Meet Shamara ‘Inspire’ Spencer | Creative Director, Choreographer & Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shamara ‘Inspire’ Spencer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shamara ‘Inspire’, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
my biggest motivator is growth, whether it be small or enormous growth. I noticed that if there was something I liked but I was not great at it, my willingness to try it, could only result in growth.

My fears usually drive me to try and fail until one day I succeed. So long as it is something I deem necessary for the improvement of my career, personal goals or hobbies, I will try.

That habit has definitely helped me to succeed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is my freedom, I have grown to accept that I am an extremely emotional being which can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but I put all my feelings direct/indirect into my work. My passion projects are a reflection of how I am feeling, things I would like to see or experience or a twisted version of my personal reality and experiences.

Professionally, I started my dance training in Tampa Fl, while studying economics and finance at the University of South Florida. I was a member and former captain of Vyb Dance Company where I was exposed to hip hop foundation. Once I finished my studies and completed my year of working, I returned to Jamaica in 2018,. This is when i decided that I wanted to be a professional choreographer and dancer.

After years of training in different dance forms, waacking, locking, popping, world African dance, waving, house and so much more. I spent some time trying to rediscover my personal style, by indulging in freestyling which I truly believe gave me the confidence to create the way I create now.

2. what sets you apart from others

My choreography is radiant, eccentric, sharp but smooth, inspiring and the perfect blend of sound and movement. When I create, it is my aim to ensure that the hidden or not so obvious beats in a song are highlighted. When I dance, I want people to hear, see and feel at the very same time. Its all about balance and it only makes sense given that I studied economics (lol). I believe my keen ear, sharp moves and attention to detail is what sets me apart. When I create it is extremely obvious that it is my work and I can ask for nothing more than to be recognizable in an industry that is trying to make us all the same. In Jamaica, dancehall is extremely steps and feelings focused, its a beautiful way of creating community in the dance, everyone doing the same exact step and grooves. While this is beautiful, and I do partake in learning and utilizing those moves, I find it very hard to hear music and calculate the specific steps or grooves I am going to use. I just move, whatever I hear and feel I allow my body to naturally react. I don’t try to make choreography or try to dance, I step aside and allow my body to MOVE. I can never go wrong with being myself.

3. what you are most proud of or excited about

After years of dreaming to work with artistes like, Sean Paul, Protoje, Koffee, Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel and so many more that I have ticked off my goal list, I never imagined that the work I would be most proud of is my own personal vision and project. ‘HOT GYAL’

Hot Gyal summer project was my way of giving back to an industry that I wish was more kind to us (female dancers). In Jamaica female dancers have been minimized and categorized as only video vixens. There are a few directors who value our capablities and highlight it but they are far outweighed. I planned this project with a small group of friends and it was undoubtedly one of the biggest dance projects featuring a full female cast done in Jamaica. You can check it out on Youtube – The Hot Gyal Summer Project.

Utilizing dancehall riddims and songs from the 90’s and early 2000’s with a modern twist, paying homage to movements and sounds of the past and present. The Project incorporates structured choreography as well as unstructured movement and dancehall vibes, with the intention of communicating that Jamaican Female Dancers are multifaceted. The Project intends to address the issue of improper and unintentional incorporation of dancers and dance routines in videos and films within the Entertainment industry. Jamaican Female dancers are MORE than just video vixens. We used this platform to highlight that!

4. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy?

I would like to think I got where I am today because of God, hard work, intentional practices and good faith. I was very intentional about this career from the very beginning. I knew networking, collaborating and staying true to my unique style was pertinent. I had every intention to meet, learn and interact with dancers who were already taking over the professional space and I did that through, reaching out, taking classes, putting my work out there. In the beginning, I told myself it makes no sense to make great choreography or videos if no one can see it. So I made it my point of duty to send my work to every Dm I could think of until it was them who was looking for my work on their own. I invested heavily in my career, doing free jobs, travelling to Kingston from my hometown (Mandeville) to shoot collaborative videos, purchasing equipment and lights and online training subscriptions to further my knowledge and expand my expertise.

Through constant promotion, collaboration, creation, networking and training. I made a name and brand for myself and I am continuously improving as I move forward.

