Meet Jordan Gastion

We were lucky to catch up with Jordan Gastion recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I hadn’t really been the only one who looks like me in a room until I went to college. Getting accepted into the Joffrey LA dance intensive was when I knew I’d be around people who were different from me. I came from a predominantly Black high school and a historically Black university, so I was used to a very similar cultural environment. When I got to LA, it wasn’t a culture shock, but it was definitely an interesting experience being the only one who looked like me in my class. Thankfully, LA is a very inclusive and welcoming place, and I had a great experience. I have my security and confidence in knowing my identity in Christ. Regardless of where I am, I know God is with me. His word in Psalm 139:14 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are His works, and my soul knows that well.” I walk in that confidence and fullness, knowing that who I am in Christ is enough. And for those who don’t receive me, I remember the advice to “shake the dust off your feet” from Matthew 10:14 and keep it moving.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

For my professional focus, I’m a senior Computer Information Systems Major at Alabama State University, and after I graduate, I want to find a full-time role where I can use my analytical and business strategy skills while developing my technical skillset.

On the business side, I have a creative agency in Montgomery, Alabama, called Fine Scene Productions LLC. We specialize in photography, videography, and social media content creation. We also recently launched new services like creative direction, choreography, and other artist development services. We’re a one-stop shop for businesses and creatives who want to focus on their daily operations and what matters most—their business—while we handle the nitty-gritty of the visuals and branding. We essentially help them bring their creative visions to life.

We’re also currently hiring part-time employees. We have remote, hybrid, and in-person positions for roles like photographers and videographers in Montgomery. You’re highly encouraged to join our talent community by going to our website, www.fsprod.net, and scrolling to the bottom. You can also be on the lookout for new job openings on our Facebook page at FS Productions and on Instagram at @finesceneproductionsllc.

I also have an arts non-profit organization called WCI Arts For All. I co-founded it with Akyla Aiken in 2023 when I was a dance major before I switched to CIS. Our mission is to support struggling artists and cultivate underserved communities by giving them equal access to performing and visual arts education. We also support minorities and women in the arts workforce. We’ve been able to do this with workshops, programs, and other resources to help people build sustainable careers in the arts. Whether you want to take it on as a serious career or not, you should be able to have equal access to arts education and earn a reasonable income if you’re in the industry professionally.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Well, I can definitely say that coming from a background in dance and starting as an instructor at the age of 13, dance has taught me to be resilient. It has also taught me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. If you really want to grow, discomfort is part of the plan, especially if you want to build your technique and improve your improvisation and composition skills.

Beyond resilience, dance also taught me attention to detail. As a dancer, you have to visually copy and imitate what you see. While some instructors teach audibly, a lot of the movement is based on what you see. In class, you have to pay attention to those small details because they can be the difference between a degage and a tendu. I’ve applied that same keen attention to detail to the workplace and in my technical career. When I’m writing code, those small details—like the difference between a semicolon and a comma—can completely change the program. All of these things matter when I’m writing SQL or working in the tech industry, just like they do in the arts.

The final skill would have to be adaptability and interpersonal skills. As a dancer, you sometimes have to work with people whose personalities don’t necessarily mesh with yours. You have to come together, even in close physical proximity, to fulfill a project and tell a story, regardless of how you might feel about someone on a personal level. It’s business, and you have to be professional. This ability to differentiate your business from your personal life is extremely important.

I’ve had to apply these same things in my professional and academic careers, communicating effectively and consistently with clients, partners, and leads. If you don’t, it can lead to missed opportunities or people misinterpreting your lack of response as being rude or not caring. This is really important if you want to grow your business—you want people to know they are valued and seen. Interpersonal skills are instrumental when dealing with different personalities. I don’t think I would be where I am today without the ability to talk with people from different backgrounds and generations and my ability to articulate myself. Especially growing up as a teenager in the workplace, getting paid for choreography from filmmaking, you have to be able to speak up for yourself and not let people push you around or underestimate you because you’re young, a woman, or a person of color. It’s about standing firm in your values and beliefs in whatever space you are in.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

We’re always looking to partner with other organizations, and if you’re interested in supporting WCI Arts For All, you can visit our website to donate. Please follow our Instagram, @wecaninitiative, and our Facebook page, We Can Initiative, to stay updated. If you’re looking to bring an arts program to your academy or organization, we’d love to speak with you.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Fred Photography
Justin Freeman Photography

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