Where does your inspiration come from?
I am inspired by the constant display of commitment, dedication, passion and excellence that simply surrounds me within my daily work environment. I don’t have to seek out any source to fuel my soul. All that’s required is the space to cut loose.
What dance(r)(s) inspire(s)(d) you the most?
As a young dancer, before I ever entertained the thought of making dance a career, I was in awe of Donna Wood. A home grown marvel. I learned much from her and many other dancers, choreographers, teachers and artists. I want you to know that I don’t have to look to or rely on any other source outside my own being to realize inspiration. I engage in many things I enjoy and in so doing my jest for such enjoyment serves as my true inspiration. Sure inspiration is abundant through others demonstrating their talent, that’s icing on the cake so to speak. But I don’t have to wait for any such demonstration to compel me to see the light.
How did you get started, and what motivated you to go in your dance direction?
I began dancing taking classes at Jeraldyne’s School of the Dance when I was 9 years old. My best friend was taking class so she persuaded me to join with her. My mother enrolled me in Ballet for the season but before the year ended I had added Modern and Jazz technique classes as well. I loved it from the start. I was always active and athletic so dance fit right in with my gymnastics and track (sprinting).
As my training became more intense and I soon became a member of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, I developed a passion for dance and dancing. I didn’t so much think of pursuing dance as my career, I more so stumbled into it. I say that jokingly. I have always gotten the impression that people seem to think I exerienced some sort of mystical calling…NOT! I have always loved working hard, meeting challenges, being pushed beyond the norm and crushing any thoughts of fear. Dance serviced all of those things then as it continues to do now. I lucked up.
Tell us about your dance background and the teachers you worked with.
Dance study for me began with Jeraldyne Blunden, the founder and director of the Dayton Contempory Dance Company. It was she who left no stone unturned with regard to providing the best training for her dancers. Those best includes James Truitte, John Rodriquez, Bess Saylor-Amber, Mary Hinkson, Milton Myers, Burtram Ross, Carol Shook, Cherie Noble, and Rochell Zide-Boothe. They are only a few off the top of my head for there were many others. I would be remiss if did not mention some of the choreographers who contributed to molding the artist I am today. Because it is within the brilliance of their choreography that I am able to excite someone such as yourself to ever want to know anything about me. Ulysses Dove, Kevin Ward, Donald McKayle, Eleo Pomare, Lewis Johnson, Talley Beatty, Alvin Ailey, Bebe Miller, Jawelle Zo Waller, Dwight Rhoden, Ron K. Brown, and Lynn Taylor-Corbett begin the list that continues.
What other art forms do you incorporate into your work?
Dance is all encompassing. It can utilize any and all forms of artistic expression. My work is that of an interpreter. I bring to life what which is asked of me by a choreographer. To do so I call upon my ability, technical prowess, knowledge, experience, emotions, spirituality, imagination and of course my artistry. What sweet release!
Tell us about your dance style and classes you teach.
I don’t know that I have a dance style. Maybe because I think of myself as a vessel through which dance flows and not necessarily a creator of it. I try to instill what I’ve been taught. When I teach I don’t lend myself to one technique. I focus on developing a sense of center/placement – therefore balance, along with cleanliness of form/technique, linearity, musicality, and the importance of following direction. AND within the mist of all the serious stuff I want participants to realize the joy that is to be had while working so hard to achieve virtuosity. It’s got to lead to something that feels good because trust and believe me it’s hard work.
I will also add my passion to expose fitness to dancers. The dance that holds my interest is quite physical. The training necessary to be able to meet the challenge of such physicality is a reason why I have been able to excel and look forward to future challenges.
Why did you want to work with Women and Dance in Dayton, Ohio?
Well that’s simple, I was asked and I want to support their mission.
Could you tell us what dance means to you as a woman and a part of the Dayton Dance Community?
Hmmm….I’ve never thought about this question. Dance is a demonstration of the strength, vitality, grace, passion and purpose of women. Our community thrives because of the fortitude of its inhabitants. My world of dance was paved by a purposeful woman, Jeraldyne Blunden. So I will always feel that what I do is an asset not only to this community but to civilization.
How do you feel about your dance on a spiritual level?
Dance fuels my soul as I am sure it does the souls of many others. I feel blessed. Dance allows me to celebrate the humble gratitude I feel for such blessings. I’ll keep this light and just say that I like to think my dancing…makes God smile.
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