It was not easy and not the most economically friendly path. Thankfully, I have managed to balance a 9-5 and my passion. This 9-5 has funded my passion and I am slowly getting to a point where my passion can fully fund itself consistently.

5. If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

The major challenge I face is that I have limited time between working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in a parish hours away from the creative capital/hub of Jamaica . Some days, I leave work at 5 pm, drive to Kingston right after, rehearse for a couple hours, stay by my best friends place, I rise at 5 am and drive straight back to Mandeville for a full day of work. I am exhausted.

6. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

I overcame this challenge by learning that it is ok to say no! No! No! I cannot! Not every opportunity was worth the hassle and certainly not every opportunity is for me. I learned that more opportunities will come, breaks are essential and evaluating the true value of the return on my investment per opportunity taken. Life is about living, but living sometimes requires breaks, reflection and precautions. Life is delicate so we should treat everything we do with care.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

My brand is the unique sprinkle of purposeful and intentional movement that can uplift any project or space that is open to change and progress.

Inspire is more than just a name, story, music videos, live performances and creative choreography. Inspire is movement and movement is the one thing in this world that I consider just as important as my breath. My favorite definition of the word inspire is ” to breathe in”… I truly believe that whatever inspiration I soak up from this world it is my duty to create and put it back out there, so that inspiration will continue to move! My brand and story is about creating perpetual impact by giving as much as I receive and playing my part in ensuring forward movement in all aspects of my journey. This is how I want to be remembered and this what I hope my brand will continue to promote.

Its deeper than profession, its my deep rooted mission. I am not here for fame, money nor just a simple job, I believe this is the purpose that found me. There were so many moments it was obvious God was guiding me back to dance, no matter how many different talents and interests I explored.

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?
Serenity and adventure would be the theme for the week!

Monday – I would start the week off chill by heading over to Bob Marley Beach, meaningful conversation, long walks, skipping stones with added risk of climbing boulders and beating high tide. A quick stop for some KFC after would suffice.

Tuesday – Lets Go Go Karting! She has a slight addiction to adrenaline! She loves to live life on the edge. We would go karting in Kingston. The karting association is located near to one of favorite places to walk and have girl talk so we would go for a walk on the airport strip and grab a coconut from the jelly man and probably head to Gloria’s in port royal for a nice seafood meal!

Wednesday- Country Time! A nice and chill road trip to the country side. Treasure beach in St. Elizabeth, there is a hidden pathway to one of the most beautiful beach spots I know of. With large waves hitting the coral reefs and crystal clear waters. Its not a commo spot, so its nice, clean and free!

Thursday – Lets take a break from the world. We could opt to stay in Mandeville with family and friends and just spend the day indoors watching movies, ordering a veggie burger from Voila by Lilee and talking about life and childhood memories on a balcony or hilltop with a nice view.

Friday – Lets party! I am not one to party but I can hang, we could go to a live show or party in Kingston. Get all dressed up and dance the night away in style. Drinks, good company and good music, cant go wrong with that! Definitely gonna rush to a jerk man afterwards and get some good ole jerk chicken and white bread!

Saturday – Fix up Day – having a girls day where we get massages, pedicures and manicures and probably a little shopping for self care items like candles, incense, SAGE and ending the night with bottle of wine and probably order some food from an Asian restaurant in Kingston

Sunday – Lets Plan some goals around the moon cycle and get some fresh air at a chill spot while we have lunch and talk about the new book we are reading! Maybe keep the lunch simple and head to Tea Tree Creperie or try a completely new restaurant

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Kehs Kenitra!

Khess Anderson is a cousin of mine who has played a very important role in my career. She owns a handmade leather bag company in Jamaica, which will soon be a clothing company (dont tell her I told you, lol). She is a jack of all trades, she does set design, styling and is great at event planning and interior design, she can make you a pair of slippers if you need it.

I want to shout her out because she has never told me no and she helps with all my projects and will drive hours just to come and ensure that I am comfortable on set.

Website: https://linktr.ee/HeyItsInspire

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsinspire/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyitsinspire/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyItsInspire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyItsInspire/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ3CTwdp420Ax1t75zmj7eQ

Image Credits
AKS Photography Britney Holung Xtreme Arts IamDash Photography Alexandria Chin Jik Reuben