Moriah Janae Dance Scholarship

Nakendal Simmons 1/5/25 Dear Brown Girl Judith Jamison once said, “to share our humanity is what we’re here for”. I truly believe that dance keeps the world connected and emotional. Allowing people to observe stories without words to dictate their perspectives. Dance has always kept me in tune and connected to the world in a spiritual realm. Yet at face value I’ve always wondered if there was a woman in this world that could inspire me, dancing astoundingly and boldly for everyone to see. In all truth I mean a black woman. One who stood in a room full of no one that looked like her and strived to succeed. Not only breaking the stereotypical barriers of dance but setting the example of what a strong idol for young black women can be. To myself I repeat, dear black girl no matter how hard life hits you remember to always get back up no matter how hard it may seem. There's always a little black girl admiring you somewhere. I hope to inspire girls like me to express, to give them motivation to break generational curses not only in their families but also in the world so we prevail forward together. Because of Lauren Anderson I dance boldly, she proved to me that we can overcome adversity, my body doesn’t have to be slim to elongate my movements and I don’t have to be tall to reach for the stars. All I have to do is be determined and be me. To all black girls who are nervous to step out into that light, remember that your art is whatever you interpret it to be. Everyone's view on stories is what makes the world such a beautiful place. Expressive is how I would describe myself, sometimes I don’t know how to word what I’m feeling especially when overwhelmed. Words are so beautiful yet when put in chaotic situations words can’t seem to form. But dance, just moving my body to every melody, every beat, every vocal or instrumental. Something about the colors I see in my brain that begin to pour out of my body when I move will always recharge my soul and replenish my social and emotional battery. Dance is joy, dance is magical, dance is that breath of fresh air in a view full of raw nature. A gift from God that I will forever cherish and continue to be thankful for. I pray that when my art is seen I’m unforgettable, my art is unapologetic and I will never apologize for my craft. I plan to start my own dance company at the age of 27. I will continue to train in all styles in college, making myself brandable and versatile in every field. I see myself dancing with legends such as Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Sza, Kendrick Lamar and J Cole just to name a few. I want to leave an impact, a message of perseverance and consistency. Paving the way for all black girls to stand in the front of the room and take up space confidently. I remind myself the tunnel may not always be the brightest but if Ray Charles can play the piano I can dance when obstacles from the world are put in front of me. With perseverance and hardwork you can be the best at anything you want to be if you put your mind to it. I’m dedicated and motivated to be the epitome of joyous passion through dance.