Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae Harrington.
Janae, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m 22 years and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. The heart of Liberty City. Dance is my passion and always has been. I started dancing at the age of 3. I attended all magnet schools that trained in all genres of dance. Which were Charles R. Drew Elementary and middle and Miami Northwestern Senior High School where I was in the PAVAC (Performing And Visual Arts Center) program. I was also a four years MNW Golden Girl while at Miami Northwestern Senior High School. I was apart of YCDT (Young Contemporary Dance Theatre) under the director of Traci Young-Byron for seven years. I performed on national television as a YCDT SupaStar competing in different dance competitions across the country. I was one of five cast members on a spin-off television reality show called “YCDT Step it up” where we had different performances every week as if we were training for the commercial dancer lifestyle. After graduating high school, I attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama for four years majoring in Dance. I joined the ASU Stingettes my sophomore year in 2017 and earned captain two years later in 2019 which was my senior year. As captain, I put Miami on the map and showcased moves, ideas and much more that made me a legendary Stingette Captain. Now I’m back in Miami, where I’m a full-time employee at Florida Memorial University working as the Dance Directress.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There’s never a smooth road to success. Being a true outcast due to looks and personality, I’ve endured so much jealousy and hate throughout my life. Growing up in the environment I did, I always knew how to fight for my respect and that attached to me which wasn’t always a good thing. I left Miami when I went to college and got into so many altercations because I felt that everyone had to respect or just know I didn’t tolerate foolishness. I was trying to prove myself everyday. Until one day, I realized that God didn’t have respect from everyone and he still was the most powerful. I started moving different and focused more on my craft and less on haters. Life is always going to be hard when your calling is superior.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My brand is “Eyez Dance Down.” Basically, because my eyes are green and I’m a great well-rounded dancer. I’ve always been very dedicated to my craft and people admire that. I’ve always been very competitive, energetic and different. When dancing, I have my very own flavor similar to a sweet and sour candy. You can have whichever flavor you want. I’m proud of myself because I made it through the trenches while people I loved consistently doubted me to my face. I’m just a different breed when it comes to dance. I dance like my life depends on it because it does!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very nice and friendly. I got picked on and did a lot of picking sometimes but it was never in a harmful or aggressive way. I’ve always been very cool and funny. There was a moment in my life where I got into a lot of physical altercations in middle and high school but the more I became involved in dance the less drama I was in. I was always a fast girl. I grew up in a “you got to get it how you live it” type of environment. And sometimes, that wasn’t always the best mindset to have. But as I got older, I learned and grew from my mistakes. All in all, I did a whole transformation between middle/high school and college. Dance has really saved my life. I can honestly say that I’m proud of the woman I’ve become and the woman I’m still becoming.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Omgjust_Dancee
- Facebook: Janae Harrington
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