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

Muriel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I first began learning Hip-Hop dance at home via family gatherings, music videos, and community events. I don’t think I could have done anything to increase the speed of the learning process. However, with more practice, I may have mastered other styles of street dance more quickly. The most essential parts of learning Hip-Hop are good physical coordination and solid interpersonal skills. This is because a great deal of learning takes place outside the classroom. Most of the obstacles I encountered were based on time, money, and also myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began dancing at home when I was a little girl and by time I was four I joined the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company, Syracuse, NY. Through Paul Robeson and my mother’s professional dance career, I was exposed to many art forms. However, dance remained the priority. Later, I entered academia and received a B.A. in Dance & Urban Studies with a minor in Spanish language from Queens College-CUNY, and an MFA in Dance from Temple University. Currently, I am teaching hip-hop dance technique and history in the k-12 arena and performing with various companies. I have also been an adjunct professor at a few schools.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part about being an artist for me is just the ability to connect with people and touch their hearts with my work. I’m still grateful every time someone shares their thoughts about my performing, teaching, or choreography because it lets me know how I’m connecting with the world.

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

I feel that I’m currently building resilience in my career. After graduating with my MFA in 2021, I didn’t imagine I would still be doing freelance work as my main source of income. I knew I would always take on additional opportunities, but I thought it would be in conjunction with a full-time professorship. However, that is not the case, so I have been learning to enjoy the opportunities that are in front of me while still striving for my ultimate goal. In the process, I am realizing what I do and don’t want for my career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @murrilynettep
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muriel.peterson.3
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muriel-peterson-49777517/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ufeP02__wuzkJpxwO6dWg

Image Credits
Headshot- Traci Hinton Peterson Black outfit with head wrap- Rachel Keane Seated with glasses/flowing red costume- Genaro Rafael Diving with purple pants- Marisol Diaz