage and screen. More recently she has been stepping up her game with a transition to world entertainment capital Los Angeles, working with top talents such as Taylor Swift, Dove Cameron, and intensively with Sabrina Carpenter on the new Netflix movie Work It.
Tell us your story. How & When did you start dancing?
I grew up dancing from when I was eight, and was heavily into acting in my childhood. I worked on many different commercials and jobs that made me who I am today as a performer. I really kicked off my dance training in high school, all the way up until graduation. After that I went full force into teaching dance and choreographing.
You recently choreographed a piece and performed in the new Netflix release, “Work It”. Tell us about your experience!
Work It was one for the books! I worked on this summer of 2019 in Toronto. We rehearsed and filmed throughout the whole 3 months. It was a major job unlike the others for me because I was cast as a Thunderbird dancer, but also hired to choreograph a main number in the movie that can be seen numerous times through out the film.
My rehearsal day would literally jump from me rehearsing the “TBD” dance team actors for 4-8 hours, then into the other room for another 4-8 hours dancing. It was so great because I felt like I was really being pushed and reaching new heights as a creative artist. The actors were such hard workers and beautiful individuals to work with. I am so thankful to Aakomon Jones for believing in me and hiring me for the position.
I have been fortunate enough to work on movies and TV shows for many years now, but this movie was something special for me. I learned a lot of new skills behind the camera, script reading etc. I look forward to many more opportunities like this.
What have been some struggles or challenges you faced on your journey to where you are now? What advice do you have for aspiring entertainers?
There have been so many setbacks in my career, from numerous sprained ankles, to injuries, to lack of money coming in, in some years, to working on 3 visa applications within the span of six years (which are only getting harder) to being at auditions for days and making it literally to the final round, only to be cut or not land the job. You name it, I am sure to have gone through it. My advice to the next generation is to push through and believe in yourself! Take care of you and know what it is that you want. I think it is so important to have mentors and people to look up to and to speak to when needed especially those that have gone through what it is you are doing.
What is your experience (positive and or negative) as a woman of colour in the entertainment industry?
As a woman of colour I would say a bit of both! I am so proud of who I am but I don’t just identify as just one race as I am made up of more than just one. It is interesting at times because when you do decide to be put into situations of being categorized you do have to understand from a casting perspective what it is they are looking for. It is so very important to know who you are and have your own beautiful opinion of that before diving into the entertainment industry.
But if we are being real… My experience being a performer of colour, I do know the spots are limited per job but that we are no less than anyone when the job opportunity arises. My only wish for Canadian Film/TV is to have the makeup/hair department have a better understanding and training with working on all ethnicities.
Black Lives Matter has affected us all in different ways. Can you share with us your thoughts on the movement? And do you have a message to share with the community?
I am so happy the black lives matter movement has made this big of an impact on everyone’s lives, especially this year as it’s so very important for not only me but the dance culture I teach, my lifestyle, and who I am as a person. If not this year then when? Enough is enough! Equality needs to be put in the forefront, and I am so proud to be a black woman in the arts. I fully support the movement all around the world and I have also received some beautiful messages from friends in my past who felt the need to reach out to me and tell me they support me and are in full support of this. Anyone that does not support the black lives matter movement in my mind is not worth my time. (PERIOD)
What has been your most memorable experience in your career so far?
A very memorable job recently for me would have to be performing at the American Music Awards with Taylor Swift.
What’s your ultimate goal as an entertainer? Where do you want to be?
I want to be a choreographer for a TV series or a movie. I want to work on set with actors and give them the tools and directions they need. I want to be a black female choreographer that is well known for this. (We do not have that in Vancouver)
In an alternate universe, what would you be doing for a living?
I would be paid to travel the world and try all types of different foods from all over.
During these interesting times, how do you stay inspired?
Wow, 2020 really threw us a curve ball! I stayed inspired through zoom! I’ve been able to continue my teaching and stay connected with my students.
Covid has changed the way we live our every day life. How has it impacted your life?
It has really affected me from being able to freely travel back and forth to Vancouver as much as I usually do, and it has completely shut down any chance of seeing my family or being able to work. Not to mention the 14-day mandatory quarantine. There are so many things, but that’s my current struggle.
What’s coming up for you? What should we look out for you in next?!
I am currently working on rebranding myself as more than just Teya the Dancer and showcasing my work as a professional choreographer. I am so unclear of what is next to be honest, but I do know that whatever comes my way, I’ll be ready for it.
One thing you love about Canada?
The fresh air!
TEYA WILD SHARES FIVE FUN FACTS!
- I run everyday and hike regularly
- My new COVID activity is doing puzzles
- My fav color is purple
- I could eat sushi everyday
- I can’t live without chapstick
WBD’S LIGHTNING ROUND!
1. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
Right now I’d say Greece because the views look incredible
2. If I gave you $20 to spend on anything right now, what would it be?
Sushi
3. Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people.
I do more styles then just hip hop
4. If you could work with any artist/act right now, who would it be?
I would love to work as a choreographer on a fun show like the masked singer
5. One guilty pleasure you aren’t willing to give up?
Pastries
For more info:
Website: IMDB
Instagram: @teyawild
Twitter: @teyawild
Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/teyawild