My fascination with dance started when I was a kid. It was in 2nd grade when I met a friend named, Rita. One day, I saw her dancing ballet 🩰 and my eyes lit up. I said “I want to do that”.
She told me where she danced and, now thinking of it, I can’t even fathom at 7 years old how I remembered getting to the studio (what would we do without Google Maps and Yelp?)
I dragged my mom to the studio along with my sister. My fascination only grew. I saw other kids, teens, and adults dancing ballet and preparing for their jazz and tap classes. I asked my mom if she could enroll me in all of the classes.
My sister must’ve felt that same inspiration because she wanted to enroll too. Unfortunately, my mom said she could only afford one. I tugged on my mom and BEGGED to enroll me. I felt bad. But I couldn’t imagine not dancing.
Fast forward a few years later. I remember the day I walked away from ballet. Clearly. Driving away and thinking “Well, damn. You sure?” Honestly, I didn’t think there was a future for me in it.
Next.
Parts of me were always trying to pull dance back into my life. I auditioned and became a cheerleader, hated it, but loved to dance. Who choreographs cheerleading moves to an Usher 90s song? 🙋🏻♀️ I did. 🤦🏻♀️
I obsessed over hip hop dance groups who performed at school and was asked to audition but I still said no, even though I really wanted to.
I created choreo in my living room and dreamt of being the creative director and choreographer for music artists that I’d watch on CMC, MTV, and BET. I envisioned the vibe, wardrobe, and overall direction. Let’s just say I imagined Montell Jordan’s ‘Let’s Ride’ music video differently.
My college major listed something else but for 2 years I secretly studied irrelevant college dance classes and workshops that did not count as credits to my “real” degree.
It’s always been a constant battle of push and pull of what I really wanted. Applies to dance. Applies to life. The passion never died. But, I pretended it was insignificant. Until… one day, I was tired of selling myself short.
From that, #popndancecherries was born.
Each class or workshop I step into, I have an intention, a goal, that I set for my own growth. Whether it’s stepping into a dance fitness studio and werking on my “conditioning”, stamina, brain and muscle memory, or better understanding my body and how I want it to move or look. Or, taking a choreography or technique class to understand basics, the foundation, learn new concepts, movement, or history – a mental werkout. Lastly, or jumping into an advanced masterclass to jolt the fuck out of my comfort zone and continue to be humbled.
This is my process. My journey. A personal story I choose to share about passion, believing in yourself, and, werkin’ hard for the things that matter to you. For me, the hardest rejection was rejecting my own potential. If I can do it, so can you. This is where it all started. ❤️💫🩰🍒 #yougotthis
Dedicated to You + Me
Inspired by the special folks in my life
popn' cherries 
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