Rose Contoy- Voza is a dancer, model and actress from Pitman, New Jersey. Rose graduated from Rider University with a bachelor’s degree in Dance Performance and a minor in FIlm and Media Studies. She began dancing professionally in NYC at the age of 18 and decided to move to LA two years later. Since then she has appeared in various music videos and has been featured on Netflix & Lifetime. We explore her passion for dance and the benefits of movement for mental health.
Photo by Nicole G. @n.gellz
- Do you remember your first memory where you knew dance would be part of your life?
“I remember a moment choreographing a silly routine with my two cousins in my aunts basement just for fun, I was probably in middle school, but I thought to myself, ‘I am absolutely in love with this’”
- Tell us a little about your dance journey and the passion that led you to move to LA?
“I had always loved watching movies with my dad, and I knew I wanted to somehow intertwine my love for dance and film together. As I grew up I realized LA was the perfect place to do both!”
- What do you feel is the most challenging part of being a dancer?
“The most challenging part of being a dancer is the commitment. You don't stay ‘good’ or keep every trick, keep your technique, just because you have done it before. It is constant training. You have to keep reminding your body how to do things, and mentally stay motivated to want to.”
- What are some tools you use to overcome these obstacles?
“Staying inspired and staying creative are so important! Watch videos, watch movies, learn a new move, find a new artist, listen to a new song, whatever it is that keeps you in love with the art you have to keep doing.”
- What struggles did you face growing up revolving around your mental health? What do you feel helped you overcome this?
“When more and more TV shows revolving around dance came out, it was kind of a double edged sword. It made me motivated to keep dancing to be like these people I saw on TV but it also made me realize all of the things I couldn't do. This made me actually take a year off formal dance training my freshman year of high school. I needed to reconnect to my love of dance for me and not for what the media saw it as.”
- Tell us how you feel dance helps your mental health?
“No matter what emotion I am feeling, I usually end up dancing. It heals, it rejuvenates, it invites, it validates.”
- What do you like most about the Oya choker? How does it make you feel when you wear it?
“The choker is simple and elegant. It can be paired with any outfit, for any occasion. Much like a dancer, it molds to who you are, and becomes whatever you want it to be. It is the perfect accessory to stay true to yourself and speak through your appearance and movements.”
- What would you say to someone wanting to chase after their dreams?
“Do it. Someone already has done it, proving it is possible. So do it!”
Watch Rose Conroy-Voza on WIM Youtube Channel
Video Credits Music:James Vincent McMorrow: Cavalier Choreography by @andrewtmzn Video filmed by @colesocold