Check out our interview with gorgeous Russian model Darian Dali who has modeled all over the world and walked the runways of Fashion Week in Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.
A sought-after model, Darian can be seen in many ads around Los Angeles including Hale Bob and more. Her unique beauty has graced the covers of magazines such as Allegria Magazine, QP Magazine, and Viva Glam Magazine and is slated to be on the cover of Glamour Magazine in the fall of 2021.
Serious about her acting, she is a student at the Stella Adler Academy of Dramatic Arts. Darian will also be showcasing her musical talent in an upcoming album. Knowing the importance of giving back she supports the Big Brother Big Sister program when she is not working.
Follow Darian @dariadali
Hi Darian, please tell us a little about you?
I was born in Moscow, Russia and moved to Los Angeles to pursue my modeling and acting aspirations. I have been lucky enough to be on the covers of magazines such as Allegria Magazine, QP Magazine, Viva Glam Magazine and the cover of Glamour Magazine in the fall of 2021. I have modeled all over the world and walked the runways of Fashion Week in Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. I am also a student at the Stella Adler Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Curious, creative, ambitious
How did you get started acting?
I have always been interested in dramatic arts studies. I’ve been taking acting courses (acting for theatre and film) at Santa Monica college as well as at the Stella Adler academy of Dramatic Arts. It’s been such an incredible journey to be learning the basics of acting and its different techniques as well as to be performing on stage and to even be present in a room with so many creative talented people.
How has this changed your life?
From the time I first started taking my acting classes to now I feel that I have improved a lot. I have learned that in order to be a good actor one needs to simply stop acting and be present in the moment. This was the main lesson that most of my Stanislavski system based classes taught me.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The worst part for me was when I would get on stage and would get so nervous that I would lose it. I would still be in the present moment, but in the back of my mind I was like “ I am so nervous, what do I say next, am I doing everything right?” Those are the worst moments, when your emotions take over your body and you are no longer in control. But with practice I realized that once you stop concentrating on yourself and on trying to impress others with your “great acting skills ‘ and instead focus on your character’s objectives and emotions, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when the most beautiful part of being an actor takes over, once you transform into your character completely with your mind, body , and heart.
How do you prepare for a role?
One class that changed my perception of what it really means to be an actor is the scene study and script breakdown class. It helped me to understand how much of psychology studying acting really involves. I have learned how to analyze characters’ behaviors, objectives and emotions. In other words, I learned how to “ read between the lines”. People always say “in order to be a good actor one needs to be a good behavioral psychologist” And I must admit it, I have taken psychology classes in college, but I have learned much more about psychology in my acting classes, and these skills I apply in life situations every day.
What’s your advice for the newer actresses?
I believe that there are two types of actors out there. There are actors who just naturally have it, it is their second nature, it is so natural for them to be in the moment, it is easy for them to transform into any type of character. These lucky individuals don’t even need any training. They already got it. There are many legendary actors out there who’ve never even taken acting classes. Then there is the rest of us, the “the learning/aspiring actors”. I wish I could be among the first group, but the reality is most of us are not, as it is a learning process, the way I felt in front of the camera in the beginning of my acting journey and after I have worked on improving my skills are within any comparison. So don’t be afraid of the challenge and don’t be afraid to learn, learning is the key and there is always room for improvement.
What projects have you been part of?
The most recent one is the movie “Cover Up” that we shot with director Darryl Henry and the team from New York Film Academy. My character Danielle is the main antagonist in the movie.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I am not afraid of the challenge, but I think I enjoy playing the characters that I can relate to.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I think the best part about being an actress is when you get to the point that you are progressing and you can feel the progress. When you are not trying to compete with others, but instead you constantly work on becoming a better version of yourself and bringing up your own uniqueness and talent into your work
How and when did you start into modeling?
I started my career as a model when I was 15 years old and have walked in multiple runway shows, including Miami swim week and LA Fashion week. I have also appeared on the covers of multiple European and American magazines. In 2018, I was the cover girl of the LA and NYC based “Viva Glam Magazine”.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
Modeling to me is the act of expressing yourself in the most artistic way. There is so much chemistry on a photoshoot, whether it’s on set, in the studio or in the rehearsal room. The energy and the feeling of absolute harmony among everyone is amazing. I can’t even think of one thing that wouldn’t be exciting…
The most important thing when you are on a modeling shoot?
Here is the recipe for a successful photoshoot; Have a plan, an idea, a mood board, stay professional and on top of things, at the same time, don’t be afraid to get loose and have fun with it, in my experience the best shots you get is when you stop trying and just have fun with it. So it’s important to have a healthy balance of all of these ingredients.
Which magazine or project is still on your bucket list?
I am excited for this November’s issue of Glamour Magazine where my fellow model friend Kristina Menissov and I are on the cover. Besides that, I am currently working on new exciting projects. For now it is all in the working process.
What’s your advice for the newer models and influencers?
Use your social media platform to build your brand. Create interesting content. And most importantly, in a world filled with double standards and with everyone copying each other, don’t forget to stay your unique self. Don’t follow the crowd.
You are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of always doing the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I feel like either way , no matter what you do , people will always judge. So my philosophy is “ do what you think is right and care less for what others think of you”
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
You might have heard it many times, but I’ll say it again anyways. Be nice to people, you never know who is standing next to you ( especially in Los Angeles) , but while being kind and nice to others, don’t forget to stay true to yourself, learn how to set boundaries, and how to say no when needed. It is people’s business, in order to succeed you need to find a way to feel good from within and to become so strong that no one would be able to put you down, you need to become the person that radiates happiness and good energy from within so that when you walk in any room, everyone present could feel your energy, people need to refer to you as “ I like his/her energy”.
How would your best friend describe you?
“Talks a lot” haha (smiles)
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“An open book” – Because I don’t have secrets…and have no problem expressing myself…..(smiles)
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I will say two words – Jim John. Every entrepreneur must at least know who Jim John is.
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear , “ Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill are on top of my list for must read books.
What’s next for Darian Dali in the last months of 2021?
I have few projects that I am currently working on, but that is the subject for a separate interview;)
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love salads, fruits, foods that are high in healthy fat like avocado and peanuts. In my opinion, everything consumed in moderation (besides fast-food) is considered to be healthy.
Your favorite cheat food?
I love dark chocolate.
What is your own definition of happiness?
When you wake up in the morning excited about your work and surrounded by people you love and who love you back. When your heart is open and your mind is at peace. When you are in harmony with yourself and others. The real happiness is the one that comes from within.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
All of my non living relatives including my great grandparents. I am family oriented and this would mean a lot to me to get to know my family, the people whose blood is running through my veins.
Best advice ever given?
“Be the creator of your own life, the writer of your own book”
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself achieving my goals. I feel that I am on the right track. The rest only God knows. As the well known saying says “ The man make plans, God laughs”
Favorite song? Why?
I love Frank Sinatra. All of his songs are so relaxing. I like songs that have a soul and meaning to them.
What do you think of Social Media?
If you are smart, you can use social media for good purposes, and for good reasons (personal and business) However, there are also cons to social media. While it gives us an opportunity to stay connected to those who are far from us, it is also disconnecting us from those near us and from the present moment.
Where can we follow you?
My Instagram is @dariadali
Credits
Photo with the Jeans: Yasmine Kateb
Glamour Cover: JK Wong
Cover Photo: Sarah Orbanic
