We were lucky to catch up with ShirJuanda “Bounce” recently and have shared our conversation below.
ShirJuanda , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I’ve known I wanted to pursue the profession of Dancing since I was a young girl training with Debbie Allen, Ailey, and various others. Being a woman from Dallas, TX and uprooting my life to move out of state and pursue my dreams is a daily risk I take to pursue my dreams and work towards making dreams reality. It takes a lot to move away from home, from what you know and start over somewhere else. I always knew I wanted to be a professional dancer, even in the moments I doubted the choice of leaving school and doing what my heart desired. There’s nothing more fulfilling in life than being your true authentic self and loving what you do and who you are daily. Dance is my ONE THING!
ShirJuanda , 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?
My name is ShirJuanda Woodson better known as ‘Bounce’ and I have been dancing since I was five years old. I was introduced to dance young, but Debbie Allen is the reason I was exposed to what the industry could offer. I started training with her at the age of six and that opened my world to the tv/film, commercial, creative directing and directing. I would say something that sets me apart from others in this industry is my willingness to learn at all stages of my career. I am a sponge when it comes to knew surroundings. I have a heart for mastering and being the best at everything I put my heart towards, but always knowing i can always learn from someone better.
I have learned so much along the way thus far which has allowed me to really create relationships with artist that I now get to call clients. Bringing their visions and ideas to life, and truly helping them become their absolute best self by far is the one thing I truly admire about what I do.
It is an honor daily to say I am a Professional Dancer, Choreographer and Creative Director.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The people you meet along the way by far is the greatest reward of being an artist/creative, There are so many walks of life and people in this world and to be able to bring us all together by one simple thing as art is so beautiful. I have been able to see other parts of the world simply by meeting people, but also being able to travel and do what I love as well.
Being a creative is giving your mind, body and spirit the opportunity to simply discover more of who you are and your purpose of being in this world.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
“Changing lives one step at a time” In all I do through my creativity is about leaving footprints on others hearts and lives. I am a lover and being a lover I am caterer. I hope daily that as people watch me and my creativity, that they can connect to something, anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iambounce.net
- Instagram: @i.am.bounce
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamobuncellc
- Twitter: @_Biggitybounce
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/IAmBounce15
Image Credits
Mike Quain Photography, Alana Marie Photography, AHF Events Photography