We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Choreographer Talia Favia and asked her about her career as a choreographer. Here’s what she had to say!

WA_Talia_MAIN

Tell us about why you started dancing, and what made you decide to turn dance into a career?

Both of my two older sisters danced when I was growing up, so I was always surrounded by dance and dancers my whole life. I was always so infatuated with their recitals and competitions and looked up to them so much. So, when I was around 9 years old I decided to give it a try and I fell in love with it right away.

Did you start as a performer and then discover your gift of choreography? Tell us about that transition from student to choreographer/teacher.

I did. I was and still am in love with performing. There is something so amazing and exhilarating about it! However, choreography was always coming up behind me. I always say:

“I didn’t find choreography, choreography found me.”

I was in love with teaching as well, not just choreographinig necessarily but I LOVED teaching. Eventually I started to really dig into my voice as a artist and choreographer and once I committed to it, everything started falling into place. I also still get to perform my work when I feel its necessary – which is a plus. 

What style of dance do you typically work with and why?

I work with contemporary because I am so infatuated with how many things you can incorporate into it. You can really combine all types of dance, and it’s so exciting.

What style of dance would you love to learn that you don’t know now?

I would LOVE to learn how to tap. I don’t know how to and it is something I wish I could do. I find it so amazing.

Tell us about a couple pivotal experiences with your mentors.

One of them would definitely be when I was an Elite Protege for “The Pulse” in 2009. It was by far the biggest learning experience I have ever had. I got to work one on one with the kings and queens of our industry, and create relationships with them. It was amazing. 

Another was when I created my first show, “The Difference Between Sinking and Drowning.” It was the most scary, beautiful, difficult, challenging, and amazing thing ever. I learned so much, and found a whole new love for directing, and producing that I never knew I had.

What is the best dance movie of all time?

Chicago!

Where do you see your career going within the next 5 years?

I would love to see myself having a dance company in either Los Angeles or New York that I can train weekly and create on them. 

Express how you felt knowing you’re Jessica Richens (SYTYCD Season 11) mentor?

Jessica Richens and I share a very special bond and I am so happy that America got to see what we share. It’s a very honest, genuine, and spiritual connection. I was extremely Honored that she put me down as one of her mentors. I am so proud of her.

And finally, what advice do you have for young dancers who would some day like to be choreographers?

My advice would be to never say “NO” to anything! Any opportunity that come your way, whether you think it’s for you or not, say “YES!”

The more experiences you have the better creator and teacher you will be. You will know what you want and what you don’t. ALSO, never let the negativity of others affect you or bring you down, it’s a tough industry we have chosen and not everyone will love you all the time, but if you believe in your craft and your voice, that will get you to where you are destined to be.