Daniela Casas is a 19 year old professional dancer, choreographer, and model from Santa Ana California. She began dancing at the age of 10 and grew up competing at various well noted dance studios across SoCal. Daniela has been a part of several LA-based training programs, including Lume dance training, KreativMindz Elite, IAMFORCE, and IMMA. Throughout her dance training, she has attended many dance conventions, winning numerous scholarships and awards. Daniela is under management with HBM Talent and is thrilled for her recent modeling debut in the “Empire Has Fallen” New Age Takeover Spring and Summer ‘21 Virtual Fashion Show airing during LA Fashion Week.
FWM: Dancing is your life. Share your background.
I was raised in Santa Ana, California and went to school in Orange. I started dancing when I was about to turn 11 years old, but didn’t start taking my training extremely seriously until my junior year. When I was 17 years old I decided to make the switch from public school to online school, so that I could finish the 11 high school classes that I had left and graduate that spring, exactly one year early. Ever since then, training and breaking into the professional world has been at the top of my priority.
FWM: You grew up competing at various well noted dance studios across SoCal. What sets you apart?
Since I’ve been a part of so many different dance studios and training programs, I would say that I have a wide variety of knowledge from several different types of teachers and in numerous different styles. All of this varying knowledge allows me to be very versatile, as I do not necessarily have a “niche” style. My ability to adapt like a chameleon is what sets me apart, and it is largely due to the diverse and nomadic training background that I come from.
FWM: Tell us about your modeling debut in the “Empire Has Fallen” New Age Takeover Spring and Summer ‘21 Virtual Fashion Show.
I am very excited about my very first runway in this year’s virtual LA Fashion Week, in a fashion show produced by my manager Sophie Felix at HBM Talent Management, and directed by Quintin Leonard. The “Empire Has Fallen” New Age Takeover Spring and Summer ‘21 Virtual Fashion Show, which premiered on March 19th, showcased several beautiful clothing brands that I had the privilege of walking down the runway in. Some of these brands included Kindom, Raga, and Spirithood. It was a remarkable experience for me, although slightly intimidating at first as I realized I was surrounded by all experienced runway modes; however, I adapted quickly and enjoyed every moment of the whole experience.
FWM: What do you enjoy as a model?
I am able to draw parallels between modeling and dance, my main art form. I admire that both activities involve creative movement and that even the most minimal nuances, such as the tilt of a head or the angle of the shoulders, can invoke such different narratives, while facilitating a multiplicity of emotions by the audience.
FWM: Where do you see yourself in 2021?
This year, I hope to sign with a professional and well-noted modeling agency, as well as continuing to be under the management of HBM. My first experience on the runway was unforgettable, and I hope that I get the privilege to do plenty more of those in the future. High fashion and the artistry behind it is something that I, a creative, very much appreciate, so I would definitely love to explore that captivating realm of modeling as well this year.
FWM: What is your mantra and how it relates to your work?
My mantra for dance (and it can relate to modeling too) is “artist first, dancer second.” I feel that there is an emptiness when movement is just regurgitated back as it was given, as well as a large sense of inauthenticity that doesn’t read well with an audience, and especially with the mover. Creative interpretation is the reason I do what I do, as it would be vacant, meaningless flailing of the body otherwise.
FWM: You teach dance to preschool children. What do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy the most about teaching preschool children is their involvement in the class and positive reception of dance. In other words, just seeing how happy dance makes them. I’ve taught here and there in the past to people of various different age groups, and I’ve come to the realization that the positive energy that students convey in their love for the art form reflects heavily back on me. It feeds me to know that I’m bringing happiness to someone else, and it’s something that I want to do for the rest of my life.
FWM: Share your aspirations for 2021.
I have several aspirations for this year, some personal and some career related. My main career goals for this year are to sign with a top dance agency in LA, and to continue attending dance conventions as an assistant/company member. My personal goals, which can relate to dance and modeling as well, are at the top of my priorities, however. Going into 2021, my main goal was to just have fun. It sounds so cheesy, but I’m learning that happiness truly is all that matters in life. Since disappointments and disparities are inevitable, it’s important to not put all your eggs in one basket, or all your energy into one hope, as this is a form of impermanent idolatry that just causes misery when its time runs out, or when if doesn’t start at all. I often feel guilty for taking breaks and not always going 100% everyday, but I’m learning that balance is necessary for contentment and that happiness isn’t something that I have to earn by working hard or by reaching my goals. I deserve to be happy regardless, and that is a tough pill to swallow for someone like me.
FWM: Please share your social media links.
Website: www.hbmtalent.com
Instagram: @daniela_casas22
YouTube: Daniela Casas
