I feel that the more you practise something the easier it gets (most of the time). So last week I pitched my Business Plan to my friend. Once the initial shock of "I've done it" passed there were lots of little bits to tidy - up and work on, I realised this is something I need to get good at. Having a passion for starting up my own business is great - but if it were timesteps or pirouettes I would have rehearsed and practised a zillion times by now to get the rhythms right or landing in a controlled manner.
Intelligent dancers use their body to get across a message, the choreography usually has a through line or a story we want to emote. That's what I want to do with Waggle Dance Co I want to give a voice to the children I work with. Make sure they have a creative outlet and a safe environment to express themselves.
I also think that the arts need to be accessible. Especially now. Live comedy, grassroots music venues and theatres are having the worst time. It's broken my heart that some theatres have had to close - full stop. Unemployment has affected many highly skilled people in my circles and during these 'unprecedented times' I believe that there will be a come back for performance artists. We love an audience you see!
I'd like to help build a community that want to get involved. My local borough in North London is Enfield. I haven't been there very long I look forward to discovering the businesses around there. Learning by doing is definitely been the route I have taken. More recently I have found that I must focus and keep challenging myself. It also helps to get encouragement from others who have been in your shoes and advice is often passed on from not more knowledgeable people but from the knowledge of their experiences - bit deep for a Monday I know!
Finding a balance of a healthy body and mind is top of the bill these days, especially since we have all had the time to reflect. Managing to fit in yoga classes after zoom meetings and really eating well. Sleeping in! Checking in on friends and family more regularly than before has been ace. Curating a trip to see family and friends after being in lockdown has been a breath of fresh air. Having amazing things to look forward to instead of a constant worry of what's going on? It has made me think about how the feeling of being connected can literally change your mood for the better. Having positive influencers like that of my mentor Richard, is a drive in itself.
For a bit of Monday Motivation I wanted to get out some of my thoughts on my journey so far. It has been difficult. It has been eye-opening. And there's lots of new things I'm learning. But it really comes back to practise makes perfect. Keep at it and carry on regardless. Looking back at the start of my Prince's Trust Enterprise programme to now makes me feel proud. I can't wait to get going back in London. Making storytelling and dance classes enjoyable in my community.
Why not BEE A Part Of It?
