Meet Meredith Combs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Combs.

Hi Meredith, 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?
My story starts very similar to most dancers: train for years, go through thousands of auditions to book as many jobs as possible, and do your best to stand out from the crowd. Growing up in Dallas, TX, Ballet and Contemporary were the two styles that really shaped me as a dancer; I’ve always been considered a “technical” dancer and happily accepted the little box I had been put in. Being “the ballerina” served me well for the beginning of my career but I realized that I didn’t want to do company work and knew that, if I wanted to work commercially, I was going to have to get out of the box I’d been put in and change how I was seen. During this time, I had a lot of self-doubt and eventually got to the point where I almost decided I would just be a teacher and not pursue performing.

Things changed after my husband and I decided to pack up and move to Nashville. I got connected with the dance community, trained with proficient and knowledgeable Hip Hop teachers, and fell back in love with performing. After a brief time of focusing on my own growth as a performer, I signed with my amazing agency, FreshTalent Group, and began working professionally again. The training didn’t stop just because I was booking jobs, however.

Summer of 2018, I went to LA to train and took an Aerial Silks class. It was amazing, but I assumed there wasn’t anything like that in Nashville, so I forgot about it when I got home. After getting hired as a dancer for a gig, I learned we were performing alongside a local circus that consists mainly of aerialists. Once I realized that Nashville did, in fact, have a way for me to pursue aerial, I knew I wanted to learn. Because of my background in dance, the performance side came fairly naturally, but the strength required was completely different. Training quickly evolved from one class a week to training almost seven days a week: I knew from day one that I wanted to perform professionally and that I was going to have to work extra hard to get there.

I now perform professionally as an aerialist and dancer, teach aerial and dance at local studios, and am in the process of creating a full-length Aerial and Dance production, called ‘Reverie – The Voyage of Dreams’, with fellow dancer and aerialist Nikki Orlando. We aim to highlight local Nashville artists and performers while providing a new style of show for Nashville.

While my journey started out like many others in the entertainment industry, I am so thankful for the twists and turns that led me to where I am today. Each story is unique and I’m excited to see where mine takes me next.

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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! One of the biggest struggles I face is my own self-doubt. I have gotten in my own way so many times and cheated myself out of opportunities simply because I didn’t believe I was good enough. Getting past those negative thoughts is a daily struggle, but pushing myself to do the things I don’t think I can has made me so much stronger.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional aerialist, choreographer, and dancer. I specialize in Aerial Silks and Lyra as well as Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. My style tends to focus on technique, musicality, and fluidity; I am known for graceful movement and long lines. If you’ve ever taken one of my classes, you known I love blending technical elements with more internal and emotional choreography.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t a definite thing; there are levels that are different for each individual. At this point in life, financial success is being able to take care of my family by doing what I’m passionate about. Not having to get a different job to pay the bills, just being able to perform and teach and do what I love each day. I have goals for myself as a performer and milestones that I am reaching for but I don’t need fame or fortune, just to be the best that I can be by constantly pushing myself to be better than I was yesterday.

Contact Info:

• Email: meredith@combscreative.com
• Website: combscreative.com
• Instagram: @mercombs16

Image Credits
Elliot Lopes, Nic Austin, Hannah Meredith Russell