Zara Silver: The Uncompromising Focus on Mental Health and Routine That Drives Modern Dancers

As a part of our series about Inspirational Women In Hollywood, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Zara Silver

Zara Silver is a modern and acrobatic dancer based out of Los Angeles, at just 19 years old she’s been able to create a community of her own across her social media platforms. Zara has been dancing all of her life, and has always known the importance of keeping a routine that will help her grow and refine her skills. She hopes to inspire other young dancers with her knowledge and advice, so they too can develop into their skills and community.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I was originally born in Russia, but at a young age I was adopted by my parents and moved to the United States where I’ve spent most of my life. I lived in Miami until I was about 16, that’s where my interest in dance started. I’m self taught but through the years have started to work with trainers, instructors, and peers in the dance community. That led to my move to Los Angeles where I’ve been perfecting my skills and attending a performing arts university.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

I’ve always found dance to be a natural outlet for me, it makes me feel creative and empowered not only as a dancer but as a woman. There is something really special about being able to show how you feel through movement, that led me to want to pursue dance as a career, and that’s where I find myself now.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

It’s not so much a story but it’s more about the people I’ve been able to meet along the way. I’ve met teachers who have changed my perspectives, and have worked with other dancers that have helped me improve along the way. So, I guess you could say that my whole dance journey has been interesting to me.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When I first started competing in dance I forgot my choreography during one of my solos, and I walked off stage. Looking back, I shouldn’t have done that. At the time I was scared and embarrassed, but that moment turned into a lesson for me. What I should have done was just kept going, because it was just a mistake and it’s okay to make those. Just don’t walk off stage because of it.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Hands down it would have to be my parents, they have supported my dreams since day one. They’ve helped me get the training I’ve needed to reach the level I’m at and most importantly, they believe in me.

You have been blessed with great success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

I would say that practicing and being strict on your routine really helps push you through those hard moments. Sometimes big opportunities take longer than you’d like them to, but when they arrive you realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. And finally, respect those around you, if you want to get anywhere in the industry, always show respect to your peers.

Every industry iterates and seeks improvement. What changes would you like to see in the industry going forward?

I wish we as a community weren’t so competitive when it comes to supporting one another. I know we are in an industry where we do have to compete to get to where we are, but I would just like to see a friendlier community.

You have such impressive work. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? Where do you see yourself heading from here?

As of now I’m working on preparing for my second year at my performing arts university, also getting ready and excited for audition season in the fall in LA. In my near future I hope that you see me on a screen near you doing what I do best, dancing.

We are very interested in looking at diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture and our youth growing up today?

I think adding diversity to the media industry can help all of us reach a larger audience, open up the door for more opportunities for others, and help tell more stories for those who have not had a voice in the past. It would allow our youth to experience a world where they can relate with those around them.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

-Be versatile: learn all the styles, not just with dancing but also singing and acting.

-Practice makes perfect: sounds so cliche but it’s not, all that work pays off.
-Mental health is always 1st: take time to take care of yourself, do something that makes you feel centered.

-Ask questions: being able to show weakness is good, ask if you don’t understand something.

-Show face: I used to not worry about my facial expressions during dance, but that’s what makes you stand out, draws the audience.

Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Please share a story for each one if you can.

Working out is a huge part of my journey, if I don’t feel connected with my body I don’t feel like myself. Getting into my workout routine really helps me jump back when I fall into those moments.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Everything happens for a reason”

If I don’t land an audition, then I let myself know “it wasn’t meant for me.”

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

Accessibility to the craft of dance is huge for me, I want to in any way help those who are interested in dancing achieve their goals, especially young girls who have a dream just like I did.

Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!

JLO, I mean she’s an icon and she’s brought some much diversity to the dance world. I’d love to pick her brain and get as much advice as I could.

Are you on social media? How can our readers follow you online?

Tiktok: @Zara.Silver

Instagram: @ZaraSilver

Youtube: @ZaraSilver

This was so informative, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!