Meet Jayd’n Harris, one of the standout performers in “The Empire Strips Back” at Rio Las Vegas.

This spotlight gives readers an inside look at his journey, personality, and the passion he brings to the stage night after night. From his background to his most memorable moments in his dance journey, Harris gives audiences a chance to get to know him beyond his performance.

Jayd’n Harris Of ‘The Empire Strips Back’ Shares His Story

Harris, 25, was born and raised in the fabulous city of Las Vegas. He’s been part of “The Empire Strips Back” for six months.

He knew at a very early age that dancing was for him.

“I started dancing at the age of 6. I would say Michael Jackson inspired me. One day I was doing the moon walk at the grocery store down the aisles. My mom went online and saw that a dance studio was giving boys free dance classes,” he told The 702 exclusively. “Ever since that first class I never gave up dancing.”

It didn’t take long before Harris knew being a professional dancer was in his future.

“I realized I wanted to dance professionally when I was about 10 years old. At the time, I was playing baseball and dancing,” he said. “I had to make a choice between the two and I choose dance because it made me happier and I felt I can shine more as a professional dancer.”

Jayd’n Harris Auditioned For ‘America’s Got Talent’

Back in 2017, Harris was part of a dance crew and auditioned for “America’s Got Talent.” That experience stands out to him as one of his most memorable moments in his dancing journey.

“The night before our audition, I fractured my wrist at practice. For audition day, I wanted to push through the pain because I did not practice all those hours with my team to let them and myself down,” he said. “The show must go on.”

From the early days of his dancing career to now, Harris said he’s learned some valuable lessons.

“The most valuable lesson dance taught me is confidence and be in control of my body,” he told The 702. “Dance is an expression that makes me feel good and can make others feel something special through story telling.”

‘The Empire Strips Back’ Is A Fun Parody Show

“The Empire Strips Back” isn’t Harris’ first professional show. He was in a musical in Japan in 2023-2024, called “Endless Shock.”

Harris said the best part of his current show, “The Empire Strips Back,” is the “crew and the vision.”

“I love the idea of making a parody version of some people’s favorite characters and turn their sexy fantasies come true,” he said. “Another favorite part is engaging with the crowd and the dancers on stage, making them laugh, smile, or feel something special with me.”

When asked about his very first time on stage in this show, he said it went “amazing.”

“I was in the zone, focused, and energized. Hearing the audience scream when I turn around in my Han Solo number gave me a rush,” he shared. “Plus, it was a lot easier performing knowing I was dancing with some of my friends I knew before the show. After my first show, I felt happiness because it reminded me this is why I love to perform. Performing gives me a rush that you can’t describe unless you watch me dance and you will feel the excitement.”

More About Being A Dancer In Las Vegas

Harris explained that the dancer community in Las Vegas is great and everyone knows each other and has danced together at some point in time. “We connect, spread the love, and unite any way we can,” he said.

While he loves dancing, he said the hardest part about being a professional dancer can be “uncertainty.”

“You never know when the next gig or show will come knocking your way,” he said. “You can be hopeful, but it’s not always certain. You could be working two or three months straight doing seven jobs. Then the next three months might be dry and you’ll be patiently waiting.”

Harris said when he’s not performing, his favorite things to do include relaxing at home, watching TV, going out with friends to “ironically dance” and network.

As far as what the future holds, Harris said he’s still considering what he would like to accomplish in the future.

“Things change and life happens. You never know what direction you’ll be pulled in and get put into your life, but all I can do is be thankful and hope for the best,” he shared. “It’s all up in the air and the future is bright for me.”

You can catch Harris in the hit show, “The Empire Strips Back” at Rio. For more information, visit their website.