In an exclusive interview with Peach Pop Five, rising star Alannah Wilhite reveals to correspondent Carrington Manous that she is a self-taught dancer who is not only a triple threat with skills as an actress and singer, but she’s also having the time of her life on the road as a professional dancer on Beyoncé’s record-breaking Cowboy Carter tour.
Alannah recently performed in a show the night before her interview. She arrived in Atlanta around 1 AM, taking time to appreciate the city’s atmosphere, as she lived and worked there “from 19 to 26”. Wilhite expressed immense gratitude and excitement to be back in Atlanta, in the space where she always saw herself.
Originally from Bowie, Maryland, in PG County, Alannah’s dance background is unconventional. She never received formal training, instead drawing inspiration from films like Dreamgirls, The Temptations, and The Five Heartbeats. Her father, a Detroit native, also influenced her passion for performance. At age nine, her mother enrolled her in the “local hip hop group, Studio Boombox,” where she danced from 9 to 17 before deciding to take her professional career seriously.
This informal training—hip hop twice a week and the occasional small showcase—proved vital in shaping her talent. It taught her to make the most of what she had, a mindset that continues to benefit her career today. “Growing up without certain resources and having to rely on what I knew and do my best with what I had,” Wilhite explained, “ended up helping me throughout my entire career—even to this day.”
When preparing for a show, Alannah prioritizes her well-being—starting her day with a blend of beet, apple, and carrot juice. “That kind of just gets me revved up,” she said. “I know that I have my antioxidants for the day.” She also takes a ginger shot to boost her energy. Before hitting the stage, she grounds herself with a warm-up—“at least a stretch or even a head roll,” she explained. “Just anything to kind of zone in with myself, say a prayer with God, and be like, okay, I’m here. I’m grateful.” Her pre-show ritual includes a “pre-game” playlist, featuring The Carters’ “Apeshit.” “That gives me hype, and I can just see the performance in my head when she did it,” she added. Just before showtime, the dancers exchange hugs and words of encouragement—“great show, great show”—giving each other a final boost of positivity before stepping into the spotlight.
Alannah cherishes the camaraderie among dancers, recalling how quickly and seamlessly they adapt on the fly. “The changes that dancers make—not just on this job, but on any job—we can know one version of a show and do a completely different version five minutes later,” she said. She highlights the supportive nature of the dance community, where “everybody kind of looks out for everybody.” That strong bond was evident during the Renaissance tour and continues on the Cowboy Carter tour, with each dancer bringing something unique to the performance. “Our camaraderie is amazing,” Wilhite shared. “We all look out for each other. Everyone is super, super talented in every way. We each have a piece of the puzzle that makes up the big picture.”
On her days off, Alannah prioritizes rest and rejuvenation. She starts by heading to the gym and grabbing a green juice to recharge. “It helps replenish my body—electrolytes, nutrients, everything I may have exhausted the night before,” she said. She also takes time to pause and reflect. “I always try to take a moment for gratitude.” Whether it’s sightseeing, lounging by the pool, enjoying a good meal, shopping for a cute outfit for the next show, or getting a massage, Alannah embraces the little things that keep her grounded and refreshed.
Reflecting on her journey, Alannah said she would tell her younger self “to go for it even more.” She recalled a pivotal moment at age 19, when she attended a convention in Atlanta and received encouraging feedback from industry professionals, including Missy Elliott. But after two months of silence, doubt began to creep in. “I was literally driving in the car, and I prayed,” she said. “I was like, God, if you just give me a chance, I promise I won’t play around with it.” The next day, she got the call—an invitation to come to Atlanta and sign with Nance for a one-month opportunity downtown. That moment became the launchpad for her professional career.
Alannah emphasizes the importance of trusting in your own abilities. “Whatever you need, you have,” she said. “You already have it, you know what I mean?” She encourages aspiring dancers to be fearless. “Never be afraid,” she said. “Regret is something you don’t want to live with.” She also stresses the importance of discernment when receiving feedback, reminding creatives that “we don’t always see ourselves the way other people see us.” Her message is simple but powerful: “You’re great. You have what you need. You’re amazing. You don’t have to take a thousand classes or have the biggest, craziest résumé. You just have to be you.” With confidence, she added, “The right spaces will make space for you—every time.”
For young dancers, Alannah encourages self-trust and embracing nerves. “It’s a good thing to be nervous,” she said. “That feeling in your stomach means purpose—it outweighs fear.” She advises dancers to practice, know their look, and understand who they want to dance for. “TV and film is so different from touring life,” she noted, stressing the importance of learning each space. Her other tips: give yourself grace, avoid drama, be mindful of your circle, and remember—“everybody’s watching.” Most importantly, she believes character matters just as much as talent. “The talent gets you in the room, but character keeps you there.” Reflecting on her own journey, she added, “The things I did at 19 set me up to be here at 27.”
Alannah encourages dancers to embrace their unique strengths. “Your friend may be the twirler and able to do all those things, but you may have a beautiful stance or energy that nobody else has,” she said. She stressed the importance of knowing what you bring, being proud of it and nurturing it, and ultimately, believing in yourself.
The Cowboy Carter tour marks a historic chapter in Beyoncé’s legendary career. Following her critically acclaimed album of the same name, she made history as the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The tour’s record-breaking run of shows not only underscores massive commercial success but also reflects Beyoncé’s enduring cultural influence. It showcases her ongoing artistic evolution and deepens her connection with audiences worldwide.
