I recently sat down with 22-year-old Javal Lewis, a professional male dancer from Craig Town, to get some insight into his journey and growth in dance. Javal’s love for dance started at a very early age, however, he didn’t realize his deep passion for the art form until his final year at Bridgeport High School, he joined the Glee Club and had the opportunity to really learn more about the skill. It was then that he realized just how much he enjoyed dancing and how much more expressive it made him. Since he started to explore dance in 2013, there has been no turning back.
“The moment before I enter the stage is nerve-racking but I forget about everything when I start to perform.”
He recounted one of the defining moments in his life when he left his job to pursue dance. “I didn’t have much support at the time, but I was determined to do what I wanted to do”. Very serious about his craft, he enjoys being able to speak to an audience with his body. The discipline that goes into learning techniques and choreography; and remembering the right choreography when cast in multiple performances is a challenge he had to overcome when he began his journey; “I don’t think people understand how hard it is”. However, nothing else matters when he is on stage; “The moment before I enter the stage is nerve-racking but I forget about everything when I start to perform”.
One of his biggest revelations about the industry is the level of criticism that exists, especially when it comes to technique but he continues to be driven and inspired by his growth over the years. “I reminisce on where I started and it gives me an emotional spark”. His family has been his biggest support. His mom, who initially didn’t like him dancing, saw him perform for the first time in December 2017 and it was an emotional experience. “The support and love of my family is really good”. They offer assistance in any way possible, whether by giving him lunch money, contributing to his tuition or assisting with gears and equipment, he shared that whether they are based locally or overseas, “Everyone chips in”.
As he works to advance his career, he has his eyes set on joining, dancing and touring with the Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company in New York and names Addison Ector
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #7 March-April 2018
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I recently sat down with 22-year-old Javal Lewis, a professional male dancer from Craig Town, to get some insight into his journey and growth in dance. Javal’s love for dance started at a very early age, however, he didn’t realize his deep passion for the art form until his final year at Bridgeport High School, he joined the Glee Club and had the opportunity to really learn more about the skill. It was then that he realized just how much he enjoyed dancing and how much more expressive it made him. Since he started to explore dance in 2013, there has been no turning back.
He recounted one of the defining moments in his life when he left his job to pursue dance. “I didn’t have much support at the time, but I was determined to do what I wanted to do”. Very serious about his craft, he enjoys being able to speak to an audience with his body. The discipline that goes into learning techniques and choreography; and remembering the right choreography when cast in multiple performances is a challenge he had to overcome when he began his journey; “I don’t think people understand how hard it is”. However, nothing else matters when he is on stage; “The moment before I enter the stage is nerve-racking but I forget about everything when I start to perform”.
As he works to advance his career, he has his eyes set on joining, dancing and touring with the Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company in New York and names Addison Ector
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #7 March-April 2018
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