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Words from a Young Dancer:
Quill Wordsmith
wordsmith@yahoo.com
From school talent shows to actual forms of encouragement and ministry, Maurice Stokes has taken the act of dancing as more than just a form of entertainment. Along with peers, family support, and a passion for urban music, he has made the act of dancing, miming, and singing far more personal than most would presume. Here’s just a taste of his story and beliefs along with some words of encouragement for others his age, traveling along the same path.
What sparked your interest in dancing?
The fact that music makes me want to move. Whenever I hear something I like I have to move. So basically music.
What type of music? R&B and Hip Hop, some gospel music. I like to mime so gospel music catches my attention too.
In regards to dancing, is there a particular someone that you look up to the most? My friend Jasmine inspired me a lot. Her goal in life is to open her own dance studio and to pursue her goal in dancing. There are several obstacles that attempt to stop her but she continues to move on. She applied to an art school for dance and wasn’t accepted but she continues to pursue her dream….so for that reason I look up to her.
Well what about you? Do you have any goals as far as dancing, if so how do you plan on reaching those goals? I would like to travel to Florida to see if there are any schools for the arts down there. I know there are a lot of artists that travel to Florida for concerts and may possibly be looking for dancers there. I wouldn’t’ mind having that attention.
Where does most of your dancing take place as far as school, church, with friends? In school and church. After school some of my friends may stay after and we may mess around with some dance moves. In church I mime so that keeps me with my relationship with God and I really enjoy that. While I mime I feel that I’m not doing it as the entertainment for the people but it allows me to feel like I’m doing it for God – I’m not up there to impress people by dancing for God but it’s my way of giving back to Him.
That kinda answers my other question because you’ve mentioned miming. But are there any other talents or interests that you exercise? I do enjoy singing in my choir at church along with drawing. That allows me to express my feelings as well. Drawing allows me to get some things out outside of dancing.
Where is your next performance going to be? For dancing I’ll be in a group for a Sweet 16 Party dancing to King of the Dancehall by Beanie Man. Throughout the month of June I’ll be miming at church. We’ll be visiting two other churches in June as well. We aren’t doing it during Sunday services but they will be on Saturdays to participate with the other churches.
What do you look forward to the most:? The crowd. I feed off of the crowd’s energy. The more amped they are the more I’m amped. I do enjoy performing in front of larger crowds because they give me more energy.
So I take it you don’t have stage fright? Not when it comes to dancing.
Do you find it easier to perform solo or with a group? When I sing I feel more comfortable singing with a group than by myself. But when I’m dancing I feel better doing it by myself. I don’t have to rely on anyone at rehearsals. If I mess up people won’t know and it will be more fluent But if I’m in a dance group – I won’t have as much freedom. I perform in groups at church but when it comes to school I typically perform by myself.
What's the next big thing for you? Right now I see myself joining a dance group where we’d join different competitions around the country. I just started my first dance class. It’s interesting to be around people with the same interest as me and I see myself growing in that. But right now I see myself being in a dance group and getting myself to a level that’s more advanced.
Okay, so do you have any advice for someone that may be interested in dancing or miming or singing? For anyone that really wants to do it and they really enjoy it, I encourage them to perform for other people and for yourself. If you don’t they’ll just be watching and it won’t be as fun and when you go out there be sure to have fun with what you’re doing.
Maurice continues to pursue this dream as mentioned and I can honestly say that I’m proud of him not only because of his passion but because of this dream he has – this goal that he’s set, as a dancer, as an artist, as a young adult, but most importantly – as my brother.
And He Writes . . .
Quill Wordsmith