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

Hi Christian, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was born, the doctor did not slap me to initate my crying, he yelled “action”, or at least that’s what I believe. I have wanted to act since my first drama class in elementary school. As a child, I had a vivid imagination, one that would sometimes land me in trouble for being overly expressive, comical, or dramatic. However, when acting or performing, my imagination was encouraged and embraced. (Those many trips to the office were the reasons why I was recommended for the drama program). I was allowed to be free to explore characters and storytelling in a variety of ways that ignited excitement and purpose in me. In some aspects, it has helped me develop key communication skills needed for other career endeavors outside of the entertainment industry. When officially starting my journey as an adult, my path was derailed as I took on other responsibilities. Though I “dabbled” here and there in theatre, dance, and broadcast production, my resurgence would not come for 20 years later. After a 20 year hiatus, I questioned why I waited so long or why I stopped actively pursuing my passions. I realized I needed life’s experiences to couple with my vivid imagination to build a foundation for the journey I’m on now. I don’t feel like I’m starting over, but rather picking up where I left off and growing everyday. Today, I act, dance, instruct, and more. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an entertainer with talents known and unknown, seen and not seen, heard, and unheard. I am still learning, growing, and enhancing, and experiencing the wonders of my craft, my art. There was a time when I let life get in the way and I put my pursuits on hold-though it felt more like an indefinite decommission of my talents. I dabbled in various performances and productions where my life’s circumstances would allow until those circumstances would completely push away any opportunity of pursuit. Those circumstances almost ended me completely and I found myself, once again, needing to pick up the pieces and start over, this time with a blank slate (not clean, just blank). After being inspired by a stranger turned friend, I once again followed my passions and have not looked back. I act. I dance. I instruct. I’ve been performing here in Houston since 2018 and am grateful for every opportunity and experience. The great thing about art is that it lives in you and if you get the chance, you can share it with others. There’s always time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Though I have lived in Houston for about 9 years, I am still learning the area. However, if friends were in town we are defintely going to one of our #HEELSOUT Ladies Night Out classes. We would also explore some of my favorite places such as the museums, parks and botanical gardens, and the occasional drive to the beach. My favorite Houston restaurants are Ragin’ Cajun (the charbroiled oysters are the best!), Taste Bar and Kitchen (get it to go though!), Mikki’s Soulfood Cafe, Soulfood Vegan, and Houston Sauce Pit for vegan barbecue! (I’m not 100% vegan though!) When I get a chance, I definitely grab a daiquiri from Voodoo Queen Daiquiri Dive. Other times, I’m chilling on my balcony watching some of the most beautiful sunsets in Houston. One great thing about Houston is there is always something to do. I would defintely check out what productions are running or other events in town.

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 family and friends have been nothing short of amazing through their words of encouragement, presence at my shows, and over pouring of love into my life. To my number one fan, my daughter Colette, I could not do any of this without you! To have even shared in performing on stage with you was beyond my wildest dreams! To my mother, Cheryl, and my sisters Cherish, Caitlyn, and Celeste, thank you for your continued support! You were my first and favorite audience! Thank you for making those trips across 3 state lines to see me perform! To the Goubils, the Morrows, the Awofesos, and The Wilsons, thank you for your continued support and prayers!

To the amazing casting directors, directors, and producers who see something in me that I sometimes can not see myself, I thank you! I wouldn’t be on this journey without the casual yet confident push from the talented Dustin-Prestige. To those who have helped me strengthen my talents and uplift me in the process-I thank you! Shoutout to Tiffany Joseph, Shawn Turner, Jayme Clark, Porsche Zeraia, Shacolby Shentell, Lanisha Patterson, Erin L. Burnett, Diana Patterson, Keyatta Crews, and Destyne Miller for being an inspiration during production of your respective projects. Big thanks to Sammy McManus and Firecracker Productions for the opportunity to challenge and enhance my craft.

To Meoka McBride and the #HEELSOUT family – one of the most encouraging group of women and the best team in Houston, I can not thank you enough for letting me live my dreams! To my Nadiboo – Nadia Charbonnet- thank you for inviting me to class, sparking this fire, and helping me on this journey! Never.Stop.Dancing!

Instagram: @christianadanaacts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianAdanaActs/

Image Credits
TIffany Joseph, Keyatta Crews, Lafayette Taylor, Colette Spencer, and Pin Lim

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