We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jerry Dean a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jerry, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I keep my creativity alive by keeping my mind active. What do I mean? I mean, I’m always thinking of new ways to do something new! Dance is self expression that I use to come up with different ways to show my emotions or moods. If I’m excited I can show that through movement. This allows me to continue to dive deep within to find my “why” and pull out my creativity that was hidden away.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Jerry Dean, also known as Ungraceful Jay. I call myself Ungraceful because I am a bit clumsy. I wanted to show the world that no matter what flaw you may have you are still special! I am apart of an amazing Dance Company by the name Vision Elite Royalty Dance Company. I have had the honor to have been able to perform in some amazing places with them such as The Historic Douglas Theatre and also at World Of Dance. A project that was very memorable for me was playing Bonnie, from the video game Five Nights At Freddys, in a viral YouTube video thanks to YouTuber Socksfor1. I focus primarily on my dancing in which I use to entertain, teach, and heal others. Outside of dance I also am a videographer, model, and actor. Currently I am working on my brand, Ungraceful, creating my very own unique merchandise. I hand make my own bracelets that I call Gracelets. These unique Gracelets are made to give the wearer grace and love for oneself. To bring new meaning to one’s life is my goal for all and that is why I dance!
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?
The most important traits and skills that I believe are impactful to my journey are; always being a student first, being open minded, and believing in yourself. I say these because without them you’ll only get but so far. Always being a student first allows you to take yourself out of your comfort zone and become a learner. No matter how much you know there’s always something new to learn. Being open minded helps you to be optimistic and gain a new perspective. You have to have belief in yourself before anyone else does. Believe you can achieve anything your heart desires and you can imagine plus more! No one can stop you but you.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
the person that has been the most helpful to me and my journey has been none other than the amazing Jane Johnson! I’ll never forget the day we met and she said “you’re my son” and whole heartedly meant that. Ms. Jane has helped me even when I lost everything, and in a dark place in my life. She is the reason I changed my bad habits to productive habits. She has been a mother to me as well as a mentor, supporter, and director of our Dance Company. I am thankful to have her in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ungraceful28?fbclid=PAAaaCCLCg52f0XCFqnl8_vCCSBBeTDvkpLYoDSsPKIwrF-1GQ5eHGQea_lMA_aem_AUdQ63uBzLHk7FnDbwVp0tFvW1L41no3aZbRK5_Z0fx-PudDvsjSJE19CntcRAXq9GM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ungracefuljay28?igsh=MXZ4NXk5cTFvM2JlZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ungracefuljay28?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ungracefuljay613?si=SkZZee0t69N0MUzw
Image Credits
Jerry Taliaferro Kenneth Hampton Homebase films Brian BT Twitty Jaiden Dean Law Bullock
