We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josie Arsenio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Josie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
While imposter syndrome is a constant battle for me, I find that changing my mindset is key. While studying modern dance in university, movement was often experimental. It didn’t matter what I did or what I looked like in the mirror. I was exploring what my body naturally wanted to do and re-learning what it was like to feel how I danced rather than see how I danced. After 3 years of training in this way with a supportive community, I came to believe that there is no good or bad movement—it’s just movement. I don’t have to be the best at what I do to call myself an artist. This is how I find freedom in choreography, battling, acting, or any other form of expression I choose to explore. Imposter syndrome is a way fear prohibits us from being authentic and bold in any craft or career, but I try to keep the mentality that I am already an artist. No matter what I do or create, I will continue to create for myself and the community around me because I am content with who I am, capable of growth, and surrounded by others who wish to do the same.
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 a dancer, choreographer, educator, and actress based in Dallas, Texas with a passion for bringing people together to create, share, and heal. As a first generation Panamanian-American living in the US, I have often felt pressure to please those around me. A constant narrative I believed growing up was to not stand out but also to not be overlooked. Never be too bold but also not too timid. This is often the case for many children of immigrants who struggle with their cultural identity. Thankfully, I found the Dallas dance community to be a space where I could be authentically me.
As a recent college graduate, I am hopeful that I can contribute to this community by sharing my story and exchanging knowledge with those around me. Whether I am freestyling and training with other dancers, coaching students in the dance studio, or working on short-films and independent projects, my artistic career is meant to encourage other young creatives to overcome every obstacle that presents itself. My journey is one of many that shows others that cultural diversity and adversity should never instill the fear to be authentic and honest, but instead joy to be proud and at peace with who you are and where you come from. Art and movement will forever be a universal language that connects people to themselves and those around them.
I look forward to continuing on this path of growth and expanding my reach by traveling and exchanging with movers around the world. I will be moving to Japan for a year and while I will miss every person that has danced or worked with me in Texas, I hope to meet other movers and artists, bringing back with me all that I learn.
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?
Put in the hours. Training is so important when you’re just starting out. It doesn’t have to be expensive, extremely hard, or unbearable, but finding a personal practice that you are capable of maintaining will allow you to gain experience and skill. Being prepared for when opportunity comes means that you’ve been consistent and are ready when given the chance. Observation is the best form of learning. Everyone learns differently, but there are certain secrets you discover by watching people create. For example, dance teachers often told me, “don’t forget to breathe,” but it took me years to understand that I didn’t know how to breathe. During performances, freestyling, or even filming choreography, I exerted more effort than necessary so I took a step back. I started going to dance battles and for a long time I didn’t participate. However, while watching the more seasoned dancers, I saw how before starting, they would listen to the music and center themselves. This allows someone to connect their breathing to the rhythm of the music. They also weren’t afraid to hold their breath or make sudden exhales until the music allowed them to take a deep breath. Watching others increased my appreciation and passion for what I do and that has allowed me to grow constantly.
Be open while being your authentic self. Artists might be hesitant to try something new after they’ve become comfortable or skeptical to work in a way that’s different from what they’ve done in the past. However, it’s smart to be adaptable. If you’re working with friends, try to maintain focus and natural collaboration. If you’re working for an institution or company where you don’t know anybody yet, have a plan or personal routine that shows you’re prepared. Being a problem-solver is a part of the journey, so you shouldn’t be afraid to say yes. Opportunities aren’t always what you expect, but trusting yourself and what sets you apart is a strength that ensures great work no matter what you say yes to.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
This year I set several goals for myself as a dancer and because of that, my confidence has been my biggest area of growth. In late August I decided to join 2x World of Dance champions Team Athena. I knew I wanted to grow within a community of dancers that would keep me accountable and offer training and performance opportunities so when I heard that an all-female hip hop crew was having auditions, I showed up. It was extremely different from the freestyling environment I had grown used to, yet I came to find rehearsals to be what I most looked forward to throughout the week.
I accomplished many “firsts”, such as my first battle, my first music video, and my first World of Dance competition, but more importantly I faced my self-doubt head on for the first time. Each week I struggled in class to learn the choreography as fast as previous members, to physically maintain stamina in back to back rehearsals, and to mentally not compare myself to others. As I began to get to know my teammates and focus on why I chose to be a part of this team of talented and genuine dancers every week, I realized that I had already made the team. I had already improved since my first day. I had shown up week after week, despite my doubt so there was no reason to hold myself back when I was obviously moving forward.
My self-confidence has been my number one area of growth thanks to my team and I plan on keeping up the mindset that you don’t have to be the best in the room to belong—you just have to not give up and trust yourself and those in your circle to support you every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @josiearsenio
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/josephinearsenio
Image Credits
ISO400 KN Productions Soma Fukuta Julian Tejeda Filming 440
