Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonaye Kelsey Anderson
Jonaye Kelsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My love for the arts began when I was training as a classical ballet and hip-hop dancer at Philadanco, The Philadelphia Dance Company. I remember leading the ensemble with my first solo performance and I was extremely excitable. It was at the Academy Music Theater, which was grand and beautiful that held so much history. Once I got on stage, my worries disappeared. I heard the music and just let myself go. It was a complete out of body experience that’s hard to explain in so many words but simply as once in a lifetime moment. I felt free on stage, like this is where I belong. The movie Grease played a pivotal contribution as well. I had the VHS tape, and I would reenact the catchy dance moves and mimic word for word all the scenes throughout the movie in my bedroom. Then it hit me, “I want to do acting too! I want to do that on stage too!” I just wanted to perform in any way all the time.
I am where I am today by just staying consistent with loving the arts and never losing sight of the work. Dreams are scary sometimes, knowing what you’re passionate about can feel complex with conflictions because it’s the navigation of how you are going to get there, right? Just never lose sight.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course not. I believe anything you want in life is never easy, it comes with a fight or flight response. I won’t define it as a struggle but much rather an eye opener aligning with always being tenacious. My grim persistence and drive have not only allowed me to hone my craft in a dogged way but continue my constant efforts of showing up despite any hurdle thrown in my direction. Being the “new guy”, the not as experienced, working through the pandemic timeline, and now the strikes. Navigating through those times, past and current, while still trying to make sure I’m not depleting what I know I’m capable of, has been an ugly and beautiful truth.
I sought out the representation I needed to see and feel to push forth the physical manifestation of my dreams. You must have representation, you must be determined and tenacious, you must love yourself and believe that you are deserving of all that you are working hard for. Struggling makes the perfect story; it’s the humanity of the experience you learn the greatest lessons.
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?
What I want to be known for is being fully immersed and fully committed to the connectivity of the arts through my work.
My ability of being honorable and demonstrating deference to the work that was done by the generations before me. I think that’s important and that’s what I’m most proud of. I don’t take this for granted nor do I not take it seriously, I found my own algorithm and really leaned on that to highlight who I am and what I stand for that champions the kind of work I wish to create. All that resonates within me is what I’m diving deep into with no limitations.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. It’s deep, it’s raw, it’s visceral; it focuses the attention associated with self-worth and identity. The book is highlighting colorism, how you view beauty specially as a black woman, and the self-hatred of not accepting who are you and wanting to be someone/something better. I definitely say you must dedicate time because that’s key in truly understanding the message. Her writing, the quality, the poetic feels of it, just evokes emotions and feelings that you adapt for the characters even within yourself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jonayekelsey
- Other: https://imdb.com/jonayekelsey
