Friday, August 25, 2006

dream two : becoming a performer



In High school, me and my boys used to go to house parties, and school dances, and there would be so many girls. The music would be playing and some B.I.G., Puff Daddy, or Lil Kim song would be jamming... everyone would get up and dance and sign along to every single lyric! It was so fun! During the end of the night, the club music would start playing, and all the guys would find a girl, and grind like no other! It was quite provocative at 16 years old, but that's how we were.

Yet at times, the best dancers would get on the floor and do there thing! Everyone would crowd around them in a circle and Just kill it! It was just so entertaining and so much fun!

I always wanted to do that... but I couldn't dance. Then on top of that, both of my best friends were great dancers. Every party they would show off, and I could never compete.

I was very depressed about this for a long time. So, I would sit at home and watch my girls TLC, and try and learn there dances. They were so amazing when they performed together, but whenever a Janet or Michael video came on, I was in AWE! Thriller. Pleasure Principle. Remember the Time. All For You. It was just so intrigued by how they would entertain and express themselves through Dance.

Secretly... I would learn a move here. Learn a move there. Any of my friends know, when I'm really happy, I'm always moving or doing a little dance. When I started going to gay clubs, I would sneak into a corner, and when a Beyonce or Ciara song would come on, I would zone into my own little world and dance like there was no tomorrow! Then at home, I would watch Usher or Omarion and just take on some of there moves, and some how through all these people I would come up with my own style... not having any dance training at all.

I went to my first BALL yesterday (The Latex Ball) with Fuzzy, Omar, L, and his friend Disco. I heard about it from Frank Leon Roberts, and with all the photos he has on his blog, I told myself I would let go of all the stigmas I heard about the Ballroom scene, and check it out for myself. Interesting enough I was intrigued and entertained. While I am not fond of the strong criticism on looks and labels, I was fascinated by the fashion & dancing protrayed by my fellow brothas. Gay men are very creative. I don't know how to "VOGUE", but the dance is so expressive, it seems as if it a release for some. What was really amazing about the night was that JANET JACKSON was there Herself, looking down from the balcony as if she was a Queen looking upon her subjects in approval.

To PERFORM IS TO FULFILL, CARRY OUT, PRESENT, ACT, EXECUTE, OR ACCOMPLISH!

All these qualities can be great personal qualities to have in life. Could dancing make me a better person? Do I have what it takes to achieve this dream of performing? Could I dance to entertain others, and people enjoy it?





[This is me practicing, be gentle, tell me what you think...]

22 comments:

WATER said...

You made my Sunday...I'm adopting you as my little bro'for sure...You too cute...I loved the video...LOL!!!

Maybe Next Time... You and I should do a duet...I'll pull some choreography together...ready?

Nika Laqui said...

Shawn this is why I love you....

I was gone ask you to do another youtube with you performing, you must've read my mind....

I was thinking of doing this same thing, once I get my camcorder game up....I hope yall don't laugh at me...

But you did well....I got some moves I would like to add....but overall it was great...

And if it sucked, you know I would tell you, right?

TheBlacks said...

B R A V O -- In your former life you were a big star!

antneya said...

I LOVED IT!!!!..I would much rather be entertained by you than Cassie.

For someone who thought they couldnt dance, you did your thing!

fuzzy said...

You da man! I aint know you had alla that in you... You know U got some moves, maybe you should think about some side dance work! might alotta money and with training you could be the Michael Jackson's replacement and Usher's rival! GO FOR IT!!!

Ladynay said...

Awwww I gotta watch when I get home :-(

Anonymous said...

That was hott...u could definatley be one of cassies dancers on tour. U made the song much better. Keep it up.

ShawnQt said...

@ Water
U made me smile... I would so love to do that, just let me know when! i'm down!

@ forever disco
LOL at the Blur... I had to bring the song up a notch, it just felt right... amazing how I can feel music... but dancing seems like u can control it.

@ Nsane
I love u to!
U better, Im waiting! Hey send me a video on some moves I should learn!

@ theblacks
Thanks man! Another life, hmmmm?


@ Ant
Thanks man, Im trying, Im trying! If you need a dancer for one of ur movies, let me know!

ShawnQt said...

@ Fuzzy
I am trying to set up a striptease for you, lol

@ ladynay
Oh Lady! lol

@ Tony
Thanks man!!!!!!!!

Barney said...

Im impressed...

Barney said...

Im very impressed!!!!

Dayne Avery said...

YOU BETTER DANCE!!!!!!!!!

Ty said...

Go Shawn!!! Do your thang boi. What do you mean you can't dance?!? They will have to create a new category for you at the next ball. Watch out!!!

Marz said...

YOU SERVED CASSIE. SHE CAN"T HANDLE IT.


I thought you were about to vogue though. I was waiting to see a dip and what not, as someone screamed, "I AM IN CHARGE OF THE GURLS".


I used to sit around and learn videos too. LOVED Aaliyah's doings. So close to getting Ciara's new one down packed.


-Marz

Anonymous said...

Go Ahead Shawn!!!
Pretty good..I think Janet is missing a backup dancer...:-)
I'm waiting for you to do a dance for "Ring the alarm".. I know you'll kill it!!

heartbreaker said...

lol shawn, i love it :) u r so fulla surprises, and i'm sure there's more to come, right?

Anonymous said...

Had to watch it again!!!

Rodney said...

That's HOT! I must be present at the debut performance.

Very sexy. If we wasn't married... to other people... LOL

Thanks for always making my day sunny.

C. Baptiste-Williams said...

that was too funny... u better dance

K Kaos said...

Shawn U have big balls and u have big balls lol..nah that took some courage to let everyone see u dance like that, i only do that kinda dancing in privacy. U got some skills man, u should have showed Cassie's non dancing ass. Anyways dude, MAD RESPECT

Ya boy Maurice said...

Thats how many people learn how to dance.

CollectiveFellow said...

I love it! You got moves. You need to audition for the next season of "So You Think You Can Dance." Those dance professionals bring it, and so can you!