Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Reed-Simon.
Hi Tonya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I developed a passion for dance from a young age, inspired by the Harlem of Ballet and Debbie Allen on Fame. I persuaded my mom to enroll me in a school that offered similar dance opportunities, and that’s where my journey began. Initially, I had wanted to pursue music, but at the suggestion of a friend, I decided to sign up for dance classes, and I never looked back. Throughout my middle school years, I focused on dance and even joined a local dance crew. I dedicated myself to studying the moves of performers like Michael and Janet Jackson and any musical I could find. In high school, I encountered a new level of discipline, particularly when I joined the Lindbergh Flyerettes, where I gained valuable insights into what it means to be part of a team. It was a great learning experience, teaching me that teamwork transcends differences in appearance and that one can shine and stay true to oneself without compromising authenticity. Upon entering college, I established a dance team at the University of Missouri St. Louis, an endeavor that I now realize marked the beginning of my dance career, even though I was unaware of it then.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The path to greatness is always challenging. While I possessed natural talent, it required training, refinement, and dedicated study to reach my potential in dance. I was eager to absorb as much knowledge about dance as possible. Along the way, I faced challenges related to body image, navigating ethnic differences, understanding the business aspects of dance, and practicing while feeling fatigued while others were enjoying themselves. My cultural background sometimes needed to be recognized and acknowledged, teaching me how to navigate such situations, including being overlooked for opportunities I deeply desired. These experiences also taught me the importance of perseverance in facing rejection.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Through my work with dance, I engage in mentoring, teaching, coaching, and choreography, guiding dancers as they pursue their aspirations within the industry. I assist them in breaking into the field, preparing for auditions, and carving out pathways for their dance careers. In addition to imparting dance theory and history, I specialize in choreography tailored for the industry, focusing on performances suitable for the stage and entertainment. I am recognized for instilling strong fundamental dance skills in my students, particularly aiding those who may feel overlooked in discovering and embracing their unique strengths and voices. I also help reserved individuals find their confidence and encourage them to express their thoughts freely. Among my proudest achievements are raising my beloved son, who has followed in my performing footsteps, and securing a role as a choreographer on Nelly’s inaugural tour. Furthermore, I take great satisfaction in my contributions to aiding dancers in achieving their industry breakthroughs and realizing their dreams.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
All successful individuals embrace risk, as it fosters the development of character and inner strength. Calculated risks are particularly compelling. Navigating uncertainties is akin to solving a complex puzzle, and one must genuinely enjoy piecing together life’s elements to create a beautiful outcome; choosing a career path that many perceive as mere recreation involves significant risk-taking. In a way, you become a gambler, but betting on oneself is the ultimate risk that yields worthwhile rewards.
Contact Info:
- Website: Belitedanceacademy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancingtonya?igsh=MXAyam9weDRyZXo0bA==
