Because that is what dance does, it changes the world

Parris Renee Goebel (MNZM*) also known professionally as Parris, is a New Zealand choreographer, dancer, singer, director and actress. She is the founder and main choreographer of the dance school “The Palace Dance Studio” in which groups such as: ReQuest, Sorority, Bubblegum and The Royal Family stand out, the latter has won the World Hip Hop Dance Championship three times in a row, becoming the first group in history to achieve it.

Goebel has worked with artists including Ciara, Ariana Grande, Little Mix, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Big Bang, 2NE1, CL, Taeyang. Her work has included choreographing routines and starring in music videos and movies. One of her notable successes was her work choreographing the music video for Justin Bieber’s 2015 song “Sorry” which as of January 2020 is the 8th most viewed video on YouTube with more than 3 billion views. The video later won the “Video of the Year” award at the 2016 American Music Awards. Goebel went on to choreograph and direct all thirteen of Justin Bieber’s Purpose: The Movement videos.These videos have totaled over 5.3 billion views combined as of January 2020.

Goebel is known for her particular style, known as Polyswagg. As she describes it, her style is based on hearing, breathing and living the music, being passionate while dancing and transmitting feelings. She also draws on music inspirations from the DanceHall style.

These days I am attending her masterclass at www.masterclass.com. Where Goebel teaches her techniques for bringing a vision to life and her approach to owning your creativity („Parris Goebel

Teaches Creativity in Choreography“, https://www.masterclass.com/classes/parris-goebel-teaches-creativity-in-choreography )

There are in total 16 video lessons within this masterclass (duration between 5 and 10 minutes each). One of them is “How to unlock your Creative Spirit” where Parris helps students to discover how to let spirit go free and how to find your own unique voice. She describes the creative being who lives inside of her and shares how it invites her to come out and play. She says she tries to stay in touch with that part of herself, to be playful, to have fun, not to worry about what people think and about judgements. She speaks about how it is important to trust your creative side, then you are fearless and free. She works on this connection with her creative spirit on a daily basis, so when she has to work, she is able to remove the noise and be productive and creative.

She also suggests having a Dream Board, you have to know your vision, your goals. What is a big picture of you? (Dream Board is a collage of images that captures your dreams and desires). She also suggests having your own creative space, your creative haven. It should be a comfortable, where you can brainstorm and be creative. Be open to be creative. You never know when the idea will come. She always has pen and paper with her, to capture moments of inspiration.

She felt like an outcast, never looked like commercial dancer. She took it and make it her superpower. It is about looking at yourself and thinking: „What makes me unique?“ And once, you discover it, appreciate it and put it out to the world. Then, you are really using your voice.

“I really believe that it is about understanding what is within, understanding what you stand for. Understanding how you want to change this world. Because that is what dance does, it changes the world. You can change the world”, that is her message.

* New Zealand Order of Merit

Sources:

www.masterclass.com

https://www.masterclass.com/classes/parris-goebel-teaches-creativity-in-choreography

www.wikipedia.com

Članak Creativity in choreography se pojavljuje prvo na Ples & Grad.

Born in Alabama and raised in Chicago, Jemison graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering as well as African and African-American studies. She then earned her medical degree from Cornell University. Jemison was a doctor for the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone from 1983. until 1985. and worked as a general practitioner.

Jemison left NASA in 1993. and founded a technology research company. She later formed a non-profit educational foundation and through the foundation is the principal of the 100 Year Starship project funded by DARPA. Jemison also wrote several books for children and appeared on television several times, including in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She holds several honorary doctorates and has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame.

Ok, now you must be wondering why we are writing about a NASA astronaut on this blog?

The reason for this is the fact that, in addition to all written here about her, Mae was also a dancer and a  choreographer! Yes, dancing was hers, as she says, first and second love; it always “competed” with science in her life. The big dilemma Mae faced in college was whether to go to medical school in New York or become a professional dancer. She performed as a dancer and as a choreographer and was well paid for it.

In several performances, Mae explained why dancing is useful and important. She constantly emphasizes the importance of the connection between science and art.

I recommend watching the video at the end of the text: “How is it that being a dancer has made me a better astronaut?”

“Dancing is a way to physically explore the world,” says Mae. “Both science and art require creativity to move the world forward.”

She points out that she got the best question from a 12-year-old girl: “How did being a dancer help you be a better astronaut?”. Mae answers: “Dancers have to be very disciplined, you have to practice all the time and you have to pay attention to the people around you, to memorize complicated structures and scenarios, to be” thick-skinned”, because you have to accept criticism and adopt it. It all helps.” She took many things into space, including a poster of one dancer, wanting others to go there with her.

A wonderful story about how dancing can help you go to space or any other place where your dreams come true.

Video „This is how being a dancer makes you a better astronaut“

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/06/10/mae-jemison-biography-scn-orig.cnn/video/playlists/moon-space/

Izvori:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Jemison

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/06/10/mae-jemison-biography-scn-orig.cnn/video/playlists/moon-space/

Photo: https://www.nasa.gov/

Članak Space and dance se pojavljuje prvo na Ples & Grad.