Meet Alex Newkirk | Professional Dancer & Fitness Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Newkirk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The reason why I chose to pursue an artistic career is because nothing else suited me like dance did. As a child I loved animals and thought I wanted to be a veterinarian but only for the infatuation of animals but not knowing what being not only a Veterinarian but a Wild Life Veterinarian means. Once I went to New York to dance as a child, Dance Theatre of Harlem showed me women and men that looked like me doing what I wanted to do. Unfortunately there are not many that have that experience now, but for me it was beautiful and they gave me purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a professional dancer is not for the faint of heart. I realized very late that I do not just have ballet in my catalog. I joined Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Encore!, in 2019 and it made me realize that I am more than capable of doing more than ballet seriously. I was comfortable in ballet and all but then I saw my love for modern and jazz. I wish I could say I am in a professional company enjoying my life on tour and having shows but right now that is not my reality, I got to where I am right now by word of mouth by people who saw promise in me and took a chance on me. It was not and is not easy to get here and to continue to progress with positivity and grit but I love what I do and know I have promise in this art form. From many no’s to a yes to many no’s we are in a time period where there is no hiring but a lot of progression of companies. I am happy to see the companies I want to be apart of progress and take off and gives me motivation to get there. This seems like a sob story but in fact it is a point of view that exudes resilience. I have learned that if you did not receive the result you so wished to receive does not mean you are not good enough but it means it is not your time. I also learned that every little win should be treated as a monumental event! I have gotten so much recognition and a lot of that is hard work and social media. I want the world to know that I am a dancer with an unconventional path but I am still successful nonetheless.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay so, I would take them a few places to eat, because I love food! We would have to go Krio in Bishop Arts for lunch and Pangea on the North Side for dinner but also to Big T plaza to go to Amie’s African Kitchen and Grill. Me and my best friend love a vibe and a good time so I would unwillingly take them to Deep Ellum because everyone has to experience that just once. I love to go to Klyde Warren Park to sit and enjoy being outside with the various amounts of food trucks that show up! In my opinion Sunday is my day to brunch and watch a football game (when in season) and Uptown is one of my favorite places for that! There is nothing like good vibes, music, and good food with drinks to start your week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my story, a person who deserves recognition for seeing my talent, always telling me the truth, and knowing I was better was Virginia Johnson. When I was a child at Dance Theatre of Harlem. I was a dime a dozen, just another child in the summer. I was told my worth and vas talent when I was there. Now, Ms. Johnson is not someone I have stashed in my corner but she did mold my brain as a child and made me grow up. I owe her credit because at a young age she told me my worth in ballet and continued to tell me the truth. I am a person who grows from feedback or criticism and I do believe it is the best thing for growth. I was not doing well in one year of my life in dance and she had no idea but after an audition I saw her at she said, “I am proud of you, because the last time I saw you I was worried and I never had to worry about you…” Not the whole conversation was butterflies and rainbows but she did not have to speak to me as if she cared about my standings. Unfortunately as I discovered my wide-ranged talent in dance I do believe I disappointed her with my choices but in my life she still has a place in my brain as to remind me that I am better.

Website: alexandranewkirk.net

Instagram: @alexmaureenballet

Youtube: Alex Maureen Ballet

Other: Tiktok: @alexmaureenballet

Image Credits
Rhi Lee Photography Xavier Mack Alex Newkirk