*Atlanta, GA* – Meet Alyseia Darby, a passionate dancer and circus performer whose journey has been marked by dedication, resilience, and a profound love for the arts. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, and currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Alyseia’s story is one of determination, inspiration, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of dance and circus arts.
Dance has always been Alyseia’s first love. She recalls, “I loved it before I even understood what it meant to have a passion. And my life has been shaped by dance.” Her commitment to her craft is unwavering, and she understands the importance of building a strong foundation in any artistic pursuit. “My greatest desire in life is to keep growing my expertise and skill sets as a performer and instructor,” she shares.
Alyseia’s journey took an unexpected turn when she made the brave decision to have both of her bunions removed simultaneously five years ago. This procedure meant spending months in a wheelchair and enduring a painful road to recovery. However, Alyseia set her sights on returning to dance, and this determination kept her going every day. Reflecting on this experience, she says, “Going through this process taught me great patience and resilience. Every obstacle that enters my life, just as with dance, I focus on how I can transition in the most graceful way.”
In addition to her dedication to dance, Alyseia is also a skilled circus performer. Her journey into aerial silks began in 2011 at Louisiana State University while pursuing her BA in Physical Theatre. She even held the esteemed title of UniverSoul Circus Aerial Ballerina from Summer 2021 to Winter 2022. Currently, she is a performer for the Element Circus Troupe in Atlanta, Georgia, founded and directed by Derrin Moore.
When asked about her sources of inspiration, Alyseia cites a wide array of artists from different disciplines. She is particularly drawn to those who fearlessly share their gifts and vulnerability with the world. In addition to dance, Alyseia has a deep appreciation for visual art and poetry. Two of her favorite ballerinas, Misty Copeland and Maia Makhateli, have also left a significant mark on her life, with memorable interactions such as Misty Copeland signing a pair of her pointe shoes at a book signing event.
Alyseia Darby aspires to see more collaborations and alliances between different programs and opportunities in the world of dance, especially those that celebrate the rich cultures and talents of Brown Ballerinas. Her goal is to spread love and knowledge with every dancer she works with, reflecting the support and mentorship she wished for during her own journey in the dance world.
As for upcoming performances, Alyseia is excited to share that Season 14 of Atlanta Dance Connection’s “Countdown: A New Story” has just begun, with a full schedule of performances scheduled until next summer. Their first stop is Amelia Island, Florida, from September 8th to 10th, followed by a winter concert on December 17th, appearances at IABD (International Association of Blacks in Dance), TBAAL (The Black Academy of Arts and Letters), and much more. For the latest performance updates and information, visit [AtlantaDanceConnection.com](http://www.AtlantaDanceConnection.com).
Alyseia Darby can be contacted via email at alyseiamd@gmail.com, and you can follow her artistic journey on Instagram at [@Lese_Babe](https://www.instagram.com/Lese_Babe/).
Alyseia’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative nature of the arts. Her dedication to dance and circus performance continues to inspire those around her, and her desire to create more opportunities for aspiring artists is a beacon of hope for the future of the performing arts community.