We recently connected with Pam Ray and have shared our conversation below.
Pam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My mom supported my sister’s and my dance journey from the very beginning, every step of the way, in every way that she could. She enrolled us every year from the time we were 6 years old in every style of dance we were interested in. She spent every year taxi-ing us back and forth to lessons, rehearsals, events, and performances. Without one complaint ever, she purchased dancewear, shoes, costumes; sewed and altered costumes; sat through hours of rehearsals and performances – always with a calm, patient, smile on her face. Once we could drive ourselves and became more independent, she never missed a performance – not one. On the flip side, she never pushed, prodded, or poked – she supported our passion for us, not for herself. Throughout my decades-long career as instructor, choreographer, and studio-owner, my mom’s support of my passion, my calling has been unwavering.
To embark on a career in the arts is not always seen by the general public as secure or necessarily savvy, but our mother raised us to believe that we could do whatever we set our minds to and that our goals were worthy and valuable and worth pursuing. The fact that I’m sitting here answering these questions is so much due to her patient, sweet, unconditional support, and for that I am forever grateful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My dance journey began when I was 6 years old and never ended. I began assisting and choreographing as early as age 13, and I was hooked. I began demonstrating and teaching in college, and, other than being a mother, I never wanted to do anything else. I taught for many years in many genres of dances, ages, levels before opening my own studio. We offer dance instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, cheer/pom/drill, and ballroom to dancers age 3 – Adult. We also offer competition and performance teams, community outreach performances, community projects, scholarships, summer camps, holiday camps, birthday parties, Friday Night dance parties, Prostyle workshops, Dance fit classes, and Pilates!
At DWDC, we recognize the intrinsic connection each of us shares with music and dance. Whether your goal is to dance competitively on a team, prepare for a college or professional career, train to become a dance instructor or choreographer, or to dance for PURE ENJOYMENT, we offer high-quality, technically sound, innovate, experienced instruction, and supportive, inclusive guidance in helping our dancers reach their individual dance goals – each and every dancer!
What am I most proud of? I have had so many students tell me that they have finally found their dance home in my studio – a place that they feel welcome, safe, empowered, and that they can absolutely blossom – no matter what their dances goals are. I have had countless students and parents express, and I’ve witnessed the positive and life-changing impact dance has had on their lives!
It is my firm belief that every single person can learn to dance and meet their dance goals in an inclusive, respectful, kind, positive setting.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Even though I lived this truth as a child, it took me years as an adult to truly realize that dance or any creative form of expression is, indeed, so much more than merely an interest, a hobby, a way to have fun. The creative process that takes place when we engage in the arts of any kind engages all our senses, require both left and right brain, and affect us, not only in a physical way, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, as well. The benefits of engaging in the creative process cover every area of our lives in a manner that cannot be replicated in any other way. Whether we choose to pursue a career in the creative arts, each and every one of us benefits from not only from the product of the process – listening to music, watching movies, reading books, seeing a play, etc. – but from the very process itself.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The rewards from being a dance instructor, choreographer, coach, and studio owner are two-fold. The first is the personal fulfillment of engaging in something that I absolutely love and the benefits I receive. The second is creating a dance home which makes available to others the same benefits – a sense of fulfillment and empowerment; increased physical strength, coordination, and positive body confidence; emotional connection, respect for self and others, internal discipline, and a stronger, positive sense of self – to name a few!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dallaswestdance.com
- Instagram: dallaswestdance
- Facebook: Dallas West Dance Centre