Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Bailey.
Gracie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Born and raised in Dallas Texas I was no stranger to large southern cities when I moved to Georgia nearly five years ago. I was attracted to Athens in particular for it clear acceptance of the arts, a funky “mini Austin” vibe, and a promising football team (not to mention its proximity to ATL). Athletics have been a vital part of my life so I knew I needed to keep myself surrounded by other forms of movement as I began my journey. I grew up playing every sport I could manage, excelling as a hurdler and track and field athlete, but ultimately falling head over heels for dance. Every coach who taught me the importance of pushing, listening, and accepting my body is responsible for the mover and human I am today.
After spending the Summer of 2017 working for Wayne Mcgregor in London England, I left with a newfound love of each quirk and life experience that attributes to my identity, Mcgregor fondly refers to as our “personal movement signature” and treats it as a fascinatingly intimate gift we carry into every facet of life.
While I have trained in African, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Ariel I have found my home in the contemporary dance world. My style favors due to my athletic background and love for improvisation. In my short time spent in Georgia I have grown to value efficiency, integrity, and passion.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I adore the ability to move. I think communication is vital. I value the breadth of power we on this earth to act, react, or simply be. I love to have fun and think everyone needs to take one good juicy breath right now. I believe God can’t help but smile when we groove and rejoices when we do it for his glory. I feel drawn to creating an experience that can be felt by dancer and non-dancer alike and never want to present anything that is in genuine. This is what I want to relay in my movement as I establish my presence as a creative mover.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
We are all called to use our gifts in this life and I believe that denying your passions to do something because you feel forced to survive won’t make any amount of money worth it. I realize this is easier said than done but taking time for what makes your heart beat makes life worth the living! Write down your talents, your passions, and your financial goals, and see where they could possibly intersect. Get creative, if you’re reading this I know you’re good at that!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
As of May 2018 I am a graduate of UGA and am planning to continue training in NYC, but greater Atlanta will be home for the summer. For now, you can see my work under the name of @graciesgrooves on Instagram where I post frequently, and check out my website graciesgrooves.com/WordPress as well as my YouTube channel under my name Gracie Bailey
Performance and choreographic inquiries can be sent to glarue22@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: graciesgrooves.com/wordpress
- Email: glarue22@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciesgrooves/
Image Credit:
Jason Thrasher
Bala Sarasvati
Makayla Davis
June Shi
Maggie Scruggs
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