Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aaron Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Aaron , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I believe I get my resiliency from my mother. Growing up, I’ve always watched my mom overcome the most difficult obstacles. My mom would be faced with many challenges, but she somehow always overcame them. My mother was a very strong minded woman and she always did her best to push through to provide for her children. Honestly, I believe I take on the quality! Whenever I’m faced with challenges, there’s a strength that somehow pushes me through! I call it “Mommy-Power”. Thank you mommy!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am currently a Teaching Artist and Professional Dancer in New York City. I have been dancing for over 20 years and have worked for the Ailey Organization for 14 years. I truly have a great passion for dance. In my professional career, I have had the honor of dancing for Artist such as Todrick Hall, Remy Ma and Lil Nas X. While I love dancing in the commercial industry, teaching dance and giving back to my community is my true passion. I teach dance to people of all ages. From early childhood to active seniors. Using dance as a platform has always been something that I have always enjoyed. I believe that through dance, we are able to creatively express ourselves and I love the energy that dance brings into the lives of others. I enjoy creating spaces where people can simply be themselves! Dance is an art that really allows you to not only work on the body, but the mind and spirit as well! I try my best to advertise all my teaching via social media (instagram: Charli3fox) and I’m always trying to host dance classes within my community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that I believed have helped me in my journey as an artist have been being present, having a positive attitude and my dedication to my work!
Presence- Being present is probably the most important thing a person can do because it’s literally the first thing you do in any situation. You have to show up! Let people see you and what you are about! Your presence and how you carry yourself speak volumes.
Positive Attitude- As a professional, I like to ensure that I keep a positive attitude all day everyday! Good energy is contagious and when you smile, it makes a more pleasurable and memorable experience for others. I’ve can honestly say I’ve booked more jobs based on my positive demeanor than anything else. I absolutely love that people always recognize me as the guy with a beautiful spirit and infectious smile! So I encourage others to always smile and showcase your best self, always!
Dedication- I have always been committed to my craft. Anything that I do, whether it’s teaching or dancing, always comes from the heart! I genuinely love what I do and I like stay committed to the things that I chose to be apart of. I’ve found that in my line of work, you have to care about what you do! I want people to feel that! I want people to know that I am committed to my work and ensuring that others have the best experience possible!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mentor, Nasha Thomas, a former Ailey company member has been my greatest ally in my professional journey. I truly enjoy watching Ms. Thomas’ work because she leads with such integrity. I have had the pleasure of working under Ms. Thomas’ guidance for several years and it has allowed me to learn a great deal about myself both professionally and personally! Ms. Thomas is a person who is present, dedicated & hardworking. Ms. Thomas has always been a beacon of knowledge. She has been a true inspiration. She has always challenged me to better and I truly appreciate the push gives me towards being a greater professional.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Charli3fox
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