Check Out Dejah Lynn Poole’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dejah Lynn Poole.

Hi Dejah Lynn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started dancing at the age of three years old in my hometown Chicago. My initial training was with a studio called Footworks under the direction of Toni Bell. Here I fell in love with dance and learned the basics of Ballet, Jazz, Horton and Contemporary dance. I learned my foundational skills. I trained at different studios throughout the area like Deeply Rooted, Joffrey Ballet and more. I would travel out of Chicago during summers attending summer intensives like Master Ballet in Arizona and Alvin Ailey in NYC for many years on full scholarship, Anthony Burrell Breaking Barriers and attended many other programs. Throughout the year, I trained at my home dance studio during the week including evenings and weekends. I attended a performing arts grammar school then a performing arts high school. Balancing school as well as dance. It was a grueling schedule but I actually loved it. I have a strong classical dance training background- Ballet, Pointe, Modern/Horton, Contemporary, Jazz, etc.

After graduating from high school, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York at the age of 17 to pursue my dreams of dancing with the Alvin Ailey School. My first month in New York I met my mentor Nijawwon Matthews and have been under his wings since then. While living in NYC, I wanted to challenge myself by not only training in classical dance styles but commercial dance as well. I was running to take Heels and Hip Hop classes after a full day of training at Ailey determined to be well-rounded.

In August 2022 I took a 2-week trip to Los Angeles to feel out the city and dance community. During that short time, the feedback I received from choreographers and other artists in the industry was the confirmation I needed to make that move to advance my career in commercial dance. It was crazy how much love I was shown by the dance community and choreographers. I went home to New York and terminated my lease, sold my belongings and moved out here to LA the next month!

I’ve now been here going on five months and I’ve accomplished so much in a short time. I have enjoyed every last moment and I’m very happy that I made the decision to walk out on faith and move to LA to follow my dreams!

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, it hasn’t been a smooth process at all. I have been judged because of my body type and not given opportunities because of the shape of my body. There was a time in my career I was feeling depressed and trying to stay lifted and motivated. I would walk into class every day feeling down and look at my peers get certain opportunities that I wasn’t offered. I honestly went through a lot of body shaming. When I look back over my journey, I’m glad that it hasn’t been easy because it has only made me stronger, driven and motivated me to succeed. It was a humbling experience that took deep reflection and learning to trust myself and learn self-acceptance first and foremost. Loving my body and not hiding it. I learned the importance of self-esteem because if you don’t love your self the opinions of others will consume you! I learned how to use my body in dance – elongating, strengthening and performance.

At the end of the day, I have a testimony that may help others wanting to get in this industry. To never give up on your dreams and love the body you are in by loving yourself. I kept my head up and proved I deserved to be there. I never gave up nor let those negative things get to me. I kept pushing through the negativity and showed people that because I’m a curvy dancer, I can do just as much as someone without curves. This is why I’m so appreciative of my mentor, teachers and choreographers that came in and out of Ailey who saw something in me and gave me opportunities and many more outside of Ailey. If it wasn’t for them and my Mom really believing in me, speaking life and words of encouragement, I wouldn’t be here today stronger than ever.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional dancer. I am a well-rounded dancer classically trained and trained in commercial dance styles.

I am currently working in the commercial dance industry. I’m known for my artistry and performance qualities- making people feel something when I dance. I want to share my story when I dance and to touch at least one person when I’m dancing. My dance motto is “Dance to Share not Show”. This is what I live by and I believe sets me apart from others. It’s not about the tricks, how high your legs can get up or how many turns can you do. It’s conveying a story, a genuine story. I’m always staying true to who I am and showing who Dejah Lynn Poole is on the dance floor. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. I knew at a young age all I wanted to do was dance and I’m still here today breaking barriers and living out my dreams.

It took a lot for me to get to this point and I credit my village for all the love and support.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Good question, I would say I am a choreographer’s muse. With every dance, I try to interpret and tell a story or the vision they want to convey. I believe this is an important ability to have because choreographers will want to work with you.

Dance has taught me many life skills such as critical thinking, communication, creative thinking, self-awareness, interpersonal relationships and coping under stress. I am a dance artist. I love to perform! This is where my adrenaline kicks in and I want the audience to walk away having enjoyed the experience. I train hard in an array of dance genres. I take classes and train under the best in the industry. Most importantly, I stay true to myself and be unique in my own way. I believe all of this sets me apart and has contributed to my success as a dancer.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dejahpoole 

Image Credits
Alissa Roseborough Sophia Williams Nir Arieli