Community Highlights: Meet Victoria Phillips of The Arts Alliance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Phillips.

Hi Victoria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and since a young age, I’ve been enamored with all things Dance. Memphis is a hub for the Arts so I consider myself very lucky to have had access to those resources. As a student, I attended Joy McDaniel’s school of dance, and later moved to miss pats school of dance and gymnastics. After graduating from high school and the studio, I applied to and was accepted into Austin Peay State University‘s BFA program. While I support the idea that college isn’t for everybody, it did allowed me to collaborate with some amazing peers and learn valuable information I use daily as a teacher. Upon college graduation, I reached out to Holly Brown of The Arts Alliance and we hit it off immediately. Up until that point, Holly had been running The Arts Alliance completely by herself which I find to be equally as courageous as crazy. So in saying that, these last four years here at the Art Alliance has been a roller coaster of experiences that I wouldn’t have trade for anything!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first thing that popped into my head was just the disdain, socially, for artists in general. I have been told since a young age that if you pursue a career in the Arts you are practically throwing your life away. However, these are the same people that will talk your ear off about their favorite singer, or their new favorite actor in a movie that just came out. I think, by providing emotional connection, comfort, and understanding the Arts make a serious contribution to society more than people realize.

We’ve been impressed with The Arts Alliance, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am proud to be apart of amazing team like The Arts Alliance. I feel what sets us apart from other studios is that we offer more than just dance. From sculpting classes, to sound bath yoga we have it all, literally. By having this type of Arts education, we’re able to be accessible by everyone who has a passion for it regardless of age, skill, gender, gender identity, or financial status.

Any big plans?
This year would mark my fifth year at The Arts Alliance, here’s to five more!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theartsalliance.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriaelizabeth_97/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yimpsee523/