From an Aussie girl to a New York local

From a Moulin Rouge Showgirl to a Radio City Rockette

I am so excited to share this blog with you all. We have our first special guest Jackie Aitken. I was so lucky to meet this girl during my first stint at the Moulin Rouge back in 2015. I was immediately in awe of her and she has become a huge inspiration and role model for me. I was so excited when she agreed to have a chat. She has been a huge supporter of mine and my dancing since consoling me back stage after I was really upset with my first can can solo performance (always being too hard on myself, I’m learning). She has always encouraged me to dream big and has given me so much confidence within my dancing. I am hoping after you all read this she can do the same for you. (I don't even know if you remember that Jackie).

My name is Jackie Aitken, originally from Brisbane, Australia but currently living in New York City. I have been in New York for 5 years now dancing with Radio City Rockettes. Previously was living in Paris as Principal and Soloist dancer at Moulin Rouge. I've also danced for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Sydney Showboat.

Besides dance I also model professionally with Wilhelmina agency, and teach Pilates. 

My list of achievements in America include performing at The Tony Awards, New York Fashion Week and campaigns with Adidas and Pandora Jewellery to name a couple. 

How did you know you wanted to be a dancer? I don't remember the exact pivot point in my life when I knew this is what I wanted to do, but I do know it started brewing at a young age. I was that kid that was too sick for school, but never too sick for dance class. My parents couldn't keep me away. They used it as a grounding tool, if I was misbehaving, I wasn't allowed to go to dancing. Younger Jackie was furious when they pulled the dancing card. 

What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome in this industry and how did you deal with it ? The hardest thing, and will always be the hardest thing is hearing the words no, or not booking that job. Every time it hurts, but every time it makes me stronger. Being in the industry for so long now and living in New York City, hearing no is more common than hearing yes. At the end of the day, it just wasn't meant to be and there is something else for me. Don't judge your life or career off somebody else's, your path is your path. 

Another thing is Self-Love!

As dancers we are so hard on ourselves, we are our biggest critic. A fabulous teacher here in New York once said in class, you are allowed to love yourself, in fact, you should or else nobody is going to want to watch you dance or hire you. It can be hard watching yourself dance in the mirror, critiquing yourself, my leg isn't high enough, I don't look good doing that step... the list goes on. What makes a fabulous dancer is the love and passion they have for dance and themselves, nobody is perfect. You can be a shy person, but not shy performing. There is a big difference. 

How are you different from other dancers? Gosh, maybe you're better at answering this one Holly. Umm the obvious, I'm half Filipino and 5'9", so I'm not your average looking dancer, but it does come down to more than that...

Holly here… for me Jackie is special because she is versatile and her heart is in it. You can see that when she dances. She not only worries about herself but others around her, taking me back to the time I mentioned earlier. You aren’t only hired because of your talent. Everyone wants to work with nice, caring people, so it is a very important trait to have.

What other opportunities have you gotten from being a dancer? I'm also a model and fitness instructor, which came very naturally to me, and compliments dance. I'm very appreciative to be signed with a top model agency, Wilhelmina. I have had some pretty cool experiences modelling and met some awesome people in the industry. Though I'm most grateful to dance for giving me the opportunity to travel. Dance has bought me all around the world and I'm forever thankful for opportunities I've had worldwide. 

What keeps you positive and motivated? There is no other choice but dance. Especially during this time of quarantine, it has really reignited the flame inside of me, and assured myself that I am not giving up this career anytime soon. Also, don't forget to live your life and have fun.

What would you say to your younger self? Oh so many things, but one thing would be to keep encouraging my younger self. You're doing great sweetie! 

THANK YOU SO MUCH JACKIE for chatting with me and sharing so much truth and wisdom. As well as being the first guest with Dance Ambitions. I hope this inspires you all to keep pushing and staying true to yourselves.

Much Love,

Holly xo