Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronnique Murray.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As cliché as it sounds, I began my dance journey in the church as a praise dancer at age 2/3. Even at an earlier age, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I knew exactly who I wanted to become. It weren’t as many dance studios back then suited for students ages 2/3 at the time but my mother found a way to enroll me in a tiny dance studio that was adjoined to a dancewear store until it folded. I continued on with praise dancing (liturgical) in church throughout my adolescent years. Around the same time, my mother had started her daycare business at home when I was 10. Often times I would assist her in helping out with the children. (Some children were my age or under) That is where I began creating dances inspired by movie/music videos/singers. I never knew that me creating movement would be known as a choreography, let alone the profession known as choreographer. So, I took on that name and continued to choreograph in my mother’s daycare. I enrolled in more classes, perform at church & began choreographing/performing for events
2007 I got accepted in Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Dance & Choreography. There I learned and expanded my technique, more knowledge how to choreograph as well as teach. Once I graduated, I began teaching in the VA area. I moved to NC working as a school dance teacher. After a year, I returned home to DC where I joined dance companies that toured nationally and internationally. I was able to direct/produce staged works to now dance films.I’ve been fortune to not only perform as an artist in the companies that I took part in but I was given an opportunity to use my choreographic abilities for certain productions in those companies which in reward were then performed on well venue stages including one-off-Broadway.
Today I’m teaching at various studios in the DMV area, have formed my own dance collective known as The Ramdance Movement, directing/producing dance films, collaboration with other artists & performing. I will be presenting an Full length evening show titled ‘ Through. her .eyes this upcoming March with my dance collective. I’m super excited about this.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course not! Oh for wishful thinking though. As an artist, you’re representing yourself. Your brand. If you’re really serious about being in entertainment, you have to understand that it’s going to come with some bumpy rides. Some rides bumpier than others. Often times I found myself working odd jobs to support myself. I Even took a mini-break from dancing just to figure out if it would be suitable in this world but for some reason, I would always come back on the path. I’ve had instances where I would audition for events/dance companies that I absolutely wanted and would get denied. Oh the cringe of being told “no”
It’s so many avenues in the dance world that a smooth/bumpy journey will be different for all. What I’ve experienced could be different for someone else…
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My specialty is teaching and choreographing modern contemporary dance technique. I absolutely love producing choreographed works and transitioning them onto the screen (dance film) I guess you can say I’m known for that.
Wow! So many things that I’m proud of. I’m just a chick from DC northeast Trinidad with a dream who managed to now live the dream. I’m proud that I’m still on this journey growing/evolving as an artist. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I create my own opportunities depending on what it is that I want to do next. I have no desire to “keep up with the joneses”, I have no desire in following the wave of what’s big in the entertainment industry. I go with what brings me more peace and comfort for me
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To feel the fear and GO FOR IT!
Listen, we only have 1 life on this earth. Whatever vision you have, whatever idea you have…even if you have a clue or don’t a clue on how to start … do it anyway. Also knowing that it’s okay to ask for help.
Contact Info:
- Email: ramdanceffect@gmail.com
- Instagram: Ronnique.Antoinette_
- Youtube: Ronnique Antoinette
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Ronnique_Antoinette
Image Credits
BuddieO photography
Uriahh Roman
Shaiday Dancy
Shocara Marcus
