Daily Inspiration: Meet Chelsea “SOLACE” Hough

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea “SOLACE” Hough

Hi Chelsea “SOLACE”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been dancing, singing, performing since I came out of the womb! But professionally I’ve been in the entertainment industry for 10+ years.

I started out at a couple different studios in grade school, competing in dance, & found my home in 2006 at Hermitage Dance Academy where I graduated from in 2012. Throughout the years, my mother & grandmother always sought out different opportunities for me to be immersed in, which opened my eyes to all that was possible for an artist.

At 19, I moved to LA where I booked my first agent & first big gig that happened to be overseas, dancing for a German artist named Helene Fischer. I then booked a tour doing stunt work portraying the role of Storm from the X-MEN in Marvel Universe LIVE! I traveled the country & abroad with that show, doing something I didn’t even know was possible for me. That show shaped my entire mindset; from how I viewed myself as an artist & athlete, to what my career could actually look like. From then on, I started making moves that benefited my passions & desire to be a part of something bigger than myself.

I began working on award shows, films, a tv series or two as not just a dancer, but an actor, stunt woman, singer, etc! I didn’t allow myself to be pigeon held into a stereotype; not for my looks nor my skill set. I am more than what people expect of me, & I have set my own standards of success; allowing myself to be free, seen, & heard as I am.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course there are many obstacles that feel like they run the course of your life when striving to achieve something great. Even just simple day to day moments become frustrating or even debilitating. For me, the biggest turn of events was my mental & physical health. I was unknowingly battling a thyroid disease for a couple of years, as well as being severely anemic. This combo affected my stamina & strength tremendously; something I have taken a lot of pride it. It sent me in & out of the ER with little to no answers whilst still working as a dancer/choreographer/educator. After a lot of back & forth, I have been able to manage my thyroid & low iron; but the anxiety that came with it was both mental & physical as well, which made it hard to function. The sleepless nights, my body constantly being on edge & the palpitations were just too much. I have dealt with anxiety for years, but never to this extent, so I’ve begun managing it daily as well. It has as been a stigma of cultural disappointment yet affects so much of our population. It’s actually one of the main reasons I wanted to get into choreography/movement coaching. Helping other artists overcome these worrisome moments & guide them towards moving & thinking as their most authentic selves.

To be honest, this lifestyle is so taxing on the mind, body, & soul. But asking your passions to also support financially is such a touchy subject within itself. On top of it all, people are so quick to say how “lucky” I am to do what I do for a living. But it’s not luck. I have worked & trained long hours to get to where I’m at & I still struggle in ways that majority of humans do. I was even faced with an impasse so large that I considered leaving it all behind. But the reason I wanted to part ways was the same reason I felt I needed to stay. I wanted to be the change I wished to see in the fields I work in. I also enjoy the creative process so much, connecting with others & the pure joy of what it is I do. I just want to it to be a safer & more welcoming environment, & that is what I have set out to do.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have become most known for being a professional dancer, but I have forgone a bit of a transitional period within the last few years to showcasing myself as a multifaceted artist. From choreography to movement coaching, singing & acting, I genuinely enjoy it all.

Currently, I teach two heels classes (Intro & Advanced) at Millennium Dance Complex Nashville; an LA based franchised studio designed for commercial & recreational training for kids & adults. As well as being a faculty member on a dance convention, IAX (Immerse Artists Experience). My brand for both is A.I.M. (A.I.M. High for when I am teaching heels) which stands for Authenticity In Movement. The concept is to have my students focusing more on the intention & integrity of the movement, as well as catering to the genuine expression of every student that walks into my class. It is nice to be seen, but what I want for them is to feel good & at home in their bodies, not just look good doing the steps. Because without our unique individuality, what is the point? I like to remind them that their voices & experiences matter. People aren’t always looking to be impressed. Most of the time, they want to feel something. Connecting to something real is key. This work also goes into my times as a choreographer, alongside different local & well known artists. And I still find myself booking different dance opportunities.

I am most proud of my work as an educator/choreographer. Overcoming the stigma of a commonly misguided phrase “those who can’t do, teach”. Those who teach often find that they are forever students. Always learning, growing, & expanding. Don’t get me wrong, I have done a lot of gigs that helped shape the artist I have become today, but teaching has broadened my perspective on how to better connect with my community & simply giving me the chance to do so more effortlessly. It is a privilege to get to work with people & cater to their well being. No matter the size of the class/gig/opportunity, I am present & ready to share space with anyone willing to entrust me with their time/training/project; because I feel connection & understanding is of the utmost importance to have with one another.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being able to have long chats with the people who genuinely enjoy holding space for me, & I them. Impeccable cuisine: Pho, Sushi, Cold Brew & Coconut Cream Diary Free Ice Cream from Jenni’s, BarTaco on 12th South & in East Nashville (I really could go on & on). Solitude. Naps. Sleep. Sleeping In. Knowing my worth. Doing my own Tarot readings during Full & New Moon cycles. Playing 8 Ball on my phone. Winning at 8 Ball. Winning at any completive event. Shopping for crystals. My mug collection (it’s small). Spending time with animals/pets. Laughing with my mom. Laughing with my dad. (They are two very separate events lol). Teaching my heels classes. Being an educator. Choreographing for gigs. Dancing for myself. Journaling. Singing. Watching gamers play scary games. Cycling. Drinking a Lavender Chai Latte. Boba. FaceTime. Putting together a really cute outfit. Being Myself.

Why? Because each one of these things ground & heal a part of me every indulge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soulfullysolace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/soulfullysolace/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulfullysolace