Who am I?
I am a 29 year old dancer who resides in Central Virginia with my wife of six years. We have two precious children with our third coming in November. Originally from the city of Philadelphia I started dancing at a young age. God saw fit to bless me with a dad who was (and still is) a DJ. In hindsight his love for practicing mixes in our home would initiate my appreciation for music.
It wouldn’t be until age 12 that I would begin to take dance seriously and start to enter into the world of dance battles and choreography. My specialty became Popping with an extensive knowledge in the Hip Hop arena. Throughout my high school years I began to focus more on technique and presentation. During this time I developed a better ear for tempo, beats, and other genres of music (this skillset improved over time as my dad taught me the art of blending songs). It was a fun time in my life as I had several opportunities to perform at different functions, one of which involved demo filming for a dance show. It became apparent that I had a passion for dancing and realized rather quickly I desired to be a choreographer. The challenge I faced was this: I had the ability to dance, choreograph, and insturct choreographed movements but lacked the ability to instruct and teach dance in and of itself.
After high school, I enlisted in the military and was able to hone in and really begin to practice teaching dance. Not only did my ability to freestyle, perform and choreograph expand, but I particularly noticed a new joy! Helping others understand and improve in a particular dance style became a new passion of mine. It was through helping others I was exposed to additional music genres and dance styles. I had the privilege of experimenting with house, salsa, jazz, beginner swing, and ballroom basics.
Late in my military career God revealed the unhealthy perspective I had with dance. Since then I have come to understand the purpose it serves, while it is a good thing and has a place in my life it never was intended to replace Him. As a dancer, I understand it is a means of how I express myself, but I have learned that it is not the only means. Through this He forwarded me the opportunity to co-lead a praise dance team – Creative Ministry—which provided me the opportunity to engage in liturgical dance and miming (one of my personal favorites).
While I do not claim to be an expert, I do have a passion and ability to help others become better dancers. My hope and goal is to adequately provide you with the necessary tools and productive feedback so that you can reach your personal dance goals.