Today we’d like to introduce you to Jewel Delegall.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My career began at the age of three when I did a Buick Regal commercial with my father. That’s when the seed was planted. My parents didn’t necessarily want me to be a showbiz kid but allowed me to dance after school. I started with tap and then eventually fell in love with jazz and ballet gave me a solid foundation. In high school, I performed at birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, and then I met Jasmine Guy coming out of high school, and she gave me my first video job. I worked as a professional dancer and choreographer for many years before starting a second career in non-profit.
My work in non-profit was sparked through my career in entertainment. I always wanted to be of service whether it was a beach clean-up or serving food to the homeless when I was in high school, but when I worked with Gregory Hines, Jasmine Guy and L.L. Cool J, my perspective changed. Jasmine Guy was on the board of directors at A Place Called Home, and when I was on tour with L.L. Cool J, he made it a point that the tour bus stop at a women’s shelter. Gregory Hines would donate his time to tap schools all around the country and if you could get him there, he would let the studio keep all profits. In my eyes, these were stars who didn’t have the time, but it was exactly the opposite. They all had this spirit of giving back and being part of something bigger than themselves which sparked something within me, as well.
I started my full-time work in a non-profit in 2011 as the Dance Coordinator for A Place Called Home while working as Associate Choreographer for Prince’s Coming to America residency at the Forum. Another trailblazer who gave so much of his heart through his work. I knew when the tour was over that I would be diving into a new world, and it excited me although I knew that entertainment would have to take a back seat.
Working through many different positions at APCH led me to becoming Chief Program Officer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was definitely not a smooth road but when you commit to anything, there will always be roadblocks. I was lucky that I had a family who understood the entertainment business so when things weren’t going my way I had a foundation and family support to catch my fall. I am so grateful to hip-hop music. It changed the landscape for brown-skinned dancers, but specifically dark-skinned black women. There were many moments when I knew I didn’t get jobs because I wasn’t the right type.
When I decided to switch gears and work in a non-profit, it was a financial challenge. I had to take a pay cut, work side jobs to meet all of my expenses. I learned so much during that period about myself. Grit, resilience, and heart are all part of the non-profit identity so I had to put the dance shoes to the side and learn a new language. The salary and opportunities eventually came and I prepared myself for them. I took a lot of professional development workshops, spoke to people, and watched so many videos my eyes crossed. I left no stone unturned. I also was able to develop relationships with mentors. They helped me so much along the way.
I would say that the work in both worlds now makes me feel complete. I don’t have to choose one or the other, it’s yes and.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I chose artist creative because in addition to my work in the nonprofit industry, I’m also a dancer, actor, writer and director. While working in a non-profit, I have continued to develop myself. From directing community theater for youth to choreographing for a corporate event, my creative self needs the freedom to express. I am currently in a method writing class which eventually I hope will lead me to write work for myself to perform.
How do you define success?
Success looks different for everyone but for me…..when I am solvent financially, taking good care of myself and family, holding space for my talent to express itself, have healthy and loving relationships, and ultimately having a platform to be of service, I feel successful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jeweldelegall
- Facebook: @jeweldelegall
- Twitter: @thebabyjewel
Image Credits
Mike Quain photo
