Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Deskewies.
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born January 23 1997 in Memphis, TN. I spent 15 years there in local community theatre training under Julie Freeman, Kathy Caradine and Bob Westbrook entertainment, competitive cheerleadering, playing cello and on a competitive hip hop dance team. I was 15 when my father passed. My mom and I decided to relocate to Dallas, TX where I graduated from Coram Deo Academy. I went to two schools to make up for the credits I didn’t have from Mississippi school district. During this time, I studied under Dallas Ballet Company and Dallas Symphony Orchestra. I attended University of Texas at Tyler on the CAP Program for a BFA in musical theatre. I came home shortly to reconvene with my mother. She was and still is my rock throughout everything difficult in my life. I turned 20 and started auditioning for local community theatre and performed at Six Flags Over Texas for 6 years while working other jobs outside of a performance contract. Between the ages of 20 and 26, I networked to find professional theatres and studios. I trained hip hop with Next Step Dance and performed in a couple of music videos for local DFW artists. I went from performing at Six Flags to choreographing my first big show for Fright Fest bringing all of the original performers who had performed there for the last 20 years. After 7 years at Six Flags Over Texas, I said goodbye to the stages I felt I grew up on in my twenties. I recently choreographed The Producers for Firehouse Theatre and the Descendants for Theatre Arlington where I now teach adult musical theatre. In the last two years, I recieved my personal training license. I train women to be the best and strongest version of themselves as the women in my family trained me to be. As of this year, I have joined an agency and am training for film opportunities while working the service industry and the gym. At this moment, I have four jobs. Many think I’m insane for it but I believe our best selves are found through our passions and gifts being able to thrive.
Now that you have a list of my accomplishments and deeds, I’ll just say none of this came without struggles or difficulty. I have been to many a funeral for my friends and family since I moved here. I’ve moved and lived several different lives in my short 29 years. I still have many plans and adventures for the future but I wouldn’t be where I am without my support system. My mother, brother, sister and step father have always been in my corner cheering me on. Not everyone is blessed to have such a family who encourages your dreams.
I have big dreams and plans for myself and those around me. The main goal while in each phase in life is to leave people better than you found them. It is a gift to be able to use your talents and inspire others at the same time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. I buried my father, my grandparents, my best friends and versions of myself to lose my ego and embrace what my purpose is. I battled illnesses, endured a toxic marriage and worked minimum 2 jobs for 8 years straight. I, however, firmly believe that people are either blessings or lessons. Experiencing so much death from a younger age shaped me into appreciating those around me with the time we have left.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in strength training for women’s personal training and am in the process of getting my NASM and dietician license.
When it comes to dance, I am most known for hip hop as it was from my Memphis roots but I have a lasting love for musical theatre choreo. Specifically Fosse.
My favorite roles I ever played were Maggie Winslow in A Chorus Line at Theatre Memphis or Pop in Chicago at Stagedoor Manor in NY.
I’m proud of a lot of aspects in my life but mostly of who I have become. I’d like to think that I’m more than the sum of what I have done. I’m proud of the people I have in my circle. I’m proud to be the daughter of the two most hardest working people I’ve ever known.
I think the aspect that sets me a part is my work ethic. I may not be the best in the room, but I’ll put the work in to earn a place next to the best. I am still learning and will continue to learn for the rest of my life.
What are your plans for the future?
The goal has always been the same though the plans to get there can change. I’m saving to move to NY to one day make a Broadway show. In the process of performing locally, I decided to expand my entertainlent bubble ane try film. I signed with an agency. I’m in training for future projects currently but am excited for what is in the works.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jessicadeskewies.org
