With a passion for dance that ignited at age four, 19-year-old Riley Labait has spent her life honing her craft and pushing her limits to new heights.
From ballet and jazz, hip hop and musical theatre, to lyrical and contemporary, Labait spent her childhood training in a range of styles at Airdrie Dance Academy and Elements Dance Co., where she added even more to her repertoire, including heels and jazz funk.
But Labait’s dedication to dance didn’t stop there.
“Hip hop is my life!” she says from her apartment in downtown Vancouver, where she moved in July 2023 to pursue her career in dance.
“I love the vibes and the beats you get to hit with hip hop. Performing has always ignited a light inside of me.”
Although the move out to the West Coast was a big one, Labait is no stranger to going outside of her comfort zone — literally — to hone her craft. Besides Vancouver, she has ventured to Los Angeles, London and New York in order to improve her versatility and expand her horizons.
“Travelling for dance introduced me to styles like afro jazz, street jazz and house dance,” Labait says.
She has worked and trained with many choreographers, including Luther Brown, Justin Corbo, Anthony Carr and Menina Fortunato, while collaborating with some for-concept music videos and live performances such as dancing with Enola Bedard at Universal City Walk in Hollywood.
“I loved being on set and filming,” says Labait. “I got to be completely in it and wanted to be front and centre. I always feel like I’m on a high when I get back from travelling for dance.”
Labait has also trained at numerous studios around the world including Millenium Dance Complex, Playground LA, TMilly TV, Broadway Dance Centre, The BASE, Studio 68, Pineapple Dance Studios, Studio North, Harbour Dance Centre, A3 District and many more.
“There is so much history in some of these places,” she says.
“You walk in, and you just know that there have been so many other famous dancers that have danced on the same floor. It’s inspiring!”
Role model
Labait’s superpowers extend beyond the dance world. She has also been modelling for a year, working for Kayzie Couture, Love Bella Feye and Xcarii Xii. Modelling has taken her to Orlando Swim Week and New York Fashion Week.
“When you are up there on the runway, you can be anything you want to be,” she says. “Dancing is my life, but modelling is fun, too.”
Labait adds that her favourite thing to model is bathing suits because she has worked hard on her body and she in confident and comfortable with herself.
“I am happy with what I have created and worked for,” Labait says, adding that eating healthy is an important part of feeling good and looking good.
“You need to make sure you eat three meals and day and take your rest days,” she says. “Dancers are very hard on themselves and might feel guilty if they take a day off, but it is okay to take a step back when you need to.”
She says taking care of yourself is one of the messages she would like to pass on to younger dancers who look up to her.
“When I realize I am a role model for younger people, it fills me with joy,” Labait says. “I like to ask younger girls how they are doing and answer any questions they might have about modelling or dance. I want to let them know that they are awesome the way they are, but it feels great to put hard work into something and see it pay off.”
She is no stranger to hard work, on top of dancing up four times a week, Labait works as a hostess at a restaurant and is training at The Source Dance Company.
Dance dreams
Continuing to hone her skills, Labait enrolled in The Business of Dance Program via Fortunato, equipping her with knowledge and skills for both her dance career and life.
“My motto is that you are not going to know until you try,” she says. “There are things in life that are really scary, but you have no idea how they will turn out unless you do them. It’s just like dance; you can worry that you won’t be able to do a certain move, but you have to take the first step and try in order to find out.”
Labait recently signed with Premiere Talent Management (Brenda Campbell), a step on her way to her dream job of dancing with top recording artists like Rihanna and Beyonce or landing roles in feature films like The Greatest Showman or Burlesque.
Her story is one of perseverance, dedication and love for dance, and it’s clear that, with her talent, determination and infectious personality, she’s destined to soar to new heights.
Learn more about Labait at rileylabait.com.
