Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paris Miles . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paris , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I own a dance school. This school is called For The Love of Dance. We often do shows that raise awareness for a community issue. The issue is often overlooked or misrepresented.
For several years in Franklin County there’s been a severe opioid crisis. It was noted as an epidemic. In 2018 there were an estimated 422 overdoses that resulted in deaths. In 2021, Franklin County had an estimated 825 opioid overdoses that resulted in deaths. One of those deaths in 2018 was my younger brother. However the impact is greater than my family.
For The Love of Dance dedicated an entire show to raising awareness for the growing opioid crisis. We even had an African American Adolescent Medicine Specialist expertly speak to the growing crisis
– Dr. Fareeda Haamid. Dr. Haamid was our MC for the evening and she did eloquently spoke to the dilemma. There was both dance entertainment and substance. Our students were also thoroughly educated. To date, this has been one of my most meaningful projects. It was very well received and I’ll never forget it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
At the age of 18 months old I was dropped off to take dance lessons. China White at Theatre Street Dance Academy was my teacher. I loved it as was in many seasons principal ballerina. I danced there for 25 years. Other experiences include, Broadway Dance Center of NYC, Alonzo Lines of San Francisco, independent film dance/acting roles and several Director credits. I hold an MBA, certification in progressing ballet technique or PBT and integrative health coaching.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes. I want to reach the youth. Dance is the method in which I connect with the youth. However, once I connect in with them through dance, I can reach them further. The mission is to teach leadership through the arts. It’s to give them something to positively identify with. If we want children to avoid certain situations, we must help them them see themselves as being above that sort of influence right? How do we do this? There are various ways. This is just the way I’m purposed to do it.
I applaud many others who do it without the creative arts. It takes a village to achieve this mission. I’m aware that the efforts of many are needed here.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I believe it’s when I see positive change and development in our young children. Also it’s when I become the student to those I thought I was teaching.
Children are so creative and have wild imaginations! Sometimes they’ll tell you things that you really need to hear. I find myself often listening. Their worlds are a little less biased. After all, biases are learned. Their minds are open to understanding. How many of us could use a little more of this? I think we’d all be better communicators if we listened more. More patience is also something embraced. You can’t help but to have more or learn to strengthen the patience you do have.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ftlodance.com
- Instagram: @salononeparis @ftlodcolumbus
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/paris-miles-047236a
Image Credits
@oliviakristinphotography