Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Carlson.
Hi Chelsey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a professional Dancer, Actress, and Model. I am also a pageant titleholder holder. Dance is my first love, and ever since my earliest memory, I was dancing. My mom put me in a dance studio (Center Stage Performing Arts Studio) to train. I trained in all styles, ballet, Jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and more. My love for dance grew and I was given amazing opportunities at a young age. I competed at many events winning various personal awards, National Studio of Year award 2012&2019 with my studio, Crew Cup winner with team ‘Kids Next Door’ and various ballroom awards at Dancesport nationals. At age 14 I hit the spark to my career and went on Americas Got Talent with a ballroom group, not once, but two times, seasons 9&10. This really opened my eyes to a new world. Not too long later I was asked to go on the dance TV show World of Dance with judges JLo, Neyo, and Derek! not once, but twice, season 1&2, with a Utah group (801 squad) the first year, and then one year later returned with a small 8-member ballroom group (The Pulse). I was able to be the spokesperson for the team season 2. These experiences grew a new love for being in front of the camera and public speaking.
Right after graduating High-school I was then caster as Pam Shorts in the US Premiere of Baz Luhrmans ‘Strictly Ballroom’ at the Hale Center Theatre in Sandy UT. This really opened my eyes to the theatre world! I absolutely loved my time there. Sadly our show was cut a few weeks short of finishing due to covid.
After covid, I made the decision to try out for the Utah Jazz Dancers, which I just finished my first season of. The Jazz will always have my heart. Performing in front of thousands and sharing the court with basketball stars filled my heart! A highlight of my year was helping choreograph the ballroom portion of the dance for Veterans Day.
Although I love being the dancer I have also enjoyed choreographing/teaching for various professional/pre-pro teams and studios around Utah. Judging/choreographing auditions and competitions. Dance is a creative outlet and passion to me.
Aside from dance I participated in my first ever pageants this past year with the Miss America Organization , winning the title of Miss Rocky Mountain and placing in top 12 at Miss Utah 2022. I love the Organization and the opportunities it gives young women to make a difference in their communities and own lives.
At age 12 I signed with the Utah talent management Stars Talent Studio (Amber Evans). At first, I didn’t know much about the industry except that I wanted to become a star! I loved being able to be in front of a camera and have a voice. Now years later I have a resume filled of commercials, performances, and gigs I was able to be a part of. Some of my favorite brands I have worked with is Adobe, Disney Channel, Bronxton, Smart Sweets, and many more!
I am also a current student at UVU studying communications. I want to one day give a Ted Talk and become a motivational speaker. I also have plans to become a first generation latina entrepreneur. I also enjoy traveling and meeting new people.
My story is that I want to inspire people that hard work makes the dream work. Whatever you want can be achieved with dedication and relentless hard work!!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road! There have been countless times I thought of quitting dance when I was younger. My parents sacrificed much of their savings to ensure I pursued my dreams. If I didn’t stick with it, I would be no where I am today.
To be completely vulnerable the fear of not being good enough is an obstacle I go through. I think this can be shocking to some people who know me or even just from social media. I am a very confident and leadership-oriented person. I believe that our weaknesses can be our strengths and that’s how I’ve decided to take it. I want to inspire others to push themselves and do what scares them!
I think one of the biggest struggles I have dealt with in my life is living with high anxiety, eating disorder, and panic attacks. I haven’t opened up on social media platforms much about this aspect of my life. When I was younger, I was submitted into urgent care because I couldn’t breathe and my hands and legs were going numb. It was then I was diagnosed with panic attacks. It’s been a long road coming but I can now confidently say I know how to cope with them when they do come, which has become less to rarely occurring from when I was a kid. At around age 14 I suffered from anorexia for a period of time which then developed to bulimia as time went on. Ideal body images and the industry I was in made it harder to have a healthy relationship with my body. After therapy and gaining a healthier relationship with food I have learned and grown stronger. I since have become a health enthusiast and study what effects healthy living does for my body!
Having high anxiety can be debilitating especially as a dancer, having been in very high-stress situations throughout my life. Therapy and learning about how My mind/body works has helped me immensely to learn how to live with this, I thank above all God for getting me through every single hardship I have made it through in life. God 1st will forever be my motto.
I can with confidence say that these trials are something I can talk about now because I feel I have for the most part overcome them. They don’t define me but they made me who I am today and I’m grateful for all my hardships because they have refined me!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional dancer, actress, and model! I specialize in Jazz, Ballroom, and Hip Hop! I am known for the various dance opportunities and gigs I’ve had in my past. I am most proud of the many accomplishments I have done at such a young age and still going! What sets me apart from others is my diversity, I am multi-talented. I’d like to take a different approach to the triple threat and say I can 1. Dance 2. Speak 3. Act/model. I am a very ambitious person and I always look to new opportunities in all aspects of life!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is to never let anyone’s opinion define who you know you are. If you don’t win, say the top award, that doesn’t mean you are just not good and you should stop. Keep searching for the places where your talent and presence is appreciated and awarded. I promise you will find it.
Embrace your individuality, there’s one you that has or will ever live on this earth. Being uniquely you is a superpower. And last of all WORK HARD! It sucks sometimes I know, but build up your mental stamina, stay humble and work for what you want!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseycarlson/
Image Credits
Glen Ricks Photography
Preston Powell
Jo & Jax shoot
