Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle J.S. Gordon.
Danielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started dancing at two-years-old and haven’t stopped. I’ve trained locally, nationally and internationally in styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and many more. After high school, I went to Elon University in North Carolina to major in Sport and Event Management with a minor in Spanish. Four-years later, I graduated and moved back home, unsure about what to do next. I knew I still wanted to dance but wasn’t quite sure how to break into the industry. While working at Lululemon in Boca Town Center, I found an audition for Royal Caribbean International. It was my first professional audition and I booked it! A couple of months later, I was in rehearsals for my first professional dance contract. Since then, I’ve completed two contracts with Royal Caribbean. In 2018, I started aerial training with the company which sparked a hidden new passion!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The dance industry is not for the faint of heart. You face rejection day in and day out. Whether it’s in the studio or out at an audition, each day presents new challenges. When I was growing up, remembering choreography was one of the hardest things for me. In the competitive dance world, sometimes you only have 30 minutes to master a 1-2 minute routine. I had to train in sequencing both in the studio and out. I would look at phone numbers and addresses and try to remember as many details as possible or learn dances from YouTube after school.
My advice for young women just starting their journey is to never give up! Your dedication and perseverance will teach you so many life lessons along the way. Each mistake you make is a lesson on how to improve. Take criticism constructively and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a performer, so my work is to entertain. The hardest part of my job is the pre-show work; dance classes, gym, yoga, physiotherapy, and auditions. I am definitely most proud of the amount of blood, sweat, and tears (and money) that I have invested in my career as a dancer. I specialize in classical dance techniques and I am training vigorously as an aerialist. Besides my training, I think what set me apart from others is my look. I am a classically trained black female dancer. Until recently, black female dancers with strong ballet technique were far and few between. When I was growing up, I was told to train in modern and African dance styles because “that’s where I would fit in.” I wish I had more role models like Misty Copeland, Michaela DePrince and Precious Adams when I was younger.
Who have you been inspired by?
My mom is my fashion icon. She always challenges me to be bold and wear things that draw attention. She is the most loving and compassionate woman I know.
My sister, although she is younger than me, she is the person I want to be when I grow up. She is so incredibly smart and doesn’t accept anything but the best. I know she will do amazing things in her future and she inspires me to keep working hard.
Misty Copeland and Michaela DePrince are my professional inspirations because of their poise and grace in such a competitive industry. Both of these women are amongst the best in the dance world, strong business women and use their platform to help their communities.
Contact Info:
Image Credit:
Kornell Samuels, Bachi Frost, Justin Hauber, Lee Gumbs
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