We were lucky to catch up with Julia Moore recently and have shared our conversation below.
Julia, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
As far as confidence goes, I had really good role models growing up. My parents always supported and believed in me, as well as many of my other family members, teachers and friends. Self-esteem was more difficult for me. It wasn’t until college that I felt as though I could be comfortable with myself and my own presence. My professors and mentors taught me that it was okay to present myself as I wanted. I didn’t have to fit some specific mold as a dance professional. When I was younger, I was trying so hard to be whatever it was I thought being a dancer looked like. It directly contributed to a lack of self-esteem. I realize that a contributing factor to my confidence development was finding my footing in my community.
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 wear many different hats in my career. That’s what makes what I do so interesting. I am a dance teacher, a yoga instructor, choreographer, and the assistant artistic director of Diversiform Dance Project (a professional dance company in its third season). The pride and joy of my job is being able to share my craft in different ways to anyone who is willing to be present for the experience. Whether that’s going to see a show, taking a class, or simply wondering about what I do.
I grew up in Metro Detroit, Michigan and still live there. I went to three dance studios throughout my career as a dance student, and went on to dance at Wayne State University from 2014-2018. In 2018, I received a BFA in dance. Since college, I’ve been immersing myself in all things dance related. I even learned how to fit pointe shoes and spent the better part of a year doing that. It was a wonderful experience that I still intend on dabbling in. I’ve just taken a bit of a break for the time being.
My main focus right now is the dance company. We are starting a youth division this coming fall, where young students can join in on a similar company process as the professionals. To be able to bring this type of dance education to students of the Rochester community is fantastic.
I’ve always dreamed of being right where I am now. Teaching students what it means to be in the dance community beyond the studio. As a younger dancer, I didn’t know what was out there beyond the walls of the studio. It’s a good feeling to show my students the ways of the dance world.
With that being said, not only am I excited for the youth season, but Diversiform Dance Project is putting on a few upcoming local shows. We are in the midst of making work for the Arts and Apples Festival and we have two more shows on the docket for this season. It will be our biggest one yet!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Learning how to improvise was a skill that was invaluable to me. I’m not just talking about dance improvisation either. The lesson of going with your gut and deciding in a moment’s time what you’re going to do is important. Many times in my career things have not worked out like I expected or hoped. Learning to pivot, accepting that it’s not working out, and moving forward is the only way to achieve the breakthrough you need.
I can say with confidence, learning to appreciate your past experiences, even if they were negative ones, has helped me along my journey. Turn everything into a lesson. It’s a much healthier approach then being bitter about something that is in the past.
And finally, I would say loving yourself. Being kind to your body, being kind to your mind. Knowing that it’s okay to make mistakes. Stop being so hard on yourself because at the end of the day, you are your own worst critic. Instead of looking down on yourself, look up to yourself. As cliche as it is, the only person standing in your way is you.
The way to improve upon incorporating these things is practice. I think growing up has a lot to do with the last two, but no matter how old you are, putting things into practice is key.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Make lists! I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which would have helped me to know sooner than 27 years old, but I guess better late than never. I started to really feel its impact after the quarantine lifted. As I got back to work, I felt as though I couldn’t get anything done because so much had to do. Making lists and breaking tasks down has helped me stay calm when I have an overwhelming amount of work.
I will also say that when I feel stuck, like I can’t get past a point of choreography, I change the environment. I hop into a different studio, change the music, or trick my brain into thinking that the piece is an entirely different one. It helps me to think fresh.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.juliamoore.net
- Instagram: @choreographer_juj
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/choreographerjuj
- Twitter: @choreo_juj
Image Credits
Focal Life Photography Joe Polimeni Pam McCormick
