Accumulating skills in the performance arts is a coveted and constant education. Dancers sing and singers dance. Adding these “extra” skills to performances changes the ways that artists showcase their talents and tell their stories. Tacey is a great example of this. A bilingual singer and dancer based in Los Angeles, Tacey has been using her intense drive to perform and her love of dance to build a career on the stage. We caught up with Tacey to explore the ways she blends full-out professional dancing with her music career. Check out the full interview below!
Showstopper Magazine Online: From a young age, you have worked as a professional dancer. What has the transition to performing artist been like?
TACEY: I honestly didn’t feel a big change starting my music career as an artist coming from being a professional dancer, and this is because I’ve always been a performer. When I started making music, I was able to just focus on that without the need of learning how move on stage or in front of the camera, all thanks to my background. Of course, my artistic career as an artist required me to start working on different areas and in everything that implies being a musical artist that I wasn’t familiar with before, but having dance under my sleeve was a big plus.
SMO: What do you think is the relationship between dance and live music?
TACEY: I think they have a very close relationship, dance complements music and it definitely creates a powerful impact. It helps to tell the story of a song. I love that, being a dancer, I can offer a full live experience to my audience every time they come to see my shows by combining both my music and dancing on stage.
SMO: As a performer you sing and dance, choreographing your own sets. How has your professional dance career informed your transition to music? How did dance prepare you for your current career path?
TACEY: Being a professional dancer myself has helped me so much in everything I’m doing now. Making music being a dancer is a plus. For example, because of my musicality, I can understand melodies and feel music on another level which is amazing.
Regarding the performing aspect of being an artist dance has given me all the tools not only because of the experience I have being on stage, but also because I’m able to choreograph and run my own rehearsals. I can even create last-minute performances from scratch or adjust any necessary changes before a show very easily, and that’s everything!
But I don’t want to forget about the most important thing being a professional dancer has taught me to be focused, disciplined, and consistent, something that keeps me on track not only in my singing career but in my life in general.
SMO: As a dancer yourself, what are your expectations for your backup dancers on stage and in music videos?
TACEY: Oh I love this question! As an artist who’s a dancer as well and has a close relationship with them, I take it very seriously. I always say that I’m a dancer first so I understand exactly where they’re coming from as well as their expectations, and I make sure they always feel appreciated because I do appreciate them so much.
When we’re at rehearsals I’m just one of them. Sometimes it’s exhausting, and we go through a lot because we are all different and unique in our own ways, but it’s important for me that they have the same passion to perform as I do. Without that passion for what they do, I can’t relate. We spend a lot of time together and we get to know each other very well. It’s a must that they’re a good human being in general and have a positive attitude because their energy can definitely affect me or the other people around, not only in rehearsals but at the shows and music video sets as well. And of course, I expect that they’re respectful to me and everyone, that they show the best work ethic at all the times, and that they have fun while working, the best time like me!
SMO: You recently competed in the LA6 Showcase. What was your process for preparing for that competition?
TACEY: Being prepared is definitely something that defines me. I’m always practicing. I’m always ready, and I’ve also been blessed to have been performing nonstop since my first live show, so the day that the opportunity to compete at the LA6 Showcase came I was ready to go. Everything happened very quickly, and I honestly didn’t feel like I was competing. I was just doing what I always do, having fun, and giving it my all like for every show.
SMO: And you won! Can you tell us about that moment?
TACEY: Ahh wow I did! It was such an amazing moment, I’m super grateful! The judges and the people loved and appreciated what I did and I made them feel something. Best feeling ever!
SMO: What is your biggest goal?
TACEY: Wow, I have a lot of big goals, but going on tour internationally is definitely one of my top ones!
SMO: How would you describe your style as a performer?
TACEY: In only three words would be feminine, powerful, and sensual. I’m a versatile and a visual artist. I love to entertain people. If you come to my show, I want you to feel my energy and my passion through my music and my dancing. To me, it’s all about the show!
SMO: What is the number one aspect of your performance you think non-performers don’t consider or expect?
TACEY: I think probably when I dance as full-out as my backup dancers. Usually, music artists don’t dance at all, or if they do dance, the heavy dancing is left only for the backup dancers. That’s why people usually don’t expect it, and they get shocked when they see me, especially during the dance breakdowns.
