Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Holmes
Hi Leah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My beginnings were stepping on stage at 3 years old, I loved the costumes, the trophies, and hanging out with my best friends. My childhood was awesome, in a small town, with a loving family, I tried every sport in the book from softball to ice skating. Nothing landed with me as much as dance did. I loved doing cartwheels around the house, and bonding with my mom as she did my makeup and hair. At around the age of 10, feelings and thoughts crawling in, I began comparing myself at school, and wanting to be popular, I felt the need to try every trend, and save up allowance. I was bullied, and never felt at peace. The outlet of that relationship with myself, was dance, due to being in contact with quote on quote, popular girls. As high school came my way, I joined numinous clubs, such as Show Choir, National Honors Society, Football Managing, Spanish Club, and Student/Impact Council, Dance Team and most impactful, Drama Club. Now you may ask, what got you into the Drama Club? At the age of 11, my sister told me about how our middle school theatre department was putting on a play about cats, and I love cats! She engaged and pressured me into auditioning, just so she could hang out with her friends involved in theatre. The audition process involved meowing, and crawling across the stage, but turns out I got in! I had the opportunity to meet new people and try something different, and little did I know how much interest I would truly have. I continued to audition and joining the improv group, until Covid hit. Covid-19 hit my freshman year of high school. I was sad, unmotivated, and speechless. I didn’t realize how much of myself I put onto activities and friends, with that, I couldn’t stand being alone. I didn’t leave my house for months, while baking, working out, cleaning, making TikToks, and training in online classes with acting and dancing. Since theaters have shut down, I switched dance studios, and turned to online school, to pursue a more serious and professional environment. I danced for hours and built friendships throughout the season. As Covid dialed down, my family and I made the executive decision to put me in a performing arts high school. I was scared of a new city, new people, and being open in my skill set. Switching schools was the best decision I have ever made, I met my best friends, built connections into the industry, and felt at home. Senior year I quit competing in dance and pursued musicals and films in the Twin Cities. The most stressful part about Senior Year, wasn’t just college, but auditioning for BFA’s around the country. I had a great support system, but I was sad to hear the word no, when others got yes. I’ve reflected and learned, that’s just what comes with the job. I got into a couple offers and picked out my school, after one semester of college, I transferred out, I was struggling with mental health issues, and knew that I belonged elsewhere. I continued gen-eds at a community college, worked a part time job, and booked as many shows possible. I auditioned again for BFA’s, in sake of finding my right fit, but FAFSA did not give me aid when attempting to attend my dream school. I talked with numerous mentors about timing and how my journey will be my journey and to never give up. I am currently on year 3 of auditioning for BFA’s, working a full time job, saving up money, moving out, and pursuing all sorts of performing and artistic work. As I make my way into adulthood, I have reflected and grown through the words yes and no. I have a strong support system, and hobbies to distract the weakest moments. I am working on my confidence and vulnerability every day, and to that I say thank you all mentors, past teachers, friends, and family, for being along my side as years come. Life is all about balance, and to that, I couldn’t be any proud of myself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My life has not been sunshine and rainbows. I encountered bullying, lack of confidence, vulnerability, fear of missing out, and rejection. To these factors, I continue to work on myself every day, and to that, I am grateful to be alive, have a clean home, and amazing relationships. Quality over quantity, and building up not only yourself, but others in need.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a 19 year old performing artist based in Twin Cities, with over 35 credits in theater, film, and production. I specialize in Musical Theatre, and my favorite shows to participate in, is high energy dance heavy musicals. I am known for my facials when I dance and giving 110% in rehearsals, backstage, auditions, and performances. What sets me apart from others is my work ethic. I constantly audition back to back, train in all styles and forms of art, my ability to work with everyone, keeping a good attitude, being communicative to directors and cast members, and keeping a professional look on and off social media. Being proud, has variety, sure awards and auditioning for big companies are awesome, but deep down, it’s that I keep a balanced life in a work setting and outside, I still find time to hangout with friends, take care of my body, and setting goals for years to come, grateful highlights so far are and wanting to include are auditioning for Radio City Rockettes, Radio City Dance Ensemble, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleading, Minnesota Timberwolves, and winning MN Broadway’s Worlds Awards for best ensemble and winning a title of a New York City Dance Alliance Outstanding Dancer.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Being happy. Not having the most expensive items, and the biggest house, define you. It’s what you surround yourself with and how you encounter new opportunities and beginnings, being you and doing what makes you happy, in the end, it’s just you when things come and go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leahholmes.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lleahholmes?igsh=cnZmdTFjdGwxanRw&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086114405807&mibextid=JRoKGi
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lleahholmes?si=hfL0ETfoWKm8ZEnX
