Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyhgita Cespedes.
Tyhgita, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My passion for dance became apparent when I was obsessed with one of the most famous touring Irish step shows at the age of 10. I went to every Riverdance show that came to the north shore and started taking dance classes thereafter thanks to my loving mother and family!
As an adult I have had the pleasure of learning from some of the best in my favorite styles. Many are from Phunk Phenomenon’s Urban Dance Theater where I trained and performed all between 2010 and 2015. For reference, that experience bookends the 4 years I studied psychology and dramatic arts at Centre College and abroad. I am so grateful for my many mentors including Ilanga Ilanga of Ballet Rox, who’ve helped me step up to the privilege of having a platform. They are great examples of individuals and communities / organizations that are committed to doing what they love!
And that is exactly what I strive to do through my art in dance. As a young professional I enjoy not only performing and expressing but educating through movement. I currently work with Urbanity Dance at their studios and in their community programs where I get to share my style and be part of something great. It’s a great feeling to love what you do and who you do it alongside!
You can catch me sharing that feeling @tyhthedancer on Instagram AND at Urbanity peek week: June [10-14.] My beginner hip hop drop-in is Monday June 10th 6-7:30p. Jazz funk is Tuesday June 11th 7:30-9p. $15/class drop-in rate $12 for students! This is a trial for a 10-week session of learning technique, choreography, and performing! Not to mention the community that will welcome you whether you come for a drop-in or the 10-week. And me 🙂
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?
One of my favorite gigs is to perform at parties and events in the greater Boston area. I also choreograph for a talented local artist named Genie Santiago. My work is most deeply rooted in hip hop, jazz funk and afro modern. My experience working in the Boston dance community with companies like Danza Organica has helped me find my style. My “artistic voice” comes through the clearest when I’m practicing a fusion of styles while improvising and collaborating. I think my work has grown leaps and bounds and continues to evolve as I do more. I have a lot planned for the summer!
The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Ask any established artist and they’ll tell you a time that they felt held back from their fullest artistic potential because of money. I can relate and my advice is to create a support system of people who will support you, not financially but emotionally through your journey in your artistic career. It really is a lifestyle and doing what you love is even better when you love the people you do it with. That alone will get you through the toughest times.
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?
You can see more of my work at my official Facebook page Tyh the Dancer. I will be hosting a heel drop in June 8th @ Balance at Urbanity.
Contact Info:
- Email: tyhthedancer@icloud.com
- Instagram: @tyhthedancer
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tyhthedancer
Image Credit:
Phillip Bopp
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