Meet Alaska Stoughton | Choreographer & Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alaska Stoughton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alaska, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been involved in the arts. There are a lot of singers/musicians within my family so I started from a very young age. Dance has always been my passion and was the only thing that kept me focused growing up. I always say my brain is hardwired for the non traditional work life. So perusing my passion for dance as a career simply made sense to me. I can’t see myself doing anything else even through the hard times. Seeing a completed show or production through to the end is the most rewarding feeling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve worked on professional musical theatre productions throughout the United States and one thing I’ve learned above all else is to stick to what makes you unique. It can be so easy to lose yourself along the way to try to fit the molds placed in front of you. I have found that my best work, and the work of those I’m directing or choreographing, comes from when we take individual talents and really allow them to shine. Being collaborative in the creation process really brings a sense of community and balance to a production. If I had to choose words to create a brand for my style of choreography and direction I would say collaborative, authentic, challenging, and kind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a huge traveler and a big foodie. I bartend at Pepp and Dolores as my job outside of the theatre. So I’m always looking for new restaurants and bars to go to. Wine is always my favorite so absolutely Iris Read and Ripple Wine Bar. We would absolutely have to go to Pepp gotta rep the best restaurant I’ve ever worked for. Currently obsessing over Razzo that opened recently in Pendleton and King Pigeon in East Walnut Hills.

I’m also inspired by art and I live so close to the art museum that’s a must.
I always have friends visiting from the bigger US cities that have never been here and they always say how surprised they are that Cincinnati has so much culture and things to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents deserve a huge shoutout. From my Dads love of music to my Moms dedication to driving me to every dance class and rehearsal. I’m so thankful for the time and money they spent so I could peruse my passion.

Amy Jones Gibbons was my dance instructor in college and she really encouraged a sense of creativity that allowed me to find my own rhythm and style of choreography. The University of Dayton was so important to me in that way of thinking outside the norm and embracing the individual parts of myself I otherwise would have lost.

Instagram: alaska.babe

Image Credits
Jay – @jpeg.jinks -instagram