We were lucky to catch up with Lenorris Arnold recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lenorris , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My mom and grandma. Both of them have/had the biggest hearts to the point where it could be a negative trait at times. Growing up I was never the go to kid. I was very “look at me” always because of not getting the attention that I wanted. Annoying and just overall a huge personality. I tell people that I wouldn’t have been my friend if I was a different person my age growing up.. haha! I knew I was a lot. With all that came me just wanting to always care about family and the friends I did have. I always wanted people to feel comfortable around me. If you ever needed anything I was there. If ever needed an ear I was there. I had the best role models with my mom and grandma growing up. They were selfless and even though they had hard times like everyone else, they kept a smile on their face and made sure I was content. I would like to think that I am them in male form but who am I kidding, I could never be those two ladies but at least I carry that trait.
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’ve been doing dance choreography and teaching since I was 19 years old. Dance has always been a big part of who I am. Movement is beautiful and a blessing. Making a career out of it is just the cherry on the sundae. In my career at the moment I’m more focused on reaching out to a broader audience. Concert dance is where a lot of my focus is as of now. I put on my very first show in Downtown Houston during December 2022. It was a success to say the least. All that I do is self taught and motivation from a few of my mentors and heroes I look up to. Being able to put on a show that had three sold out shows still blows my mind, honestly. As of now I’m slowly getting my ducks in a row for my next show that will open December of 2025. It’s far away from now but that’s what I’m needing for this show to be even bigger than the first. Slow and steady wins the race!
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?
Kindness, motivation, and hope. Sounds silly but it’s real. I’m very personable to an extent. I do let people in but I’m learning this thing called boundaries and it’s really making my career more worthwhile. Always be yourself. I keep telling myself that even at my age. Stay true to what you love but be open to criticism because most times you will get that more than praise because people always look for your downfall more than your elevation.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Great question!! I’m practicing my sobriety from alcohol at the moment. I keep questioning myself if my work isn’t as good because I’m not drunk or having to push through to create with a crazy hangover. A friend recently told me that I’m more than just my choreography. Told me that she would rather I’m my best self before anything else and that’s motivating me at the moment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lenny.a.choreo
- Youtube: Lenorrisarnold
Image Credits
Cathy Noble Photography
