Today we’d like to introduce you to Gia Williams-Martin
Hi Gia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It really started after the stereotypical breakup. And I found myself alone in Georgia with quite literally nothing to my name but the overwhelming feeling that I had potential for something. That feeling has been there for years. I had one year to heal, learn about myself and just enjoy finally being on my own, but that next year, I took a dance class. And just kept taking more dance classes. It really was the best release and I was starting to become noticed by my beginner talent, work ethic and natural energy. My life hasn’t been the same since. Almost a year later, I am a dance teacher who brings in sold out classes, a performer, a dance assistant, and I’ve been in some music videos as well. In fact, the first dance video I did, both of the amazing women I danced with are now the women who have employed me onto their team. I always say ‘Yes I chose to dance, but dance chose me.’
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s been some difficult times for sure. The only struggle I’d say is balancing my personal life while I’m building my dance life. I feel teaching came somewhat naturally, I just have their best interest at heart. Being on stage or in videos didn’t freak me out too much eventually because dancing really just releases those nerves. I know I can always improve in both areas but overall the dance life hasn’t stressed me in a way that I’m not used to. The occasional more advanced class can definitely humble you and put you through a mental and physical struggle but that’s part of a dancer journey and I’m grateful for those challenges. I just still have to work a normal job outside of my dance life. So balancing bills, rest, schedules can be a bit tough. But I’m always grateful that I at least am not suffering mentally or emotionally anymore while I’m going through life. I’d rather go through the struggle of balancing the opportunities given to me rather than the same struggles I had before I started dancing. It’s worth the stress of figuring it all out and letting time do its thing. At the end of the day dance has improved my quality of life overall. I’m grateful for it all, the peace and challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a beginner heels instructor and beginner twerk instructor at the CandyShop Studio in Lawrenceville and I have performed on stages within a company called The Sirens as well as done music videos and assisted professionals in their own classes as well. I’d say I’m known for my style of dance which is different than other strong dancers because they have a training behind them and I have personal energy behind mine. My lack of professional training and experience has not stopped my blessings at all. I do a lot of ‘by myself in my bedroom dancing’ cause that’s my experience. I’m twerking, I’m loving my body, I’m using my hips and knees. Most importantly I’m know for my energy. The energy I radiate is seen and felt. I specialize in me. I don’t know how to really put a label on it so I don’t. I am most proud of my job as a teacher. It has been the most fulfilling job creating a safe space for woman to love and embrace their bodies. I see so many girls confidence build. And as woman, it’s a beautiful thing to know how to work your body and not feel weird about embracing yourself as a sensual being. It can be a very touchy subject but I believe that a woman should love everything about herself and want to improve on the areas where she feels she lacks. And sometimes it’s just about community. The community of dance sisters I have are the most supportive sweetest people I know. I tell them this often, without my students, my girls, my friends, I wouldn’t have what I have now. They saw something in me before I did, my bosses as well. I owe it to myself and them to continue being of service and growing as a dancer and teacher. What sets me apart is that regardless of how fast I blew up in the dance community, I believe it’s just who I am naturally that has got me here. I take a lot more pride in who I am as a person first. I work hard for sure. And yes any person wants success. But I just want to spread love, positivity and inspiration and I do that by leading by example. Women put their trust, insecurities and vulnerabilities on the line in class. I make sure to let them know that I see them and I’m here for them not as someone above them, but as someone who is their biggest supporter and someone who understands what it feels like pushing past parts of yourself. Money isn’t everything. Status isn’t everything. Those things will come naturally as you put the work in. I’ve been told I’m too humble actually. From multiple people. In my head it took a while to even say after less than a year that ‘I’m a dancer/dance teacher’ which may seem crazy with all that I’ve done but it’s the truth. I had to trust in who I am and embrace with confidence everything that’s been entrusted to me and trust that I deserve it. So I don’t take these blessings lightly. I make sure I don’t take them for granted. I stay in a state of appreciation and gratitude.
Any big plans?
My plans for the future is to keep improving as a dancer, as a teacher, and as someone in the entertainment industry period. I plan to be able to dance and teach full time. Give all my energy there rather than having to live two very different lives which is kind of what it feels like. I am looking forward to more experiences and surprises. More opportunities and classes that push me out of my comfort zone so I can continue to grow. And I’m just planning on really embracing the business side of this world since I got into that so quickly while aiding other established women. I have big dreams of sold out classes all the time, traveling, photoshoots, videography, projects that I have full control of, and really just letting my creative mind do as it pleases. The biggest change is in my mindset and how I plan to show up for myself and others. I can say now that yes ‘I am a dancer and I bring this to the table.’ I am more serious about working to have dance be my full time job. I am more confident in who I am and how my journey is different from others. And I am fully letting the arts into my life, all aspects of it. It quickly became more than just a hobby and I am fully embracing that shift. I’ve been beyond blessed, I’m ready to fully accept those blessings and so that I can continue to bless others.
Pricing:
- $30 for one class
- $25 for 4 classes
- $22 for 8 classes
- $18 for 12 classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://candyshopdance.com/membership
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gia.da.goat
Image Credits
Candyshop Studio
