We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eddy Sainmervil Jr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eddy below.
Eddy , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism stems from a combination of personal experiences, a positive mindset, and a belief in the inherent goodness of humanity through Jesus Christ. Throughout my life, I have encountered numerous challenges and obstacles, but I have always managed to find a silver lining in every situation. This ability to see the bright side of things has been instrumental in shaping my optimistic outlook.
One of the primary sources of my optimism is my personal experiences. I have been fortunate enough to witness the power of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity. Whether it was witnessing a family & friend’s triumph over a difficult situations or observing my own ability to bounce back from setbacks, These experiences have instilled in me a deep-rooted belief that no matter how dire a situation may seem, there is always a way to overcome it. Especially if you have faith.
Furthermore, I firmly believe in the power of a positive mindset. I have come to realize that our thoughts and attitudes greatly influence our experiences and outcomes. There’s this law/quote that i live by which is called “The Law of Attraction” which states that “whatever you focus on, think about, read about, and talk about intensely, you’re going to attract more of into your life”. By maintaining a positive outlook, I am able to approach challenges with a sense of hope and determination. This mindset allows me to see possibilities and opportunities where others may only see obstacles. It enables me to find creative solutions and persevere in the face of adversity.
Additionally, my optimism is fueled by just believing that not everyone is bad. Despite the negativity and hardships that exist in the world, I firmly believe that people are capable of immense kindness, compassion, and positive change. I have witnessed countless acts of selflessness and generosity that have reaffirmed my faith people. This belief in the goodness of others gives me hope for a better future and motivates me to contribute to making the world a better place as well by my own actions and selflessness.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
First things first I was born and raised in Long Island, Hempstead NY, currently now residing in Delaware, but based in the Philly tri-state area when it comes to my dance career. I discovered my love for dance at a very early age. From the moment I took my first dance class, it was evident that I possessed an innate gift and an unwavering dedication to the art form. Currently right now i am a full time professional dancer and choreographer. I have been blessed to do quite a few industry gigs and worked with several A list artist and up-and-coming artist In the music industry, ranging from the American entertainment music industry to the African & Dancehall entertainment industry. Some of these names, brands and events include; Nicki Minaj, Keke Palmer, Fivio Foriegn X Snipes, Asake, Yemi Alade, Shenseea, Koffee, Afronation, New York Fashion Week, Uncle Waffles & many more. Currently i teach kids between the ages of 5-18 yrs old at From The Top Dance Studio in Newtown Square, PA while also pursing my career as a full time dancer. One thing I’m really excited about that I haven’t told publicly to anyone yet besides my closest friends and family is that I just recently gotten sign to Clear Talent Agency NYC. For those who don’t know clear talent agency is a full-service talent agency with respected agents that represents actors, models, young people, directors, dancers, creators, choreographers and designers in all areas of the entertainment industry. I’m really excited about this opportunity and new chapter in my life because I’ve really been busting my behind trying to making it in this dance industry and cultivate a living through it. Even when dance can be cut throat and hard sometimes, i still have been very consistent and persevered. As most professionals dancers, being signed has definitely been one of my goals and bucket list, as a professional dancer. I also want to give thanks and give a shout out to the ones who have helped allow this opportunity to happen. First I want to thank God first and foremost but I also want to thank Smart Mark at I Am Phresh Dance Studio In Philly and to my agent Chase Renouf and Kalia Cassling (associate dance agent) for the opportunity. Without them this opportunity wouldn’t have happened at this stage i my life and I’m super grateful for them for believing in me. Lastly, the one thing I do want to touch base on is my stage name which is Skoobie. Everyone ask me where did I get the name Skoobie from and the answer to that is I’ve always wanted a stage name separated from my personal life. It all stemmed from me and a few of my friends sitting together discussing names would give each other as our stage names. I thought of characters that I loved when I grew up as a child and who I could relate to and one of the first characters I thought of was, Scooby doo. I feel like Me and Scooby have a lot of similarities when it comes to how adventurous we are, sometimes how oblivious we are lol, how we care for our friends and things of that nature. Also, I feel like Skoobie has a ring to it as well. So I changed up the name a little bit to make it be unique in my own way and ever since then everyone calls me Skoobie. Eddy is who you would see outside of the dance industry who would see at home relaxing, playing video games, watching TV, out with his friends, partying and having fun. Skoobie on the other hand is the one you would see ready to kill the stage and go off, The one with the most energy, Not afraid of the camera, Always dancing big, and just being a sponge to all aspects of being an entertainer and creative.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As i look back on my journey, career, and life that I’ve experienced so far, I believe that the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the most significant impact on my journey as a professional dancer & a man are determination, being a risk-taker, and networking/people skills.
