We had the good fortune of connecting with Dominique Dawkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dominique, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Refusing to be anything less then your true self fitst and foremost. Being brave enough to be fearless of the unknown. Taking chances to avoid the what if’s. Mainfesting pain, rejection, and fear into passion, workethic and authenticity. Not being afraid to where your heart on your sleeve but willing to bring holy water or hellfire to fight for whats right. Always “DARE TO BE DIFFERENT”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a dance teacher is so much more than just Dance. Its healing, greiving,understanding, good days, bad days, laughs, and tears, supporting each other through the good and bad times, and always reminding dancers that they are we are enough. Teaching self love is my highest priority. Finding comfort and strength in being different! “Dare to be Different” AND “TRUST THE PROCESS” OF LIFE !

My Journey has been a rough road , from being fired from nearly ever teaching job ive ever had ! Ive also struggled with dance moms bulling me due to my young age as a business owner. Being a black business owner which in somes eyes means they dont feel the business is not a business but a place where people should not make money and be able to feed their family. People not wanting their kids to dance at DDC because i am a gay women or beacuse im a gay black women. Being called the N word by parents in my establishment. So many people are driven by hate and honestly that has motivated me to be better each and every day. Everyone who told me i couldnt drove me to work harder and be better!

BIO
Known for her Intense teaching style Dominique Dawkins has a gift of inspiring dancers through her choreography and passion for the nature of dance. She drives her students with her enthusiasm and raw perspectives. She Specializes in understanding awareness of ones soul through movement while educating good technique. Focusing on Inclusion and exceptance for all ages , races, sexual orietantions and so much more. DDC is a safe space for all.
Dominique has taught master classes, workshops, and set choreography through out Ny State. Currently the director , owner and choreograph of Dominique’s Dance Creations, she has received numerous choreography awards both regionally and nationally. Dominique has performed and was a part of The Apollo, So you think you can dance, and Americas got talent 2012. Dominique’s Passion and raw talent has earned her scholarships to the Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Alley, Dance Theater of Harlem, Broadway Dance Center, and NYSSA . Beginning her training at the young age of three Dominique as experienced world wide training in numerous styles of dance. She has over 20 years experience in all different techniques such as, jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, acrobatics, and ballroom. Dominique challenges her dancers to always ” Dare To Be Different “and be the best they can be. She hopes to continue to grow while transcending passion to every dancer she can. Dominiques Dancers have went on to dance professionally, and obtain degrees in dance. This is only the beginning for DDC and its very diverse community of dancers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Syracuse Ny is filled with good eats, Restaurants and lots of hidden treasures in and around the surrounding city. I would first set plans for breakfast, lunch , and dinner then plan a cute outing. Maybe a walk or a trip to the waterfalls, or maybe a fun night out on the town. Im more of a go with the wind type of girl so skys the limite and just roll with the punches.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Iv’e been so fortuneante to have the support system that ive had my grandmother, mom, brother, and wife have been unbelievable supportive this whole process and i cant thank them enough. My grrandmother and mother who spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars for me to have the best opportunities possible .My beautiful wife for understanding my long hours at the studio, frequent weekends away from each other, and knowing be right home means at least 1 hour longer. My younger brother who made me fall in love with dance again and pushes me everyday to try to keep up with him. Along with with my family and friends my students played and play a huge role in keeping everything in balance and the love for dance at its peak. I’m thankful for great dance teachers and those who werent so great they all played a role in helping me grow into the dance teacher i am today. Most of all im going to give myself credit for the old me, the present me and the future me for not and never giving up no matter the obstacle, and excepting growth and trusting the process designed for my life passion and career.

Website: dominiquesdancecreations.com

Instagram: @dominiquesdancecreations

Facebook: @dominiquesdancecreations

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dominiques-dance-creations-syracuse

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpHd1i6gmc-vMO94VxllCyA https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtLIsev6ovsywiiw6UqXZNg

Image Credits
All image credits go to Lynea D’Aprix a local artist from syracuse ny !

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