Meet Anna Gilday | Professional Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer, Entertainer

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

Hi Anna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It all started when I was 5 years old and for two reasons. The first being because of my sister. She was a dancer and the first time I watched her through the windows, I was captivated. I knew that was what I was going to do so I could be just like her. The second reason was because I was extremely pigeon toed and my parents figured that would be the best way to help me work on that. Little did they know that putting me in a dance class would, not only, turn out my feet but change my life forever.

Dance was something I could never walk away from. I’ve never been good with words which is why I think I connected so well with dance. It gave me an outlet to express myself through my movements and it pushed me to create more to make those movements translate to an audience. I was known as that “dancer girl” growing up and sometimes people meant it as an insult because my life revolved around it. However, I was always okay with it because I knew that this is what I was meant to do in life. I went onto college at one of the most prestigious dance programs in the US, Oklahoma City University, and graduated with a Bachelors of Performing Arts in Dance Performance. I started working right out of college and have combined my love of performing with my passion for teaching as my career. It is an incredibly tough field to work in but the joy it brings me, the audience, and my students outweighs all of the hardships. I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think this is one of the best parts about being an artist. Every individual brings something unique to the table. Dance allows you to add your own personal touches to every movement but at the same time, we have the extraordinary ability to match someone else’s movement exactly. Which is why I take most pride in my ability to be diverse, not only stylistically but in the ways that I teach, perform, and the work opportunities I have found for myself. However, it wasn’t an easy process to get to where I am today.

I had a hard time figuring out what my path would be as a dancer. I had convinced myself in college that in order to be successful, I had to book a cruise ship or a Broadway Show and live in NY or LA. So I did the auditions. I would make it all the way through the audition and would wait for a call that would never come and other times, I would get cut first round. It broke me down at the beginning. It makes you second guess your talents, you compare yourself to your friends who are booking things left and right, and it makes you question if you should give up. It was heartbreaking. Then I came to the realization that I was only doing these auditions because I felt like I had to, not because I wanted to. That’s the moment that made me see that I was closing doors to opportunities I didn’t even know existed because my mind was so focused on a path that I was never intended to take. This completely changed my outlook and gave me the confidence I needed to find my own path.

I ended up dancing for companies such as Mary Kay Cosmetics, Southwest Airlines, Taco Bell, and Lorna Jane Activewear. I was in commercials for Gold’s Gym and Chuck E. Cheese. I currently dance for Urban Performing Company under the direction of Stevo McMaryion and work for multiple entertainment companies in the DFW area. This past weekend I was a disco ball head entertainer, yes you read that right. I have walked in a fashion show for one of the biggest fundraisers in Dallas, DIFFA, while wearing an eyeball headpiece and model for a company called Styled By Amethyst. I don’t say all of this to boast about my successes but to hopefully inspire dancers and creatives to be open about their futures, you truly have no idea what or where you could end up. Which leads me to the other part of my career that brings me so much joy.

Teaching. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I switched over to teaching full time because it was the only option I had to stay in the dance world during this time. This is where I found my true reason for this career. Being a part of a dancer’s journey is one of the greatest gifts you can ask for. I am a teacher who pushes her students outside of their comfort zones to help them find their own style in this craft. I am a choreographer who challenges her dancers but also listens to them and makes their story communicate through movements. My greatest achievement as a teacher has been being awarded Outstanding Choreographer at one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, YAGP. I am extremely humbled to have received this award but what I was most proud of was how this group of dancers, who are more like a family to me, grew with this piece over the season and found a way to turn my personal experience into their own story. To have been a part of the teamwork, hard work, and growth is something I will cherish forever.

I’ve learned a lot about myself and this career over the past 5+ years and I am still learning but one of my goals is to help artists find their path by sharing my personal experiences and to, someday, own my own entertainment company and help creatives in all forms get job opportunities. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned and I feel needs to be shared is that you have to be your own advocate so people don’t take advantage of you, your talents, and your worth. In this career, compensation should represent your talent, creativity, and professionalism. Which means, sometimes you have to walk away from things you love because they don’t value you for what you are worth and that’s okay. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for doing what is best for you. If any dancers have questions about this, please don’t hesitate to ask. I am here for you.

To take class from me, you can find me primarily at The Kaiser Center For The Performing Arts and The Dallas Conservatory. I teach ages 3-Adult in various styles. For choreography, intensive teaching, judging, or event performances please reach out to me through email or Instagram. I would love to connect with you!

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?
Ooo, this is a tough one. I am originally from Kansas City and moved to Fort Worth in 2017, Dallas in 2021, and I still feel like there is so much I don’t know about DFW. However, I’ll give this my best shot.

For brunch, Hudson House is a must because everyone has to experience that burger with truffle fries at some point in their lives. As for other brunch/breakfast places, we would go to Snooze, Shugg’s, Stirr, and a Drag Brunch. For some outdoorsy activities, we would venture out to the Dallas Arboretum, Katy Trail, and Eagle Mountain Lake. I am extremely passionate about fitness, especially for dancers, so I would take her to a Train or Sculpt class at Class Studios. The fun part about DFW is that there is always something new to try or an event to go to. Two of my favorite places to walk around is the Bishop Arts and Deep Ellum areas. They are filled with unique food, drink, and boutique options that is surrounded by the most interesting and creative people. When it comes to dinner options, my must haves are Oiishi, Avila’s, Heim, Il Bracco, Paradiso, and Rodeo Goat. Whether you like sports or not, a Star’s game is en experience that everyone would enjoy. They are a blast. Lastly, we would head over to Celestial Beer Works, Cidercade, or Cowboys Red River to finish off the night.

I know I’ve missed some things but that’s the best part about Dallas, its always changing and you will find new things you love every day. I never would have thought I would end up living in Dallas but I’m sure happy that’s where my path led me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is number on the list for this. I am incredibly lucky to have received all the love and support from them throughout every stage of this journey. Deciding to turn a passion into a career is terrifying and unconventional and a lot of people don’t think you can be successful in those careers. However, my family never doubted me for a second. Specifically, my mom and my sister who have been there for me through every hardship I have faced and have been my biggest cheerleaders. My dad and my brother attended countless number of recitals and performances and never complained. My family still doesn’t fully understand everything that I do or how it all works but they never stop believing in me and for that, I am eternally grateful. I love you guys!

My story wouldn’t be possible without giving credit to my childhood teacher, Liz Kelley-Hansen. You are the reason why I am the dancer I am today. I may have been that knock kneed girl when I first came to your studio but you saw something special in me and pushed me to be the best that I could be. You never stopped believing in me and gave me opportunities that inspired me and gave me the confidence to pursue this as a career. I hope I am able to have the same effect on my students someday. Thank you for everything!

I am lucky to have so many others that have played a factor in my successes. My gig family, we always support and love on each other when one of us books something and push one another to keep growing. My teacher family, our weekly brunch dates helps keep me sane amidst the chaos of our lives. Sarah Larr and John Merrifield, thank you for helping me find my path in this career. Nash and Kirsten, without both of you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Your friendships are one in a million. Austin, thank you for putting up with my crazy schedule and always supporting me. The list could go on and on which is why my biggest piece of advice to other artists is to surround yourself with people who are rooting for you and will be there for you through every high and every low. It will make all the difference.

Instagram: @anna_gilday

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Erin Faison, Tim Drake, Luis Martinez