We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jerry Dean Ungraceful Jay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jerry Dean below.
Alright, Jerry Dean thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
After watching a ton of old dance movies as a kid and seeing how much fun they had is where my interest for dance began to grow. I would spent an entire day just daydreaming about what it would be like to be able to dance alongside other amazing dancers and on big stages in front of large crowds. When I was in 7th grade I took my first dance class, which was a huge influence of my love for dance. We did different activities to be more creative and also learned the history of different types of dance. Soon after I found myself practicing more often, teaching my siblings, and making dance routines to show my family. I never stopped daydreaming of the what if’s and that made my love for dance grow even more! I was about 17 when I realized that dance was more than just a hobby, it was my passion! I was told that anger plus love equals Passion. I had more than enough of both, and I used dance as a way to express those feelings. This art became more than just a craft or hobby, it became apart of me. I use my art to create stories and my emotions as fuel to help bring those stories to life. Ever since I continued to dance and share my story with others to help them understand that no matter what, we may not be perfect but we are all still amazing in our own way!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I go by the name of Ungraceful because I can be very clumsy! To a certain degree I believe we all are, but the name itself also motivates me to do better each time I dance. Dancing has helped me change my life around so much, from constantly getting into trouble to now dancing on stages and sharing my heart with the world. I started out with making my own dance videos and using my environment to bring more creativity to the videos. I also went around to find any local events that would let me use my craft in a creative way. I developed my brand and name “Ungraceful” after years of practice and performing. One of my favorite products I have been apart of is a production called “The Dark Chocolate Nutcracker”. I starred as the Nutcracker himself, I never imagined that I would have an opportunity like that but huge thanks to the director and producer Jane Johnson for allowing me to fill that role. I am currently apart of a Dance Company by the name of Vision Elite Royalty Dance Company and we have performed around different cities and states! I have had the pleasure to perform with them at Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. I am now a Dance Instructor with the company bringing my own unique style of dance with different styles including waving, glides and footwork, tutting, and many others. I strive to not only teach dance but also a way of release therapy through dance and artistic movement. Recently I have started selling handmade bead bracelets, I call them Gracelets because I am giving each person who wears one a piece of Grace and Royalty. My main goal is to share with everyone that we all are royalty no matter what we go through! That is why I believe we all are a little Ungraceful.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me the most rewarding part of being an artist is the lives you touch! There are so many people who are dealing with so much, and to be the light in someone’s life when they’re in a dark place is the best reward anyone can ask for!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During my high school years. my family was evicted from our home and we had to live in a hotel my remaining school years. I didn’t have the money to go to prom or to even buy my cap and gown for graduation. I felt so sad and embarrassed of my situation, but I never gave up on my dreams. I still practiced day and night, I never let anyone’s opinions of me stop me. I kept pushing myself forward and continued my path because I knew that one day I would be able to tell my story and help someone with their journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Ungracefuljay28
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ungracefuljay28?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ungracefuljay613
Image Credits
Ed Snapshot Brown Keith Allison Brian BY Twitty Destinee Allen Jerry Taliaferro