Today we’d like to introduce you to Phylicia Roybal
Hi Phylicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started in Santa Fe, New Mexico, when I walked into my first dance class, and my life changed. Since then I’ve made my way in and out of dance studios throughout the world, chasing a dream and following my soul‘s desires. As a young dancer, I did everything in my power to include this artistry in every aspect of my life; it was, and continues to be my strongest form of expression. Movement has carried me through life’s most tragic moment’s as well as taken me on a transcendent journey time and time again. After leaving New Mexico to study and major in dance at the University of Arizona. I developed long lasting friendships, as well as an understanding of the dynamics of dance and arts in the world. After graduating, I continued to be guided by my passion and traveled the world to chase connection and information in my field. After many years of discovering more about the artist that lives inside of me, I landed in Nashville, TN. Here I’ve met and married my soulmate who inspires me, pushes me, and cheers me on in every way. Since then, I have expanded my teaching skill set, been certified in the Gyrokinesis®️ method, have become a KINRGY guide, co-created MauveTaupe, performed, directed, and produced performance opportunities at BACKSTAGE. I am in a constant state of discovery and am passionate about sharing movement with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not always been smooth, consistently feeling overlooked in various ways. I am thankful that, though the journey has had an undulating travel, my path has always been direct. As a dancer, there are many facets that one needs to succeed. Being an artist can be seen as one of the most difficult life’s paths one can take yet it is also the most valuable thing in this world. Having to constantly fight through the resistance of our societal norms and creating space for connection and vulnerability. I’m confident in the journey, and though it may continue to look different than I imagined, I am dedicated to holding up to my hopes and dreams.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a mover and creator. I have identified myself for the majority of my life as a dancer. As I grow each day, I understand more about my purpose in the world. Since moving to Nashville; I’ve dove head first into a deeper meaning of self, understood that sensitivity is my strength, and have established power to my perspective. I have danced professionally for the last 20 years and have been educating in dance and movement practices for a decade. I continue to teach contemporary dance, ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation techniques. I have built a solo repertoire collection and continue to be driven by my undeniable desire for movement, storytelling, and music. I am a Gyrokinesis®️ trainer. The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is an original and unique method, which coordinates movement, breath and mental focus. Postures are not held for long periods of time. Instead, postures are smoothly and harmoniously connected through the use of breath, making exercises appear and feel more like a dance than traditional yoga. The Gyrokinesis Method is practiced on a mat and chair, without equipment. I offer Gyrokinesis group classes weekly. I am also a KINRGY guide. KINRGY is a dance and fitness platform created by Emmy Award winning dancer Julianne Hough that powers your mind, body and energy through practices inspired by the natural elements – Earth, Fire, Water, Air. I’ve also co created a dance performance project called MauveTaupe. But, my newest project that I am passionate about is BACKSTAGE. I knew I wanted to create opportunities for other artists to present work in the creative process. As an artist, I feel that so much of our time is spent creating our art and only few moments presenting in front of observers. I wanted to give value to the time that is spent in the unknown; to give an artist freedom to explore no matter how ambiguous their thoughts might seem. With the help of my wife we built a stage behind our home and have since offered a three part series of performances that received an abundance of support and potential. We look forward to offering performance and creative space to artists in the spring of 2025!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A book that changed many perspectives for me this year was, “Think like a monk” by Jay Shetty. The mind and body connection motivate me to discover true meaning of life everyday. I’ve also been listening to many health podcasts and my standout for this year has been “The Pursuit of Wellness” by Mari Llewellyn. This podcast has catapulted me on a physical level by opening my mind to strength training and the rewards of building muscle in a specifically targeted way that was different than dance. “On Purpose” by Jay Shetty has also been an incredibly eye opening and grounding podcast for me this year. It inspires me to dig deep into my own life work. A lot of other research is done in the studio among the many other brilliant artists and creators in the city. I am inspired by these people, pushed and motivated to amplify their voices.
Pricing:
- Gyrokinesis group classes at Madison Community Center – $4 drop in
- Gyrokinesis group classes at Centennial Performing Arts Studios- $10 drop in
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @wav_l_ngth
Image Credits
Brittany Stafford
Ben Hoback
Tiffany Bessire
