Today we’d like to introduce you to Siomara Bridges-Mata.
Siomara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I can remember, I have loved dance. I was so inspired by 90’s Hip-Hop and R&B videos; learning the choreography in these videos was how I passed my time daily. My dream was to become a choreographer and background dancer for the greatest celebrities! All throughout my childhood I made it a priority to join several dance groups, perform at block parties, school events, and family gatherings. I never attended a formal dance school growing up. It wasn’t until my college years that I began my formal training and became fully committed in pursuing dance. I graduated from Queens Borough Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Dance, and furthered my studies at Hunter College, where I received a BA in Dance Education. During this time, I began to struggle with my “dance identity”. I did not know exactly what genre I fit. Being exposed to so many different dance styles, and to the culture and history of dance, was an eye opener for me – I realized I did not want to limit myself to one particular dance or style.
Upon graduation, I continued to audition, perform, and climb my way up to the “top” while focusing on my studies. But it wasn’t until I took my first trip abroad and used dance for a greater cause, when I realized my real passion. I had an epiphany that year; I realized the commercial/entertainment scene was just not for me. I was more passionate about community work and using dance as a vehicle to inspire individuals and help them realize and reach their fullest potentials.
I heard a wise man once say “if the “world doesn’t have something for you, you have to create it!”- and so I did just that! In 2011, I started an independent project called MOVE Bridges Dance Project (MBDP) which has motivated movers of all abilities around the world to #movebridges – to explore, discover and take action in achieving their full potential.
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?
One challenge that has occurred early on in creating this business was keeping focused and believing in the idea. Since all of my peers were auditioning and pursuing their professional dance career- I had no one to relate to and it was tough getting started. But the more I put energy into my work, the more clear my vision became and the more confidence I had in it. I knew I had to pursue this calling- I had found my purpose!
MOVE Bridges Dance Project – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What sets us apart from others is that our classes leverage the openness and fluidity of social dances in a way that enables any mover–with a light heart and desire to try something new–to jump right in with confidence and ease. No matter a mover’s level or ability, MBDP has something for everyone!
Alongside our ongoing workshops for children. We also custom design innovative dance experiences for our MOVE clients that fit their creative needs (i.e. in school/after-school programs, senior citizen workshops, corporate & nonprofit meetings/team building, sweet 16 choreography, wedding dances, video shoots, artist development and more!)
Our unique “Make Moves Method” is not merely exposing movers to dance; we are building bridges to the leaders, thinkers, risk takers, creators, motivators, and visionaries we all have inside of us.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
A proud moment has been MBDP’s 2015 Make Moves tour through Latin America and the Caribbean.I completed a 3-week tour visiting neighborhoods in Haiti, Cozumel and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico and led a series of innovative dance experiences for teachers, children and adults from all walks of life. At the end of each visit the participants were able to perform for their community. I was also able to participate in local dance classes and learn about each culture. It was a life changing experience. I am looking forward to completing another tour and adding more countries to the list!
Another proud moment was starting our MB Dance School this year; which offers ongoing Hip Hop, Street Jazz and Afro-Latin classes for kids ages 6-17 in Duncanville, Texas! Our South Dallas youth now have an empowering dance class to look forward to each week. Those who want to keep up with the project or want to learn more about us can visit us at www.movebridgesdanceproject.c
Contact Info:
- Address: 111 S Cedar Ridge Dr Ste. 110
Duncanville, TX 75116 - Website: movebridgesdanceproject.com
- Phone: 646 403 1281
- Email: mbdanceproject@gmail.com
- Instagram: mbdanceproject
- Facebook: MOVE Bridges Dance Project
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/move-bridges-dance-project-duncanville?osq=dance
- Other: MOVE Bridges Dance Project
Image Credit:
Lyonés Photography
Phillip Van Nostrand
Rebecca Wilson
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