Local StoriesAugust 26, 2022

Rising Stars: Meet Dezzie Payne of South Side

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dezzie Payne.

Hi Dezzie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My professional journey started in 2020. I was hired by a close friend to create choreography for a music video they were recording, and it jump-started an old spark in me. Creative expression has always been accessible to me since childhood. Whether dancing, singing, writing, painting, or fashion, I had to express myself somehow. I was very quiet and reserved, but I had this fire waiting to spread out. Once I got a taste of the St. Louis music scene, I was hooked and went from background dancing/ choreographing to performing my music. I currently have 3 singles released, and I’m working on a music video for my latest single, Wrath of Afrodite. I also am recording my first EP, which is expected to be released at the end of the year. I will always stick to my roots of dancing and choreographing for others while still living my dream of performing.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been struggles along the way, which I expected. My main struggle is my need for perfection. It’s an obstacle I must overcome, and performing is helping me do that. There’s nothing like a live show malfunction to keep you on your toes, and those inevitable malfunctions have helped me through that.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in dancing and choreographing, but my new projects as a performer are starting to take up more of my time. What sets me apart is knowing both sides of performing: background and front and center. Because of that, I think of a performance as a whole down to the smallest details. It makes it easy on everyone involved if you know exactly what you’re looking for, and I’m very effective in communicating my/my client’s vision.

So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
The best way to support is to show up to local showcases, and there are some great ones. The next showcase I’m dancing in is on August 20th at Pops Nightclub. If you would like me to choreograph, background dance/sing, or create a dance promo video, you can direct message me on any of my social media accounts or by email.

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