We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jericka Belman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jericka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Since I was a child, I’ve always dreamed big and wanted a lot out of life. Therefore, I created a brand, called Dance Therapy that would showcase my talent and aspirations that I have for entertainment. I did this because I wanted to create my own opportunities instead of waiting for them. Nowadays everyone is using their social media as a platform to put themselves out there. So, I thought why not create for myself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Jericka Belman born and raised in Memphis, TN now I currently resides in Nashville, TN. I am an alumnus of the illustrious Tennessee State University. I am a mother to a handsome, well manner, and intelligent little boy. I am self-sufficient and I’m very determined to reach my goals. I look at myself as an artist. I create my own opportunities for myself to showcase my talent. Since I was a child, I’ve always dreamed big and wanted a lot out of life. I started taking dance serious at the age of 12 and that’s when I discovered I had a gift. Over the years dance has been an escape for me to just forget about my problems and not focus so much on the negative and a way for me to express myself. Dancing is therapeutic to me, so that’s when I came up with the name for my brand, Dance Therapy. It’s more of a healing aspect to it than just posting videos for social media. But not only do I have dreams of me dancing, I’ve always enjoyed watching musicals, stage plays, and more. And that’s when I knew I wanted to be an actress, I wanted to do both. Therefore, my major in college was Theatre and I learned a lot about writing, stage productions, directing and more.

When people look at my brand, I want them to see themselves as being healed, it can be from anything. I’m very passionate about seeing people become the best version of themselves and not focus so much on worldly things and know that there is greatness in them. I never want anyone to feel worthless, that’s not what I promote if anything I want you to encourage yourself and speak life over yourself because our words have power, that’s why I say it’s more than just dancing. Are you truly letting go of what has hurt you and if not, how can you let go of the hurt because our life is so precious, and I’d rather use my talent to heal world then to be of this world. I’m very passionate about my craft and just want to share my gifts with the world, to inspire and encourage someone who may be an aspiring artist just like me.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I don’t mind being transparent, so I’ll share a moment of when I had an audition back in 2021. I was so confident that I would get this gig because it was definitely in my lane. Until the choreographer told me “It’s not that you’re not great at what you do, it’s just that we do cast around a certain type,” my heart instantly dropped. One thing I would say along your journey you definitely have to mentally prepare yourself for what’s to come. I say that to say this I’ve definitely got a lot of “No’s” along this journey and if you’re not mentally prepared for it then it will make or break you. I’ve realized that I’ve stressed myself out over not getting call backs or people just simply not picking me to be a part of their projects. And then I get to wondering what’s wrong with me? Am I not good enough? What do they not see in me? And to be honest the “no’s” just makes you go harder it makes you appreciate your valley moments; it builds character, and it draws you closer to your purpose. And sometimes no doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen it just means not right now. Everybody has a time when they will shine and, in the meantime, you just have to continue to clap for others until it’s your turn. The “no’s” set you up for a bigger blessing. Honestly, getting closer to God helps me out a lot because my anxiety be through the roof, but a wise man once told me “Don’t get so caught up in what the outcome may bring, just be grateful you got the chance to showcase who you are and continue to move forward with best regards.” God is still writing my destiny so I’m definitely waiting on my bigger blessing.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my son and me being the best mother I can be. I think parents have to understand that your children see’s everything you do and because it’s just my son and I, I want to show him that he can do anything he puts his mind too. He sees his mother go after what she believes in so much on a daily and I want him to grow up and be just as ambitious as me. Even if he chooses to go another career path, I want him to know that anything is possible, especially if you keep God first and let Him guide you. My son is my biggest motivation, sometimes when I’m feeling doubtful, he always seems to encourage me by saying “I believe in you mommy”, and it just warms my heart to hear him say that. I feel like I got to make it, he sees too much of the behind the scenes that I put into my craft/creativity. I have a journal full of creative ideas that I can’t wait to share, it’s only a matter of time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @its_jericka
• Facebook: Jericka Denise
• Youtube: DanceTherapy
• Other: Dance page: @dance__therapy and please subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Image Credits
@fourth_quarterpressure @brandonleekix @music_city_dreams_media