Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Thompson.
Camille, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have danced since before I could remember. Dance has always been an integral part of my life, driving me naturally through all the trials life has to offer. I have been trained in all styles of dance including jazz, contemporary, ballet, and most importantly, hip hop. I have taught dance since the tender age of 17 professionally. I first became a director at age 18. I was a dancer for the Dallas Mavericks in 2005-2006 and 2010-2011. In the interim, I traveled to Los Angeles where I appeared in several music videos and commercial publications.
In 2012, I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl, Cooper. Throughout the course of the pregnancy, I gained a total of 80 pounds. Being that I danced for the NBA for two years, my body and physical appearance were extremely important to me. So one can only imagine the torment I experienced being heavier than normal. I began to fall into depression, Not wanting to perform. Not wanting to be in front of a camera. Not MYSELF. Before Cooper’s 2nd birthday, I decided to get very serious about my fitness so I can regain my confidence and return to my natural confident self. Although the weight came off, something was still missing. I was missing the confidence that once fueled my will to create.
In 2015 I founded MOM CREW. A dance team comprised of all, moms and grandmas of all shapes sizes and ethnicities. Mom Crew was designed to create a space for moms to express themselves and regain confidence after having children. I also created Moms with Moves, a dance class created for moms to be able to take a dance class that may be out of their comfort zone without making the UNCOMFORTABLE. Moms with Moves is also a tool used to prepare ladies interested in auditioning for the crew, however, class takers are not required to audition. Mom Crew has appeared and performed nationally and locally for the last four years spreading love and encouragement everywhere we go. We have appeared on Good Morning Texas, So you Think you Can Dance, D magazine, Pro Dance Cheer Magazine, Wfaa, CBS News Fox News and More.
We also contribute countless hours to our community by way of charitable dance workshops, hospital and nursing home visits, charitable races, feeding the homeless, providing for the less fortunate and much more. In 2018, I became pregnant with my second daughter Cadence. During this pregnancy, my belly appeared all over the internet and television screen. My baby and I began to bond via dance well before she was born. This joy and many more amazing experiences are what fuels us to keep going. Mom Crew has paved the way for moms everywhere to be motivated to follow their dreams and continue to chase their dreams no matter what obstacles may stand in their way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When you hear the term “Mom”, you think mom jeans and snotty noses. Diaper changes and carpool. Our attempt to recreate the stereotype has been a long road. Our journey to gaining respect has had its own set of struggles. We have certainly be shunned and laughed at. That is, until the beat drops. After showcasing in the World of Dance competition in 2018, we returned in 2019 to compete, where we beat out several younger teams and took 3rd place. We then were invited to travel to Los Angeles and compete for the World title where we took 4th in the nation 12th in the World. Being that we are a dance team comprised of women averaging in age about 30 years old, this was a huge accomplishment. Not only are we older, but we are all responsible for tiny humans daily. The respect we have begun to receive is amazing. All the struggles have been worth it.
Mom Crew – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mom Crew has gained respect and recognition over the past several years. Although it hasn’t been easy, every roadblock we have had to climb over has proven to make us stronger as a unit. We are proud of our sisterhood and the examples we set for our children. Our kids get to watch us try over and over again at something that doesn’t come as easy to us as it does to some. We show our kids daily that when you put your mind over matter you can achieve anything. What sets us apart from others is our resilience.
Through it all, we push through. Getting sitters for long rehearsals, dragging our kids out in their pajamas to make sure we are ready for the opportunities that present themselves at the drop of a dime, and dancing through physical ailments that arise from old age (let’s face it this is a real thing). We are known for our energy and positivity when we walk in. We are asked to perform to spread our message and encourage with every “move” we make.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Personally, I see success being defined as setting a goal and working diligently to achieve that goal. It is not measured by money or fame, but more so by your ability to remain consistent in the face of adversity and tribulation. Some of the most successful people are behind closed doors, doing good no matter what the cost. TO be successful in our own right, we have to stay focused and diligent and remember that even slow progress is progress. Do not give up.
Pricing:
- Moms with Moves $15 per class Monday 8pm Friday 6:30 Centre for dance
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.MOMCREWDFW.COM WWW.MOMSWITHMOVES.COM
- Phone: 214-364-3224
- Email: INFO@MOMCREWDFW.COM INFO@MOMSWITHMOVES.COM
- Instagram: @MOMCREWOFFICIAL @MOMSWITHMOVES
- Facebook: /MOMCREWOFFICIAL
- Twitter: @MOMCREWOFFICIAL
- Other: YOUTUBE.COM/MOMCREW
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