Firstly, determination has been crucial in my career as a dancer. It has allowed me to push through challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. With determination, I have been able to stay focused on my goals, work hard, and continuously improve my skills. It has given me the resilience to persevere even when faced with obstacles, and ultimately, it has helped me achieve success in my dance career. I have been faced with a lot of adversity, however my determination has allowed me to push past all those obstacles and allowed me to be presented with opportunities that i sometimes would’ve never imagined 5 years ago.
Secondly, being a risk-taker has played a vital role in my journey. Dance is an art form that requires taking risks and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. By embracing risks, I have been able to explore new choreography, experiment with different styles, and push the boundaries of my own abilities. Taking risks has allowed me to grow as a dancer, discover new possibilities, and create unique performances that stand out. In my career there have been moments of uncertainty. For example; not knowing if i would get a job for an audition, spending my last few dollars on to go take class not knowing how i would get home, travel to places unknown to me to grow and network. Some of these situations may seem unethical however if it wasn’t for some of those risk I’ve taken, i would have never made the connections i have made, received some of the jobs I’ve received or even be in some professional spaces.
Lastly, networking and people skills have been instrumental in my professional development. Building connections within the dance community has opened doors to various opportunities, collaborations, and exposure. By nurturing relationships with fellow dancers, choreographers, and industry professionals, I have gained valuable insights, received guidance, and expanded my network. Especially after the era of Covid, the connections and relationships you have curated has been more vital than ever. Nowadays industry professionals are not even scouting or holding auditions for new talent. It’s now more so from word of mouth or even who you know or who knows you. Effective communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills have helped me establish a positive reputation and create a supportive network that has been invaluable throughout my career.
The number one advice that i can give to anyone who is early on in their journey regardless of what field you are you whether it’s dance, culinary, singing, sports, musician, acting, drawing, etc YOU HAVE TO BE CONSISTENT! Consistency is KEY in the entertainment industry and with whatever career or field you get into. I promise you if you keep at it and perfecting your craft you will reap all the benefits, as well as achieve all the dreams and aspirations you have for your career. 6years ago i was not at all the same dancer as i am today. Due to me being so consistent and not give up even through the hardest of times, i have been able to reach my dreams that i would’ve thought were so far fetch that it would’ve been impossible to attain.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
To be completely honest and transparent i think both are great strategies to do. Finding a good balance between both approaches i think we definitely help you elevate as a dancer or with whatever field you are in.
In regards to going all in your strengths: By focusing on your strengths, you can capitalize on what you’re naturally good at and excel in those areas. This can lead you to have a higher level of expertise, recognition, and success. When you hone in on your strengths, you can standout in your chosen field. This will allow you to specialize and become known for your unique abilities, which can open doors to specific opportunities and career paths. For example: i started off with style of hiphop. I was a self taught dancer and i learned from YouTube, doing free tutorials. I later than transitioned in style of Afro dance. I was captivated by this style in college once i seen my old ASA dance team at University of Delaware perform in front of me for the first time. I later joined the team, learned the culture, style and movement and throughout the years started honing in on this style heavily by taking classes, intensives, & collaborating with other like minded people; even though hiphop was my first love and how i started in the dance industry . Now because I’ve have invested so much time in this style i have be granted amazing opportunities and became a high level performer in this field.
Also when it comes to being well-rounded: Investing your time and effort in improving areas where you may not be as strong can broaden your skill set and make you more versatile. In the dance industry, professionals love when someone can be versatile. If you’re capable of having multiple skill sets in your arsenal this will allow you be more valued and bookable. Being well-rounded can enhance your adaptability, increase your range of opportunities, and make you more valuable in various contexts. Having a diverse skill set can make you a more flexible and resilient dancer, capable of taking on different styles, roles, or projects. For example; i have never been technically trained. I have joined a dance team in college called Dark Arts that focused not only on hiphop but contemporary, modern, jazz, praise dance, etc but once i left the team and started to pursue my dance career alone, i knew it was vital to also train in other styles just so i can be versatile and if i was ever given the chance to showcase certain skills sets that were not my core strengths i don’t have to think twice about me not having the proper training when i have taken classes, joined different dance company’s that allowed me to learn several different styles outside of just focusing on one or two strength of mines.Honestly pursuing both strategies is most definitely a smart idea to do-I’m currently doing both as we speak. However you have to know how to balance both so you don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to catching up with the industry evolving so fast.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Skoobi.e
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/skoobi.e?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skoobie?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@skoobi.e?si=Yh5-NmgXfK7QcIMJ
Image Credits
Kiana Williams @kswvisuals Kai Rapelyea @rbkvisuals Williams Peters @bytunde Derek @odvls Wendy N @nvmwendy
