Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerry Dean. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jerry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

The kindest thing anyone has ever done for me was believe in me enough to push me to my goals and passions. My mentor, who is like a mother to me, always believed in me even when I doubted myself. Since the very first day I met her, without even knowing who I was. She believed in me and added me to her projects and shows. She’s one of the very few people that never gave up on me and continues to push me to new levels. I am truly blessed and thankful to have someone like her in my life so huge thank you to Ms Jane for always believing in me!

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

My name is Jerry Dean, I also go by Ungraceful Jay since I’m a bit clumsy. I use this name to embrace whatever flaws I believe I have and also to encourage others to embrace who they are fully as well. Originally I wanted to play football but later found out my real passion was in art. Through drawing and creating things with my hands I realized that being an artist was more fulfilling than anything else. I started dancing after watching some of my favorite performers and groups such as Michael Jackson or Dragon House. Even movies like You Got Served, Rize, and the Step Up series are what really caught my attention. I studied and practiced every day to build my craft. Starting with basic wave techniques and developing my style with new dance styles added over the years such as tutting, gliding, and even Krump to help create my own unique style of dance. From making random dance videos to now performing on big stages and with celebrities! I am currently apart of Vision Elite Royalty Dance Company (VERD) performing and learning other styles like contemporary and ballet. We are a family and together we’ve traveled around the states and have already performed in other states like NY, ATL, and a few others. We are still booking performances and are still expanding our reach. We have been on multiple platforms including World Of Dance. Every year we have our annual “The Dark Chocolate Nutcracker” production which is one of my personal favorites. The main thing that sets me apart from other dancers is that I don’t follow trends or search for ways to go viral, my craft is strictly from my heart. I may not be a trendy dancer but my craft can never be replicated or reproduced. I am a genuine person just looking to share his love of dance and art with the world!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my opinion, society can help creatives by providing more opportunities and resources for artists. When I was in school there wasn’t any dance classes or any type of creatives path I could choose to build upon to help navigate my career path. I had to go out and find any place that would allow me to perform at their events. Art and creativity is an important part of human life since we all have it in us in some way. The only way to get any information would be if you were able to get into one of the art schools. If we have more programs that not only give people a safe space to learn but also gives an artist or creative an opportunity and funding.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My primary goal with my dance has always been to share Love with everyone. I love to dance and I love how it makes me feel. I know everyone isn’t going to love it as much as I do but the gift of love is contagious. If I can share this love with everyone I meet then I can possibly make a difference in my community and in the world. We all have things that we’re dealing with but if we love ourselves then in turn we can love each other. We don’t have to be in the streets to find love. My mission is to show everyone that not every man of color is just another statistic, but a valued man worth being loved. We are all royalty and it’s up to us to share that with each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ungraceful28
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeungraceful1?igsh=MXZ4NXk5cTFvM2JlZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DwY8Rywgc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theeungraceful1?si=CffnyWGyCr0RkGjR