Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexia Vandersnick-Skelton.
Alexia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since I was young, I have always sought the same four things: adventure, connection, creation, and freedom. My story is packed with plot twists and roundabouts in the pursuit of making a life built on those pillars. The recognition that my fulfillment relies so heavily on tuning in to my authenticity is fairly recent. Nonetheless, I have never felt so placed on the right path.
I grew up on the edge of the beautiful Paha Sapa in Rapid City, SD. My youth was filled to the brim with activity and wonder thanks to parents that wanted my siblings and me to experience as much as possible and more than they ever could. We were encouraged to try several sports, learn various art forms, explore the outdoors, and give back through community service. Being homeschooled allowed us ample opportunity to delve into it all. I am forever grateful that this fostered an enterprising free-spirit, enduring curiosity, compassionate heart, resourceful imagination, and a strong ambition to attain my many dreams.
My passion overflows in the art of performance. As a diversely trained dancer, my highlights include numerous awards from various competitions, cheerleading for the Rapid City Rush CHL team, frequent aerial dance showings, becoming a Timberwolves Dancer finalist (x3), performing with the Timberwolves 612Crew center court, and features in several music and concept videos. Post-COVID hiatus, I am ecstatic to be re-entering the world of entertainment and am actively expanding my horizons to include modeling and acting.
My professional occupation has involved product design with an emphasis on cultivating new products and managing various projects for a performance apparel manufacturing company here in Minnesota. I utilize my technical skills and enthusiasm for fashion to design and pattern garments for a range of client types including dance studios, synchronized skating teams, high school, college, NBA, and NFL cheer and dance. In the world of custom, made to order apparel, every day is different and there are always new puzzles to solve.
Over the past few years, certain trials have provided me with an atmosphere of change and lessons that offered context for realizing my goals. As I take on the next chapter, I am departing from the 9-5 and arranging my personalized definition of success. I am excitedly looking ahead as I walk into the new horizons of possibility.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenge came with the death of my mother in July of 2020. Her passing forced me to examine everything about my life and deeply reconsider whether or not I was living with purpose. I moved to Las Vegas and rerooted myself through dance and nature, diving into personal growth work and reframing where I wanted to see myself. There were so many things she had wanted to experience and so many places she wanted to go. She left scores of hopes unfulfilled. The loss has become a steady motivation to actualize the things I had veritably wanted to be and do, but shied away from. To expand into the possibilities. I returned to Minnesota in the autumn of 2021 and have been preparing to hit the ground running.
It’s fascinating how some of one’s most trying challenges can become launch pads to discovery. I am navigating the development phase of what my business will look like. Moreover, I have heartening mentors and a direction that is illuminated with every step I take.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am very much a tactile and movement-based creator. I have operated a small Etsy shop on and off for the past 5 years with my products ranging in hand-crocheted wearable items, custom special occasion garments, and swimwear. I am self-taught with multiple years of real-world, on-the-job experience and have seen firsthand how damaging the fashion industry can be to the planet. Whenever possible, my designs are made with upcycled and recycled supplies for eco-conscious sustainability.
Making art through motion is foundational to my being. Though not solely art, movement can be incredibly healing and transformational. It has inevitably been, and will continually be an integral part of my life that I am always delighted to teach and share. As an instructor, my utmost aim is to foster confidence and joy whether in a traditional class setting or through dance therapy. I plan to lead masterclasses both in Minneapolis and Las Vegas and envisage heading up a local dance company. Along with these ventures, my pursuit of the many facets of the entertainment world also holds several dance and modeling projects in the near future.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Aside from filling up my time with family, creating, and dancing, I adore traveling. My first trip this year was to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos and so far I have plans to visit California’s wine country in April, the Sawtooth Mountain Range of Idaho in August, and a possible vacation to Mexico in December. Some of my most notable travels include Italy, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Spain, Germany, and France. I have been on restorative humanitarian outreaches, backpacking quests, and tranquil retreats. Diving into the nature and culture of another region on our planet is exhilarating, enchanting, and enlightening.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xia.lux/?hl=en
Image Credits
StudioKH
Felipe Telona Jr.
XS Media Group
