By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/11/26 – Los Angeles-based recording artist, dancer, fitness entrepreneur, and motivational speaker Shyra Sanchez is stepping into a bold new chapter with her upcoming single Dance With Me, arriving June 5. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Times and Aspiring Magazine, Sanchez opened up about music, healing, empowerment, and the deeply personal inspiration behind her latest release.
Following the breakout success of her hit single Operator, Sanchez is embracing a lighter, more liberating energy with Dance With Me, a song she describes as an invitation to let go, reconnect, and simply feel joy again.
“Dance is that universal language that we all understand,” Sanchez shared during the interview. “You see someone to the left smiling, someone to the right, and suddenly everyone becomes friends even though we don’t know each other.”
Click below for our exclusive interview:
Inspired by icons like Whitney Houston and shaped by the emotional power of dance music, Sanchez says the new single was created to give listeners an escape from everyday stress and negativity.
“I want people to feel happiness,” she explained. “I want them to feel like they already know the words. Something familiar. Something they can dance to with their kids, their friends, or while getting ready in the morning.”
The single marks an evolution from Operator, which centered around themes of control and emotional tension. With Dance With Me, Sanchez says she is entering a season of confidence, fun, and self-expression.
That transformation reflects her own personal growth journey.
Throughout the conversation, Sanchez spoke candidly about navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry, the emotional toll of rejection, and the importance of mental health advocacy, especially for women and communities often expected to “have it all together.”
“People think because you’re into fitness and health that nothing is ever wrong,” she said. “But there are days I don’t want to get up. I hear no’s in the industry. I get depressed and down sometimes. But I dig deep into meditation and my mantras.”
That honesty has become central to both her music and her growing wellness platform, Shy Fit, which blends fitness, spirituality, confidence-building, and personal empowerment.
“I’m here to uplift people,” Sanchez explained. “A stronger, healthier you. A sexy, healthier you. A spiritual, healthier you.”
Sanchez also reflected on the powerful mentorship she received working alongside renowned choreographer Travis Payne, known for his work with Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, as well as Grammy-winning producer Dave Audé.
“Travis taught me to really study your craft and never second-guess yourself,” Sanchez shared. “And Dave Audé taught me to be sure of my sound. He didn’t try to change me, he enhanced what I was already doing.”
Raised in Northern California in a multicultural household, Sanchez credits her musical foundation to an eclectic upbringing filled with everything from Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire to The Beatles, jazz legends like John Coltrane, and classical composers like Ludwig van Beethoven.
The result is an artist who effortlessly blends dance, soul, pop, and emotional storytelling into a sound uniquely her own.
And audiences are responding.
Sanchez recently completed sold-out performances and major Pride appearances, where fans embraced both her music and her authenticity.
“To hear fans sing the songs and connect with me in person has been overwhelming,” she said. “That connection with the audience is the most important thing.”
Next up, Sanchez will release the Dance With Me music video on June 19, followed by performances at Dallas Pride and the launch of her upcoming tour.
When asked to describe this current chapter of her life in just three words, Sanchez answered without hesitation:
“Empowering. Manifestation. Love.”
For anyone struggling with self-doubt or stress, Sanchez offered one final message:
“Trust your gut. Trust your vision. Write down your goals. Stay accountable. And never give up.”
Fans can learn more about Shyra Sanchez, upcoming tour dates, fitness inspiration, and new music at her official website and Instagram.
