Lee Jay Hoy is a professional ballet dancer & model. He is currently rehearsing for a new Disney movie which will be realised in 2021. Kirk Truman photographed him in London this Autum for the launch of our new frames. We love his exquisite dance sensibility, ageless style, and sweet character.
Photographed by Kirk Truman.
Black Eyewear: Tell us about how (and when) you started dancing?
Lee: My mum would watch movies like Dirty Dancing, Footloose and Fame which caught her attention and inspired her to put me into dancing. I started dancing at the age of 3 and never looked back.
What does dance mean to you?
Dance plays a very prominent part in my life. It’s very important to me. It’s a great feeling to be on the stage and perform in front of a large audience. I never get that feeling from anything else.
“NO ONE IS YOU, AND THAT IS YOUR POWER.”
3 people who have inspired you in the course of your life?
Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly & Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Favourite Jazz record?
Mack the knife by Ella Fitzgerald
The 3 most interesting places you’ve danced in your life (and why)?
The first has to be playing Older Billy in the West End. I had always wanted to perform in the West End ever since I was a kid. Number 2 was performing up north in Leeds with Strictly Ballroom the musical. My mum’s side of the family are from around there – so it was nice to spend time up there with my family who I hadn’t seen in years. And lastly, number 3 was filming a music video in Sicily. I spent 2 weeks there filming inside the princess’s palace. I also got to meet her which was amazing.
Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Vintage, 50s and casual.
What advice would you give your younger self?
No one is you, and that is your power.
Finally, if you weren’t a dancer, what would you be?
I would say an actor. I’ve always been into movies since I was a kid. When I retire from dancing I’m hoping to go down the acting route.
Follow Lee on Instagram
Photography by Kirk Truman
