My name is Nateaya Brown. I’m 20 years old and I am an assistant tutor of G-Expressions. I started off as a casual participant in the open dance classes, before becoming an assistant.
It all began with just attending the dance lessons because I simply enjoyed them. Over the years my experience and knowledge have deepened and its definitely opened a window of opportunities for me.
Grab some popcorn and get comfortable so I can tell you all about it.
Urban Dance have had a huge impact on my life. I grew up around family members that were and still are talented in their own personal and unique pursuit, which has always kept me driven as an individual. Dance is more than exercise, it’s a way of life. It has helped me to be creative, have vision and express myself.
It has been an escape from day to day life. It’s a unique and authentic art, where you are not judged and looked down upon.
I first started dance classes with G-Expressions when I was in high school. This was opened up to the community and there were all kinds of people, with different diversities, ethnic backgrounds and abilities. You felt instantly comfortable with the tutors and those taking part in the dance sessions.
Growing up I had low self-esteem and confidence.
Being in this dance community and surrounded by all these people helped me grow self-esteem and confidence, which was great.
A year or so within attending the open community dance sessions G–Expressions had opened a dance studio named ‘Bella Bella Dance Studio’. It was a wide space with a set of mirrors, a toilet at the back and a small desk at the front of the studio.
The dance community had grown. The tutors created separate classes. Those who wanted to be in the open class were separated from the actual dance group.
We were now a dance group!
We had become more than an open class, we were now a dance group! I had made friends with people like me and we all shared the same interest. It really helped my gain in confidence and self-esteem.
Venom. That was the name of our dance group. We were the best of the best and that’s how we viewed it. We adored each other and had a lot of respect for one another. We were more than a dance group, we were family. Dance had improved our creativity, rhythm, confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.
It was the best feeling. I had met my best friend through dance.
G-Expression offered us a free course. Level 2 and 3 Dance Leaders gave me the opportunity to become a tutor. This meant being able to teach dance lessons and get paid for what we had passion and love for! We all grabbed the opportunity to do so.
I am now a qualified dance tutor
I am now a qualified dance tutor. I’m self-employed and I earn money teaching the community dance classes. I have fun whilst helping other young people build their confidence, like the tutors had supported and helped me.
Make Or Break’ was one of the best experiences of my life. Being a part of a production dancing and acting with a big crowd at the Riverfront Theatre was another stepping stone to self-development and personal growth.
A year later I found myself doing other courses outside of dance, but it all started with G-Expressions. I wouldn’t of built my confidence and self–esteem, made amazing lifelong friends, getting qualified and having the opportunity to be self-employed and support the community within dance itself.
G-Expression have recently taught a level 2 Dance Leaders course, where I had supported the young people and the main tutors. I also documented the course, the young people’s experience within dance and their own personal point of views. It was amazing seeing them grow, evolve and develop as individuals.
Watching their growth through the course and how much it has impacted their individual lives has been such a pleasure for me.
Motherhood!
I’ve recently become a mother to my first son Zion-Israel. Being a ‘young mum’ is often stereotyped that your life is over. This is a huge transition for me, but G-Expressions has continued to involve me in future plans and opportunities, and I can’t thank them enough.
I’m excited to work hard and continue to support and change the community for the better. Helping support young people and adults that want to progress, grow and evolve through dance and creative production.
Being a full-time mum isn’t easy at all, but the support I’ve had has truly be amazing and I’m excited for what the future has in store for G-Expressions and those involved.
By Nateaya Brown.
