Trend: Bicoastal Living

Dancers everywhere are doing it. You’ve heard the term, now learn what it’s really like to live as a bicoastal artist. Sena Khoda, stockbroker turned performer, recently moved from the Big Apple to the City of Angels. A good idea of what to expect, plus close friends like Courtney Galiano, helped this talented beauty deal with culture shock.

If first impressions are everything, LA passed the test. Sena was enticed by gorgeous weather, hiking and sunbathing. But even with all that sun, Sena misses the accessibility of everything in NYC. “Meeting people and finding places to hang seemed easier. Everything’s at your fingertips in NY.” Even the audition game is in a different league. “I found auditions on my own in NY, but having an agent is key here.” In LA, you don’t go to an audition without a good agency. So, this LA woman’s been doin’ what chics do in this town, shop… for agencies. After 3 weeks of mailings, emails and open calls, she signed with Clear Talent Group.

What about the people? “Friends told me to be careful who I trusted. Fortunately, the people I’ve encountered (so far) are down to earth. Living with grounded roommates that I absolutely adore (all successful dancers from So You Think You Can Dance) has made my experience positive.” Her East Coast mentality gives her an edge: “We keep it real. We’re used to the hustle and bustle.”
 
So who dominates the coast-to-coast battle? “My roots will always be on the East and there’s no place like home. But I def. love it all right now in LA! The ideal situation is experiencing the best of both worlds, since they have so many different opportunities.”

We couldn’t have said it better. Dancers, don’t be afraid to try a cross-country move. It can build your career and self esteem. And… if you’re a hit movie producer, tell me you don’t want to hire Sena?!

See more of Sena at www.senakhoda.com

Photo Credits - All photography by River Clark, except for B/W shot by Michelle Baxter.