Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayson Britton.
Hi Jayson, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since the age of 6, I’ve been involved in the Arts. Whether it was dancing, acting and or singing, I loved to do it all but dancing is my heart. I went to a performing arts middle and high school where my main concentration was dance. From the 6th grade until now as a full-time college student entering my senior year in the fall of 2023 at the University of the Arts, I have absorbed all the knowledge and technical training possible from some of the best mentors. My goal is to dance professionally after I finish my degree. Being heavily involved in the Arts I was exposed to a lot which led me to want to explore other creative parts of me.
Toward the end of high school, I started to find other creative outlets that I enjoyed such as modeling, fashion, and photography. I love creating and collaborating with other artists to make something eye-catching. As a dancer, I felt that modeling and being in front of the camera is another outlet of performance that allows me to express my true self as a creative. I’ve never been afraid to be myself and have the confidence to do the things that bring me joy and I feel that’s helped me a lot throughout my journey so far.
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?
I honestly don’t believe anyone has had a smooth road when it comes to sticking with what you’re passionate about. It takes a lot of focus, consistency, and the willingness to want to grow as an artist and human being to want to continue with it and I’m STILL learning all of that and more today! In middle school, I was the only boy in the dance program the entire 3 years and there were times that I was ridiculed because I was a boy who enjoyed the ballet I’d be lying if I said that 12-year-old Jayson didn’t get upset about it but that didn’t stop me and it didn’t make me quit.
For all my boys out there who just want to dance, KEEP GOING! Never stop. Dance is something that I enjoy more than anything in the world and nobody could take that away from me. My mom has always told me “ God didn’t give you this gift for no reason so it’s up to you what you do with it”. Now being in college I’ve learned so much about myself as an artist and as a human being. There are days where your entire body hurts and you don’t think you’ll make it but something my mentor told me is that it’s all mind over matter. Once you master your mind you can really do anything and that’s a skill I’m still working through.
I’m learning that it’s a marathon and not a sprint but it’s important that you show up for yourself in the best possible way every day. God has given me a mission and I’m responsible for how I go about it. Keeping God first in everything I do is the most important part of overcoming any obstacle that’s thrown at me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a creative being who loves to do it all. From dancing, and modeling to creative directing and content creation on social media I aspire to be a well-rounded artist and enjoy the art of creation. Planting a seed and putting in the work to watch it grow into something I never could have imagined is what brings me the most joy about my work. Nothing makes me happier than being on stage. It’s that adrenaline rush you get that makes you feel completely unstoppable.
Within my college career, I’ve worked with Kim Bears Bailey, Mark Caserta, and Tommie Waheed- Evans, and I’ve had the pleasure to be in works by Gary Jeter and Courtney Henry. Each one of these teaching artists has instilled something different in me that I will cherish forever.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I put my heart and soul into the things I stand for. My parents have always taught me to be comfortable in my own skin and I feel that confidence shows up in everything I do from my appearance to my personality and even the projects I create.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as being happy in your chosen field(s). I’m all about doing what makes you happy and what brings you the utmost satisfaction and if you can make a coin from doing that then that’s a win-win. Defining your own degree of success for yourself I feel is more important than getting that validation from others because who is someone else to measure the amount of success that you have or have not achieved… Do you know?
That confidence you have in yourself will surpass and supersede anyone else’s opinion. By staying humble, consistent, and gracious throughout your work, you are sure to achieve that high level of success your heart desires!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jayxbrittonn / https://instagram.com/jayxbrittonn?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
Yaa Kwayana, Shoshana Issacs, and Keris Richmond
