Meet Courtney Spears | Dancer with Alvin Ailey & Co-Founder & Director of ArtSea Dance

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Spears and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is absolutely terrifying. And risk to me has evolved in so many ways. I don’t see risk necessarily as stepping into something dangerous, which is definitely a direction that we all want to avoid. But I almost see risk as stepping outside of my comfort zone. Thinking big and taking chances on myself that were different and new. I’m a firm believer of making decisions where God has to show up. I’ve found that the most special experiences in my life or career have happened when I took a risk and put myself out there. People have asked me how I’ve been able to reach certain accomplishments, and my answer may come off as a little anticlimactic. But it’s simple, you have to take chances on yourself. You have to see yourself everywhere and know that you are meant to evolve and thrive in all spaces. I can’t tell you how many emails I’ve sent pitching ideas, trying to grow my own brand or business, or just inquire about new opportunities that probably never get read and that I don’t hear back from. But all it takes is one yes to change the game. And I believe that if you won’t invest in yourself and take risks to put yourself in new, unfamiliar spaces, why would someone else. Growth is all about fear, and I try myself trying to embrace the opportunities that scare me and use them to my benefit.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been a tad different. When I was younger I always thought different than people around me, which I don’t think made me the most popular in my earlier years. It took me years to get comfortable in who I was, in my own skin. My career thus far has been even more special than I could’ve dreamed on my best day. God always has more in store. I dreamed of being a dancer and God granted me that dream. I’ve seen the world because of dance. I’ve been in rooms with people I would’ve never met if it weren’t for dance. I’ve been to over 15 countries, 4 continents, and numerous cities doing what I love in front of people from all over. Dancing with Alvin Ailey has shaped me in ways I’ll never be able to describe and has given me the biggest gift, to see the world and do what I love. As much as I dreamed of being a dancer, I always wanted to own my own business and be an entrepenuer within the arts. When I was a kid, I’d say mom ” I want to walk into a dance studio in my ballet shoes and then one day walk into my own office and run a company”. Though I’m not walking into my own office (yet… I’m working on that part) I get the pleasure of running an organization that I created with my brother and creating something of my own vision. I’ve been able to learn so much and create something that will have impact on my community in The Bahamas & hopefully the larger Caribbean, I realized that I love learning, and learning new things will always be a form of self love and care.

None of this was or is easy. On a personal note, I’m constantly fighting my own self doubt and my own insecurities. Am I doing things well enough? Are my ideas good enough and will they sustain? Can I even do this? But then I remember that God placed these dreams in my heart for a reason, and my job is to go forth, execute, and walk on faith. If I wanted the world to know anything about me, it would be I am someone who is not defined by one trait, or just one label. I try everyday to be a versatile, forward thinking creator who pushes what it means to an artist. I want to do it all. run my business, perform, teach, build, and never let one lane be my limit. I always say dance is my vessel to reach people and see the world that God has given me, and there are so many ways to do so.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Ooohh how fun! I’ve had a lot of friends visit me while on break, and I love making Itineraries for them. My family is in Nassau, and there is so much to do there, from food, beaches, music, history, and nightlife. I always tell anyone coming to The Bahamas, that you have to see the family islands. My boyfriend’s family is from Exuma, and we went to visit last summer and it took my breath away. The true beauty of the Bahamas lives in the small, quaint, family islands. I’ve also spent a lot of time in Eleuthera in Harbour Island which is as warm and welcoming as you can get. My favorite hotel on this island is The Landing, a family owned boutique hotel currently ran by Tracy Barry, who’s daughter was actually one of my first ArtSea Dance students and is a promising young dancer!

But, if I was planning a perfect quintessential Bahamas Itinerary would be:

Days 1 -3

I’d land in Nassau and take a short flight to the family islands! This is the best way to kick off a vacation and as I like to say, get on island time and begin to relax. I’d head to either Harbour Island, to stay at the Landing. or head over to the Exuma’s and stay in Black Point or on Staniel Cay!

On the islands, you have to squeeze in a boat day and see the water. It almost looks like a painting, as the blue hues blend together. Walk along the sand bars, have the best fish of your life, have some conch salad fresh from the dock, and sip on a Sands, the local beer of the Bahamas.

Days 4-7

I’d head back to Nassau which is equally as beautiful and gives you so many great options for activities, restaurants and nightlife. Now for the best local conch salad, I’d head to Gambier village for some conch salad at Dinos! Everyone has a different stand that they love, but I’m a huge fan. My favorite hotel on the island without a doubt is The Island House, which is absolutely breathtaking. The wine list, the stunning decor, amazing staff, and delicious food make it a true experience. Foods you have to try while on the island would be conch fritters, Bahamian lobster, fresh snapper, grouper, a true Bahamian Mango, Guava Duff, Johhny Cake, Stew Conch, and my favorite fruit… guineps.

But typically, you can find me on the beach just staring at the sunset!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that I know got me to where I am. I can’t believe the village God blessed me with. I’ve had so may teachers, mentors, family members, and friends pour into me over the years. I have very supportive parents who’ve believed in me from the beginning and always been in my corner. But when I think of the most important factor in all of it would be my mother. She is my biggest advocate, my biggest confidante, and the reason I’m where I am. She raised me to be the best in whatever I was doing, and to always give God thanks in the midst. My mother is Bahamian, and everything I know about my culture and what I’ve built in my home country, is a testament to the way she instilled those values in me. She’s the first person I look for in the theater. She’s always there. And I owe her everything.

Website: www.artseadance.org

Instagram: bahamaballerina

Image Credits
Dance Photos of Red & Black image : Paul Kolnik Dance Photo in Black Leotard : Rachel Neville Other Photos provided by ArtSea Dance Black and white main Photo : By Michael Jackson Jr.