We recently connected with JR Taylor and have shared our conversation below.
JR, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I remember being 5 Years old and I saw “Rhythm Nation” from Janet Jackson. It unlocked this creative space inside me in that moment. I didn’t know how to express it, so I told my mom “I want to do what those people was doing on the video” She enrolled me in dance classes and I knew it was more. I started creating stories, shows, with my cousins and neighborhood friends. I knew acting and dance was my future.
JR, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I started choreographing and dancing professionally while in college. I booked my first tour at 19 after getting my agent. After that I was booking music videos and movies such as Dreamgirls, and videos with Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Rihanna, and Nelly just to name a few. From there I started choreographing. It felt full circle from dancing for a particular artist to working beside them putting their shows together. I’m most proud of my work with Jennifer Lopez because she taught me so much about myself. She allowed me to fly and pushed and challenged my creative being. We’ve been working together since 2011 and continue a working and friendship. I’m a little black boy from South Central LA and am very proud. I’ve created a dance intensive called PAFOOOORM that helps professional and aspiring dancers to train with the top choreographers in THE WORLD! It gives them the experience and chance to be seen. They learn so many things about the industry from how to get an agent to booking a job. I enjoy pouring into our community and giving opportunities to people who don’t have them.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Changing peoples lives is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative. Telling stories.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
CONSISTENCY Is Key! Continue to do whatever it is that you do and be consistent with it. I was authentic and did me.
Contact Info:
- Website: PAFOOOORM.com
- Instagram: @Didntinviteme
- Twitter: @Didntinviteme
- Youtube: youtube.com/Didntinviteme