Today we’d like to introduce you to Justice Moore.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Justice. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Dancing has always been one of the most significant parts of my life. I’ve been training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary and other techniques for 14 years now. When I was younger, I participated in many competitions and conventions, including one called NYCDA. This is where the choreographer of Hamilton, Andy Blankenbuehler, saw me in class. Andy would also come to my studio in Frisco, Texas to teach master classes. In December 2015 of my senior year, my studio director gave me some life changing news. She said Andy had contacted her to see if I was interested in going to New York City to audition for the new hit musical, Hamilton. I was filled with nerves and excitement and hope. I could not wait to audition, and in February of 2016, I got my chance.
I remember being in that audition room being so anxious but so eager to learn all I could. We learned segments of “Yorktown” and “My Shot.” Some cuts were made and those asked to stay had to sing. Even more, cuts were made, and those left learned a segment of “What Did I, Miss.” After that, we were all sent home and told they would contact us if we made callbacks. And sure enough, in May of that same year, I got to go back to NYC and do it all again, final callbacks. I was just as nervous and just as excited as the first round. I remember my body being so comfortable with the movement. Everything just clicked. I made it through the whole day of final callbacks. Then on June 3rd, my 19th birthday and graduation day, I found out I was going to be in the second company of Hamilton in Chicago. It was a pretty good day. 🙂
I stayed in the Chicago company from August 2016 to October 2017. I got to perform on the same stage with some of the greatest Broadway Vets, including Karen Olivo, Josh Henry and Wallace Smith. The year was truly a blessing. I’d heard there was a second tour opening up toward the end of my run, and being as young as I was, I wanted to jump at the opportunity to travel to different cities and perform the show I love. So from December 2017 to March 2019, I got to go to 14 cities and meet some of my very best friends to this day. Towards the end of my tour run around January, I’d heard there was an opening in the Broadway company for my track, “The Bullet.” Again, I jumped at the opportunity to perform in the greatest city with the greatest show, and on March 27th, I made my broadway debut with Hamilton.
Each company, Chicago, Tour, and Broadway has been a dream come true on top of another. I learned so much within each year and got to meet and work with the most amazing people. I’m still with the broadway company today, and I fall in love with the show every time I step on stage.
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?
That first year in Chicago was probably the biggest learning experience out of all three companies. One of the big challenges was learning music. I’ve always been able to sing and had an ear for harmonies, but learning and breaking down the music and trying to memorize 50 songs were very challenging. Usually, people go to school for this, but I was learning right there on the job. I also learned so much about the industry by watching. I watched class acts like Karen and Josh as much as I could. I watched how they talked to and treated people, how they learned and how they weren’t afraid to ask questions. Since I wasn’t experienced in this world at all, I wanted to observe and soak in as much information as I could.
Being the youngest person in the room, sometimes, I felt less than or undeserving. I would look around the room and see all the talent that surrounded me and, at times, it would make me feel so little. It was a mental battle to get passed that and assure myself that I belonged there. I promised I wouldn’t let myself or anyone else tell me differently.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m a person that wants to learn everything about everything. I enjoy research and reading and observing. I always try to stay teachable and soak in any and all information. I think sometimes young people try to put up the front that they know everything. I do it too. At times, we’re afraid to ask questions and admit we’re wrong. I’ve tried to get rid of that habit since I started working. I’ve tried to keep my mind open and stay a hungry student, and I think that has produced a successful career.
Not only am I not afraid to learn, but I also learn fast. I’ve gathered that New York and this industry moves at 100 miles per hour, and to succeed, you must move just as fast. So I’ve done my best to practice learning choreography or any material at hyper speed. I try not to make the same mistake twice and listen very carefully to everything a choreographer says and incorporate it into my movement so they don’t have to repeat anything. People want to work with someone they don’t have to worry about and do what they ask. Doing just that has lead to a great career.
Contact Info:
- Email: info.justicemoore@gmail.com
- Instagram: justice_league97
Image Credit:
Josh Lehrer
Lea Sabban
Joan Marcus
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