We were lucky to catch up with Marion Maclou recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marion, 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.
To be completely honest with you, I rarely find myself pondering this question. My creativity is more a product of how I express myself. Expressing my feelings, no matter their nature, is something I’ve learned to consider vital for my mental well-being. Nowadays, it’s akin to breathing; you’re aware of the act of breathing to stay alive, yet you’re not constantly conscious of the process or its nuances.
I remember a day in an acting class with Tony Attell when she asked me what I cherished about dancing and why I pursued it. I responded that dancing was my avenue for self-expression. I’m not one to talk extensively about my emotions – I prefer to dance them out. Then she posed a hypothetical: What if I could no longer dance? I admitted I wasn’t sure if I could ever truly be content again. She probed further, asking if I’d ever experienced a dance-related injury. I recounted breaking my knee when I was younger, which led to a doctor-mandated six-month break from dancing. During that time, I wasn’t at my best, but I channeled my creativity differently – I turned to painting, for instance. From that conversation, I grasped that my creativity is simply my way of articulating feelings and emotions. I don’t need to consciously keep my creativity alive because my creativity keeps me alive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a dancer and actor who arrived freshly from Paris in Los Angeles in 2019. I began dancing around the age of 4-5 and never stopped. Being on stage at such a young age and falling in love with it ignited a passion that continues to grow within me each day. I stumbled upon theater in school when I was 8, but it was only after high school that I resolved to pursue a professional career in the entertainment industry. Fast forward a couple of years, and here I am in Los Angeles, grappling with English and unraveling the inner workings of the industry across the Atlantic. My days consist of taking classes, networking, auditioning, acquiring new skills, committing lines to memory, and stepping onto sets – a routine I wholeheartedly embrace and adore.
In the past year, I also made the decision to launch my own YouTube channel, sharing more of my dance creations. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to present something that once remained confined to the walls of my living room to a broader audience.
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 first point revolves around taking risks. Stepping out of your comfort zone is THE factor that inevitably fuels personal growth. Even if the outcome doesn’t align with your expectations, the way you confront life’s challenges leaves a lasting impact. Irrespective of the result, you should feel a sense of pride in your journey and your position after undertaking the risk.
Moving on to the second aspect – it’s about embracing the absence of fear when it comes to failure. While it might sound similar to the initial point, let me elaborate. There are essentially two dimensions to the “fear of failure.” The first involves facing defeat head-on – when the result you envisioned doesn’t materialize. Yet, even in such instances, there’s always something positive to extract from the experience. Whether it’s a heightened work ethic, a better grasp of your physical limits, or even redefining your goals. The second dimension delves into the fear of success itself. What if you actually succeed? The realm of the unknown can be intimidating for anyone. However, conquering this fear not only dissipates your trepidation but also imbues you with the confidence needed to embrace more risks.
And finally, let me share the last piece of advice I hold dear – something my dance teacher once imparted to me. She mentioned that, as an artist, you can often be your harshest critic and your most empathetic supporter. Striking that delicate balance between holding yourself to high standards and still being open to the unique expressions your body and emotions yearn to convey was one of the most invaluable lessons she taught me.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I have to admit, I feel incredibly fortunate. My parents are the most supportive people I have in my life. Sure, it might have been tough for them to believe me when the little version of me said, “I don’t want to be a doctor anymore; I want to be an artist.” Yet, they masked their fears and joined me on my journey. They pour their love into every project I undertake. They’re the first ones to witness the final outcome of any dance creation, and only if they give their approval does it move on to the next production phase.
When I informed them back in 2018 that I was going to move to Los Angeles, I can assure you that all sorts of worries and uncertainties must have crossed their minds. But from me, all I received was unwavering encouragement, love, and support. They even surprised me by flying all the way from France to be with me at my UCLA graduation just a month ago. I am profoundly grateful to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8301035/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_maclou/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmPDEShX6wHqZggn9OvQeIA
Image Credits
Nicolas Hospitael Nicolas Than Elegance Photo Manon Harbulot Milahroy
