Today we’d like to introduce you to Alayne Wadsworth.
Hi Alayne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Tucson, Arizona and moved to Utah when I was 10. In Junior High, I was diagnosed with scoliosis and soon after I was placed in a body brace for 5 years. Every day I had to wear the brace for 23 hours a day. There was a ballroom class offered at my school and I signed up. I quickly discovered that not only was this a passion of mine but it was a way of expressing myself. Continuing through High School, my coaches taught me discipline and hard work which led me to earn a full-ride dance scholarship in college.
During my experience in college, I competed dance worldwide earning titles and even winning the mirror ball trophy on season 10 Dancing With The Stars with my college league team. Soon after I was required to have spinal surgery due to my scoliosis worsening. I had to learn how to walk, roll over and dance again. With a whole new body came a lot of re-learning how to use it and accepting the new changes. I stepped back on the dance floor 6 months later and within a year earned my World Title Championship. Overjoyed with so much hope again, I learned a valuable lesson, that I could set my mind on anything and it would come true through continuous movement. It was the way I could take control of my life.
This encouraged me to continue working on my body and testing the boundaries. I became a Pilates, Yoga, and Ariel instructor. Along with Modeling and now a Managing Producer at Younique Corporate in the creative department. I still perform worldwide for private events, telling my story and encouraging others to follow their dreams. The journey of overcoming my fears and doubts has helped me get through the hardest of times. I like to say, I live life fully and keep myself open to opportunities. I never know what the future has in store but I am open and giving it my all.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have had many struggles and I am willing to admit that I still have them. Finding your identity after facing a major life-altering experience can be rocky. Many times I had to make choices that I never thought I would have to make about my health. A few of the required surgeries, a full back fusion and a Hysterectomy, both of which were life-altering procedures that affect my life. Before having back surgery or my hysterectomy, I fought trying to maintain for years and struggled with my health. I was terrified that having my back surgery would prevent me from ever dancing again and having a hysterectomy I wouldn’t have a family but I also knew that my life would be cut short without moving forward with the procedures.
Facing a challenge is only a struggle because it is unfamiliar to us. I discovered after time there is so much that can be unfamiliar in life. We must be willing to adapt and seize the moment. That was all I thought I could do or that I had control over. I also believe that we will all have struggles in our lives and it is a part of living. I like to think of it like a colorful tapestry, each strand represents something in our lives weaving through the beautiful piece of art and in the end becomes a unique one-of-a-kind tapestry. Many days of recovery and even mental training was one of the biggest struggles. To this day I am constantly needing to keep myself in check. No, it has not been a smooth ride and I am glad it hasn’t. Our struggles are what make us unique.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional Ballroom and Latin Dancer, Choreographer, Director, Producer, Fitness Trainer, Model and Actress.
I am known for competing internationally in Ballroom dance and winning ABC’s Season 10 Dancing With the Stars with my Utah Valley University Ballroom Team. After completing my degree in Movement Studies I went on to design choreography and instruct dancers at the famous Center Stage Dance Studio. My dance routines and teams have won national competitions and made it to the semi-finals of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and the finals of World of Dance.
You can say I’m a busy woman. I kept my door open to opportunities that have led me to modeling and acting. I also work for a wonderful company called Younique where I manage photography and video while working with models producing beautiful work to better our brand. I love what I get to do!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience. Which allows me to withstand the storms. Don’t be afraid or doubt that you will be destroyed, instead become resilient; able to withstand any storm you go through. Gondi said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
We are going to face all kinds of challenges in life, what we make of it will be our choice in the end. Resilience is my anchor, it reminds me to stay grounded in any situation. With time it will ease and I continue forward. Appreciate life and all that comes with it. My life motto, “Life is too short, so enjoy it!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alaynewadsworth.com
- Instagram: @lannie_lane
- Facebook: Alayne Wadsworth
- Linkedin: Alayne Wadsworth
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=hb-b1-gT6RI&feature=youtu.be
Image Credits
Kaci Urry, Gregg Baird, and Courtney McOmber
