We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Di Meo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maria , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Having just graduated from college, I moved back to Cincinnati and was looking for a creative outlet and a way to make new friends. I took a risk and decided to be a part of a team of people who were organizing a community dance crew which would embrace inclusion and diversity through dance. This was the genesis of the CinCity Shakers, a parading dance crew that is founded on the principles of being an open and inviting group of dancers that want to mutually share in the fun of dancing throughout Cincinnati.
Taking a risk and starting a community dance crew while working as a nurse in my day job, required stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing my passion for dance in a new way. Although it seemed daunting at first, the rewards of pursuing this endeavor were far greater than I could have imagined.
Balancing my nursing career as a surgical trauma ICU nurse, with leading the dance crew has undoubtedly been a challenge. It has required careful planning, effective communication, and commitment. However, the experience has taught me valuable lessons in leadership, time management, teamwork, and perseverance. It also reminded me of the importance of pursuing one’s passions and nurturing personal growth outside of the confines of a traditional career. It also serves as a reminder that life is not limited to a single path, and pursuing our passions can lead to personal fulfillment and a broader impact on the world around us.
Maria , 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 am a surgical trauma ICU nurse that will soon be starting graduate school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I helped start the CinCity Shakers looking for a creative outlet and I fell in love with the group immediately. After spending my work day in a high stress environment, dance is my way to unwind at the end of the day.
I decided to step up as co-president of the group after Covid. This was my first taste of leadership within the creative community. I am not going to lie and say it was easy. There were many challenges of rebuilding the group after a a long hiatus from Covid and there was also a steep learning curve on my part. I have learned to be a better communicator and to work with people who have different points of view. I have been able to apply the lessons I have learned as being a leader of a creative group to many aspects of my life and hope to keep growing as a leader.
Being part of the group has allowed me to meet and become friends with people that I might not otherwise have the opportunity to connect with. Although we might come from different backgrounds, dance has a way of connecting people from all walks of life. Being part of the dance crew has also allowed me to experience many events that the city has to offer and experience the city in a way that I otherwise might not have.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As a leader of the CinCity Shakers, our primary objective is to foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and create a supportive environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued. This group brings people from all walks of life together with the common goal of enjoying ourselves through dance. We believe that dance has the power to transcend cultural barriers and connect people..
Our mission is to promote cultural exchange and understanding through dance, embracing the richness of various traditions and styles. We strive to provide opportunities for dancers of different ethnicities, genders, ages, and abilities to come together, learn from one another, and collaborate in a harmonious and inspiring way.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a leader of the CinCity Shakers is undoubtedly the friendships that I have made throughout the journey. Building and nurturing these meaningful relationships among group members is truly special and can be a source of great satisfaction.
As a leader, you have the opportunity to bring together individuals who otherwise might not connect with each other, but share a common passion for dance. Through the shared experiences, deep bonds are formed, creating a supportive and tight-knit community. Witnessing these friendships blossom and grow is incredibly rewarding. We also often have members who are new Cincinnati and are looking for an way to make friends and fit in to a new city. Being part of a dance crew gives them the connections and friendships and can make accumulating to a new city easier.
Friendships within a dance crew extend beyond the parade route. The friendships formed offer a sense of belonging and camaraderie. You become a part of each other’s lives, celebrating achievements together, providing support during difficult times, and creating lasting memories. The dance crew becomes a second family, a place where members can be themselves, find acceptance, and be surrounded by like-minded individuals who understand and appreciate their love for dance. 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: cincity_shakers
- Facebook: CinCity Shakers
- email: [email protected]