Today we’d like to introduce you to Devontae Holland.
Hi Devontae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Devontae Holland, but everyone knows me as DJ! I am 22 years old and I am a dancer/choreographer currently based here in the Houston area. My journey as a dancer started back in 2009 in my hometown, Bassett, Virginia. I was about the age of ten and Beyonce had just released her music video for “Single Ladies.” I had learned the choreography after watching the video about a million times and I remember running around the house doing the dance just about every single day.
That moment began my Beyonce obsession and I started to learn every piece of choreography to every Beyonce song since that day. Mind you, I was still a kid, so I didn’t fully understand what is was I was doing. I was just a kid having fun. It wasn’t until freshman year of high school that I started to find out exactly who I was. I had came out to everyone at school that I was gay and I knew that all I wanted to do was dance for Beyonce one day. But growing up in my hometown made that very difficult for me. I was constantly bullied at school for my sexuality and because of the fact that I was a cheerleader. The only support I really ever had was my mom and she was so accepting of me. My mom raised me and my two younger siblings all by herself so of course, that meant money was very tight for us. I couldn’t afford the right resources to get me started as a dancer and being in a super small town, I would have had to travel to take advantage of any opportunities. But I never complained because I knew my mom did everything she could for us and I was so grateful for that, so I had to take a different approach.
After graduating high school, I knew that dance was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, but the expectation of going to college and getting a degree was so engraved in my head. So that’s what I did. Except about two months in, I realized that no, this isn’t right. I don’t want to be here and I don’t want to do anything if it isn’t dance. So I made the decision to drop out and just go for my dreams. I didn’t know what, where, when, or how, but I knew I was going to make it happen. I ended up going back home, packing my things, and made the bold choice to move to Houston. “Why Houston?” you’re probably wondering. Well, I wasn’t quite ready for LA, so I had to find the next best option and after tons of research, I decided Houston was the best fit. Plus, not to mention Beyonce is from Houston, so at the time, I was like yeah, why not (lol). Being in Houston, I was finally able to start my career as a dancer. I started on a training team at Soundbox Studios called C.O.R.E. and I most certainly can say that if it wasn’t for that group of individuals, I would not be where I am today.
After C.O.R.E. I ended being apart of two adult competition teams throughout my career (also based of out Soundbox Studios) “WYLDSTYL” and “GALING” So that leads me to today. It’s been a little over three years now being in Houston and I have had so many opportunities. I have had the pleasure of working with the Dancing Dolls from Lifetime’s “Bring It!” I’ve performed at an NBA Halftime Show, worked with local Houston artists, danced in music videos, competed at dance competitions, and I’m even teaching my own classes now. It’s honestly all surreal. I just see that kid from 12 years ago running around the house singing “All the single ladies” not knowing what a bright future he has ahead of him. I know I have so much more growing to do as an artist and I still have a ton of goals to accomplish, but I’m so grateful for every opportunity that has came my way thus far. And although I had only planned on staying here for a year, Houston has paved a path and prepared me for an even more successful career as a dancer and I am so grateful to call it home!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
You know, people always love to talk about the good but never really share the hardships they go through. But without sharing those obstacles, how can you fully inspire someone to go for their dreams. For myself, I struggled a lot with depression growing up because of being bullied, but I, fortunately, had a strong enough support system around me and they taught me to use that to feed my passion. There is always going to be someone who doesn’t like what you’re doing no matter what it is you do. You have to take that hatred that they have and use it as fuel. And I’m not going to lie, it’s gonna be hard sometimes, but no matter what you can’t give in to it. Always keep fighting, never give up, and never be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a dancer/choreographer in Houston, TX and I mostly specialize in HipHop styles. I would say that my style is very unique within Houston dance community. It’s super energetic, it’s fullout, it’s crazy sometimes, but all in all, we always have a good time. I think what kind of sets me apart from others is honestly my passion. Growing up, I didn’t have these resources. I didn’t have studios where I could go and train or watch performances or whatever the case may be. All I had was myself and the music. And I think so many creatives now are so focused on tricks or looking cool or hitting all these beats and just all these details. Which is fine, because yes details are an important part to training, but sometimes I think they forget to teach students how to have fun. How to not care and just dance. Because at the end of the day, yeah you can do all these tricks and cool accents, but if you’re not radiating this energy of passion or looking like you’re having fun, then what are you really doing this for. To gain a following? For someone to notice you? IDK. We all have different approaches in the dance community and I’m just very big on passion and dancing because you love it and not to impress someone.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would say start with identifying what it is you want to do first. Do you want to learn heels choreography, do you want to learn Hip Hop, or contemporary, etc. Once you have that figured out, it won’t seem so overwhelming when you start looking for teachers or mentors. The most efficient way in my opinion, to look for teachers in the area is to go to Instagram and type #HoustonDancers or #HoustonChoreographers in the searchbar. There, you will find so many local dancers and choreographers you can work with and train under. I actually just started a mentoring program myself where I am working one on one with individuals. Doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or advance. All ages and levels are welcomed! I would also just like to say thank you to the entire Soundbox Studios family for playing such a huge part in my journey with dance! I love you guys so much and I couldn’t have done any of this without you all! <3
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/devontaeholland
Image Credits
World of Dance EP Visuals Inlight10
