I am so thrilled to welcome this month’s Backstage Blog interviewee, Jinah Parker!

I first got to know Jinah and her work through our mutual friend Erin Pride. These two powerhouses hosted an amazing workshop over the summer on racism in the dance industry, and how we as dance educators, can do our part to end the systems of injustice and prejudice that have been the cause of so much loss of life in our world for far too long.

Jinah not only has a profound knowledge of dance, but is an Emotional Wellness Coach (which, if you know me, you know is totally my jam). She’s the bright light we all need right now, but especially as 2020 comes to a close and we start to think on what we want our new year to look like.

Learn more about Jinah’s work here, and be sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s dive in!

KC: What's your background with dance?

JP: I started dancing at the age of four, my work is inspired by the tenacity of Debbie Allen and the endless intellectual curiosity of Katherine Dunham. I received a Masters Degree in Dance Education from New York University and a B.A. in Dance from the University at Buffalo, where I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa National Honors Society. Prior to my graduate studies, I was a member of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II (DCDC2), Lehrer Dance and also participated in regional productions of AIDA and Beauty and the Beast. During my studies at NYU, I began working with Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, where I had the honor of performing numerous works by Eleo Pomare; and with Annabella Gonzalez Dance Theater, where I soon became a commissioned choreographer.

KC: Was it love at first plie?

JP: According to my mom I have always been dancing and started choreographing my own routines at a young age.

KC: Who are your dance heroes, and why?

JP: Debbie Allen, because she’s freaking incredible and has had an expansive career as a dancer, choreographer, director, producer, business owner, educator, innovator, and continues to uplift and inspire the dance community to this day. Bob Fosse, because he turned his unique awkwardness into his empire!

KC: Tell us about your work.

JP” While my work has led me to teach internationally, I have also worked as a full-time dance educator in both the Buffalo and New York City Departments of Education. I love higher education, where I have worked as a semester substitute and as a guest artist. I am delighted to be able to continue to work with this population during various college residences while I teach part-time at The Dalton School. My specialties are in modern technique, dance composition, and curriculum writing.

In 2016, I was signed to American Programing Bureau (APB ), the oldest and one of the largest lecture booking agencies in the country. I was also awarded a 2017-2018 CUNY Dance Initiative Residency at Brooklyn College, and was also in residency at St. Francis College in Downtown Brooklyn, NY. During this time I was also commissioned to create a curriculum for Nadine Bommer Dance Company -- one of Israel’s major artistic institutions.

Before my most recent work, I created “Statement Pieces,” which revolved around mental health and identity. This premiered at the Obie-Award winning Dixon Place in New York City. With the development of “SHE, a Choreoplay,” one can further see how my artistic work is integrative. “SHE, a Choreoplay,” is a dance and theatrical performance that focuses on ending violence against women and girls, healing, and empowerment. “SHE is an artistic mirror for our past and present political and social climates. “With ‘SHE,' Jinah Parker triumphs Over A Culture that Abuses Women” (The Village Voice) and extends beyond the stage with interactive conversations and educational tools. As a way to enhance my artistic work and embracing lifelong learning I received a license in Neuro Linguistic Programming under the teaching of Jeffrey V. Noble and founder Richard Bandler. I now work with clients one on one in my private coaching practice, while integrating these tools within my artistic work and residencies. As a result of this Off-Broadway work, I have received generous accolades and support from well-known artists such as Eve Ensler, creator of The Vagina Monologues;” actress and best-selling author Gabrielle Union; in addition, to support from NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill, Elle magazine and The National Organization of Women.

KC: How did you get into teaching?

I first taught because I needed the extra money as I was auditioning and working low paying dance jobs. Teaching at studios was a form of sustainability. It wasn't until I moved back to my hometown of Buffalo for two years that I really got serious about teaching. I was offered a job at The Buffalo School for the Performing Arts and in order to receive full salary and benefits I had to enroll back into school and work towards my New York State teachers certification. It was actually a former professor of mine from undergraduate that told me to apply for the job, prepped me and even mentored me as a new teacher on the weekends. So much gratitude for her. She opened up a whole new world and my perception of teaching completely shifted. I discovered that while I loved to perform on stage that this was also provided a sense of joy and accomplishment. I started to think of teaching as a daily performance and writing curriculum as creating choreography.

KC: How has COVID affecting your teaching/business/work?

JP: I have not let it stop me. I am also super grateful to have a job! ZOOM teaching has not been easy as it is far more challenging and a heck of a lot more work but my students continue to rise to the occasion and that excites me. I have continued to produce new dance work and online residencies, while also expanding my one on one coaching practice.

KC: Are there any cliches or preconceptions about dance you try to correct in your teaching/work?

JP: Not really, I work to connect with the soul and humanity of the dancer. The dancers that come out of my space always say that they learn far more than dance and composition. They gain confidence and become better humans, which of course improves their dancing exponentially.

KC: Is there one thing you think the dance community needs more of, less of, or to get better at?

JP: The dance community needs more funding. The field can sometimes feel vulturistic (meaning ‘vulture like’ this is not really a word but I’m going to go with it) rather than commutative. This can create a hardship for artists both emotionally and financially due to the lack of resources to go around. There is a lot of incredible work each year that does not get funded. However knowing this has also made me use my creativity to gain resources from non traditional art sources.

KC: What's next for you and your business? Do you have any exciting projects on the horizon?

JP: There are a few project revolving right now:

Continued residencies for SHE, a Choreoplay

The creation of a new virtual work around creating a deeper understanding about racism and how to move forward and heal. A new curriculum scaffolded for various age groups will accompany this work.

I am working on my second play which will have a formal reading in the new year.

Continue to offer one on one emotional wellness coaching to help women get unstuck and manifest the life they want and deserve.

Launching an Emotional Wellness Subscription for monthly group support.

Launching a podcast based on my Instagram #WellnessWednesday LIVE Series Come Hell or High Water: Stories of women overcoming. This will premiere in February of 2021.

KC: That all sounds amazing! And now, just for funsies…

Burritos or tacos?

JP: Both but if I must choose, I guess tacos!

KC: Legwarmers or ballet skirts?

JP: Legwarmers, I’m about that 1980’s look

KC: Disco balls or rainbows?

JP: Disco ball because I freakin love the 70’s

KC: Center Stage or Flashdance?

JP: Um hello, Jennifer Beals all the way!

KC: One word to describe yourself?

JP: Grateful!

So many wonderful things to look forward to from Jinah! Make sure you give her amazing work a look, and take it with you into this new year - dance + emotional wellness for the win!

Emotional Wellness in Dance: Jinah Parker