Today we’d like to introduce you to Ieema Copeland.
Ieema, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started dancing at the age of six. Trained in the art of jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, modern, lyrical, flamingo, and African at Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Around the age of 19, I received a scholarship to Debbie Reynolds dance studio where I trained intensely for six months straight under well know even legend choreographers.
What lead me here today I know was dedication, perseverance, faith, humility, and ambition.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I feel like no road is smooth. Especially in the entertainment industry its politics every second insight and out of sight if that makes sense. I won’t say my road was tragic but it was many obstacles that lead me to break downs, self-doubt, depression, and in the end hustle. Training to be great and fulfill star qualities is apart of my job and the career path I chose; However, around the age of 19 is when I saw all that doesn’t matter. I didn’t book a lot of jobs I wanted because I was too short, my body Type, I’m too strong of a dancer, or even because of the star energy I poses have made artist, castings not want me for certain jobs.
That within its self hurt a lot because of the sacrifices being made to get to get to these casting for example working a part-time job leaving constantly to take a risk to book a gig lead me to possibly losing my constant income. Someone told me before its 3% dance opened up a lot in my mind and gave me a different outlook on how to run this danced industry. Life isn’t going to get easier and the career I chose is only going to get deeper as I become great so I’m well prepped for the constant obstacles they just continue to add to who I am.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a professional dancer at heart but a jack of all trades overall. I can act, play sports well, and I am tech savvy which many doesn’t know. I’m known for my authenticity, energy, and performance. Everyone knows when I come around or step on to a stage Its going to be a good time. I’m proud that my brand has a great work history with others which leads me to continue to work with the same people often and open doors for others toward with me.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I learned quick everyone definition of success is different from the different paths my group of friends decided to take after high school. Personally for me, success is not only being able to be wealthy for self but everyone around me. Wealth in knowledge, energy, financially, and love. All the thing I want to spread while being success. Owning my own business, having my foot in different lanes then just dance and just paving the way for the next young African American to be able to do what they want in the future. I’m still going on my path so I’m not fully clear on my markers I feel they will change just as much as I grow and witness new things in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ieemac.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ieemac
- Twitter: @ieema
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