Travis Wall's Shaping Sound is coming to Wharton Center for Performing Arts this week. Company dancer and Detroit native Jay Jay Dixonbey answered a few of my questions for me. I'm so proud of this local dancer!
Q) Did you have a passion for dance at a young age?
A) Yes, I started dancing at 9 years old, but it’s been a lifelong passion, because my sister, who is 7 years older than me, started dancing at 3, so I literally watched her since I was born – she was a big inspiration.
Q) Who were some of your performing arts idols?
A) My sister, Destiny’s Child, Beyonce.
Q) How did you find this dance company?
A) I met Travis, Nick and Teddy at a Break The Floor dance convention when I was 13 years old. I went every year and I built a relationship with them – they have basically seen my entire dance career journey, so they knew me and my abilities and artistry when they were looking for dancers.
Q) What do you think gives this show such a devoted audience?
A) Travis Wall is an incredible choreographer and dancer and the show speaks to so many people in so many ways. There are a lot of real life situations depicted in After The Curtain and people can really relate. And, the entire team of dancers are amazing people and amazing dancers and they each have a huge support base.
Q) What is your take on television dance shows….
A) TV dance shows put dance in front of an audience who might otherwise not have been exposed to the arts or to dance specifically -- this can open up a whole new world to a whole new audience.
Q) What are some of the things that you miss on the road?
A) Being able to rent a studio or go to my home studio and just jam out and improvise and let go creatively.
Q) How do you stay healthy on the road?
A) I drink LOTS and LOTS of water – it is so important to stay hydrated. And, of course, I watch what I eat (unfortunately, Halloween is my favorite holiday). I eat lots of veggies and chicken.
Q) Any pre or post-show rituals?
A) I put on my headphones and get in comfy warm-up clothes and find a space for myself to be in. I pull my thoughts together, and go over everything in the show, and then I stretch and warm up.
Q) Favorite song or dance number…
A) ‘BMB’ -- ‘Be My Baby’. It’s very, very, grimy and hard-hitting and it’s fun to show that kind of aggression on stage.
Q) Can you tell me about the cast chemistry?
A) The cast chemistry in After The Curtain is real. Literally, I’ve never met a group of people that click so well. I’ve known about half the cast for a long time, but I’ve loved working with the new people I’ve met, and it feels like we’ve known each other for years.
Q) What is in the future for you?
A) – I have a goal of teaching jazz around the country in a dance convention. I hope to do some TV work in LA – commercials, videos – whatever.
Q) What advice would you give to kids …
A) Never, ever settle. Never stay in a comfortable place, venture out sometimes, take a risk or you’ll never realize things about yourself. Basically though – work hard all the time and don’t forget about why you’re dancing. Take a step back and ask yourself ‘why am I dancing’ and go from there.
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https://www.whartoncenter.com/…/…/travis-walls-shaping-sound
