Let’s hear straight from our Laner of the Week, McKinley Danielle Willis! “Hi! I’m from Dallas, Texas. Though my main art medium is dance, I also write poetry, crochet, and dabble in anything that allows for a creative outlet. I am currently crafting a one woman show titled, Memoirs of a Triple Threat Wannabe: a works in progress variety show about being a work in progress. It will be showcasing some work-in-progress pieces and skills that I’ve developed over this past transformative year. This is set to go up a couple of days before my birthday which is adjacent to my one year mark of moving to NYC!”
Well…what an introduction! We simply must know more about the lovely McKinley!
What do you like about Mustard Lane or just working events in general?
Laners are always super friendly and easy to collaborate with. The expectations are high but everyone’s responsible and happy to be there!
When you’re not on the Lane…what are you doing?!
I am a dancer/choreographer and a paralegal!
Favorite restaurant or food?
Thai food! My favorite dish is Pad kee mao (drunken noodle) with shrimp.
Name your ideal vacation:
A vacation is not a vacation without a beach. Anyone can fight me on this claim.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from the Lane?
I love having the day to do what ever I want on the fly. No plans, just adventure!
Any fun shows (TV or live) that you’ve seen recently?!
A show that I recommend everybody watch is a new show on Peacock called “All Her Fault”. It presents as a limited series thriller, but if there is a season 2, I will be watching. Incredible storytelling!
What’s your hidden talent?!
(Not so hidden, but) I’m a connector of people! I’ve learned that one of my purposes in life is to be a bridge for people to make connections with each other
If you could have your dream job tomorrow, what would it be?
I’d be choreographing, writing, and directing my own multi-medium art shows as a wife and mother.
What’s an essential part of your daily, Laner of the Week routine?
This is actually an area of my life that needs strengthening. But I’ve found that I am most satisfied when I’ve taken a moment to create each day. This could be a 3 hour incubation period or 5 minutes on the train. As long as it is intentional time for creating.
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
Plan to turn in submissions for grants and residencies at the very least one week early! I had in my calendar a grant deadline and waited until the last minute (because it was a fairly quick and easy application). I filled out the entire submission, just to learn that they closed the portal a week early because of the high influx of submissions. I’m still in mourning.
How was your holiday season? Any goals for the New Year?
Well, I closed out my FIRST YEAR away from home in the Big Apple, so I was very excited to spend some much needed quality time with my family.
As for 2026…I’m fairly new to New York, so continuing to grow and nurture the community I’m building is pretty high on the list. I moved here to dance on Broadway and learn more about the world of musical theater, so naturally that’s a goal of mine. Lastly, I’m looking forward to presenting my own work and reviving an event I host called The Artist Expedition, which is an improv jam for all art mediums!
Favorite dessert during the winter?
Banana Pudding. It’s a nostalgic treat that my grandmother makes.
What’s a brand or event that you would love to represent or work as a Laner, should the chance ever arise?
Anything that puts me in a fun costume or makeup is always a good time!
How do you stay inspired?
Seeing live art is always inspiring, and seeing my friends thrive in those spaces makes consuming it even more rewarding.
Any advice for someone wanting to become a Laner?
Stay open to the possibilities, expect the unexpected, and get to know your cohorts! You never know… you may meet your artistic twin flame!
To learn more about McKinley, check out her instagram @kinley_dani.
Did you see our fun End of Year recap?!