MEET SHANNYSLAY: MODEL AND CHOREOGRAPHER

Shanny, tell us more about how you got into choreography and dancing.

I started dancing very young.

I wasn’t school taught, it was and is a natural ability.

When I was younger, my mom used to make me dance in front of relatives all the time.

I used to be embarrassed A LOT! LOL! But I did it.

The funny thing about that is, I was a very shy child… go figure?! LOL!

Growing up, I used to choreograph dances and shows for my parents with my sisters as my backup dancers.

My middle sister was my mini me when it came to new dances and ideas, I would teach her so she can do it with me.

As I grew up, I started to partake in extracurricular activities like cheer, choir and I played sports.

I choreographed my first routine when I was a cheerleader to Busta Rhymes “Put Your Hands Where my Eyes Can See” I was really nervous, but that’s when the love for it really began.

I was on the dance team in high school and choreographed or helped choreograph some routines.

I loved to dance and everyone who knew me personally knew that about me.

I used to teach dance and cheer when I was in school.

Later down the line, I was a dance instructor for an organization through my city but, due to personal reasons I stopped dancing for a while.

Although it was my passion, I never could see myself as a background dancer only because I saw myself as too tall.

Most dancers and artists are very short and to be a background dancer to them would look very weird.

No matter how hard I would have tried, I would have stood out tremendously.

I’ve always stood out my entire life, even when I didn’t want to.

So, I decided if I do the dance thing again, it will be done my way, and that’s what I’m doing.

There’s stuff I’m working on that will help push my talents to the forefront.

At this point, it’s all or nothing!

You are truly a jack of all trades; tell us more about your modeling & acting career.

I started modeling at the age of 23.

I always (even though I was shy) was very photogenic.

I was tall and lanky growing up, so modeling was too far off.

My mother was a model in her country where she is from, so I guess the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.

I did runway, modeled apparel, and competed in a few competitions.

As for acting, I’ve done small things here and there, but I would love to take it more seriously when the right opportunity presents itself.

I’ve taken acting classes and worked with many professionals that gave me good advice when it comes to the acting game.

I attended and graduated from Barbizon of Hollywood.

While attending acting classes, I was told I can definitely make it big, I just need to put forth the work.

That made me want to become more serious in the acting realm because I knew I can do it.

Although life threw me some serious curve balls, I’m determined more than ever to put my plan into action.

Also, it would be awesome to work alongside some of my favs I watched growing up and meeting new people who are aspiring like myself .

I believe I have what it takes and I know with time, I will be great.

What would you say to aspiring models/actors/dancers who look up to your work?

I say, keep going no matter what it may look like or what people may say.

As long as you are passionate and diligent, you can be successful.

You must be patient, consistent, and trust the process.

Timing is everything no matter what you think, it truly comes down to perfect timing.

While you wait, perfect your craft!

Continue to learn, and grow.

Never stop learning.

Stay humble.

Humbleness will get you far.

Have faith and trust in God's timing because his time is the best time.

I can’t stress that enough!

At one point, I felt that maybe it’s too late, but I started seeing people twice my age pursuing and obtaining their dreams.

That motivated me to want to go hard and obtain all of my heart's desires.

Know that as long as you're breathing, there’s still hope!

Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?

I actually do, I have some projects I’m working on and putting my nonprofit together that I will officially reveal before the year is over.

I’m working on a short film that I plan on shooting hopefully before this year is over.

All I can say is get familiar, and stay tuned!

Follow Shannyslay:

• Instagram: @ShannySlay

• Facebook: @ShannySlay