We were lucky to catch up with Selah Jane Oliver recently and have shared our conversation below.
Selah Jane , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us 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 father grew up playing football and played quarter back in college. When my father finished college he decided to start a band with his brother. They wrote music and sang together all the time and of course not forgetting to sing to me when I was little. I grew up listening to them play music and listening to my father sing while playing guitar. My mother has always been extremely supportive and allows me to be myself while simultaneously guiding me along the way. My parents taught me, since I was very little, that I could be whatever I want to be in my life. They told me hard work is the pathway to success, and if I work as hard or harder than everyone else around me I will accomplish my goals. When I told my parents I wanted to dance ballet professionally they were very supportive of my dreams. I am so lucky to have them as my parents. They have given me the confidence and the tools to become a professional ballet dancer. They never made me question my potential to succeed, even if I wasn’t the most naturally talented girl in the room. When I would come home discouraged or down on myself they would remind me that if I worked harder, stuck with it, and took correction I would be just as good or maybe even better. I am very very grateful to have parents like mine. I owe it to them believing in me.
Selah Jane , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I grew up in Miami, Florida and I have been dancing professionally with Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami for 5 years.
I started ballet classes when I was 3 years old. I took all different types of dance classes growing up, but it wasn’t until I was 12 years old that I realized I wanted to turn my love for ballet into a career. I attended Miami Youth Ballet, with artistic directors Marielena Mencia and Yanis Pikieris, and began to train for my dream of dancing in a ballet company. I joined Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, with artistic directors Jennifer Kronenberg and Carlos Guerra, in 2017 and have been dancing with them ever since.
A part of my career I can point to and say I’m proud of is sticking with this art form throughout the pandemic. It was definitely a challenge at times, taking classes at home and rehearsing in masks. I took a lot of inspiration and support from my colleagues in the ballet company. My directors and all artistic staff were and still are extremely supportive and helpful in keeping us focused and pushing forward.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think that it starts when individuals simply express their support and encouragement in any way that you can. It could be coming to shows when you’re available, showing friends your favorite creative on YouTube, or favorite singer. Even something as simple as sharing on instagram posts from creatives that inspire you. .
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
My teachers, mentors and directors have been a true true resource for me in my career and even my life. I have realized that asking questions and listening to their life stories is one of the best ways for me to learn. Having mentors you can trust around you to show you where you can be better and/or when you are doing a good job.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dimensionsdancemia.com
- Instagram: @selaholiverr
- Facebook: Selah Jane Oliver
Image Credits
Photo by Simon Soong, curtsey of Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami Photo by Simon Soong, Selah Jane Oliver dancing in Yanis Pikieris’s Adiemus, curtesy of Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami Photo by Heather Coronel