Gemma Asfour could dance almost before she could walk. Her love of dance is evident in everything she does whether it is performing, choreographing, training, or even playing music. Gemma is one of the lucky ones that has found what she wants to do for the rest of her life and is working hard to achieve all her dreams. Her first concept video called “Always Forever” proves she has a unique vision for telling stories. She has an innate desire to inspire others whether it is through her movements on the dance floor or through her thought-provoking podcast “Society Inspired”. Wise beyond her years, this seventeen-year-old is proving that you truly can make a difference in this world if you love what you do.
1. When did you first start dancing?
I first started dancing when I was two years old. My mom put me into dance, theatre, and gymnastics to see which one stuck with me the most. I stopped theatre because the teachers told my mom that I was just dancing the whole time. It has always been a part of me and what I turn to in any life situation. I did end up just using gymnastics to help my dance and I do act now. It isn’t an exciting answer, but it has always been a significant part of my life. I have grown to love it more and more every day as it unlocks new ideas and growth for me.
2. What influences have inspired your dance the most?
I have many answers, but my first primary influence was award show performances. That was the moment I realized that dance was more than just an activity; it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. For my creations, I take inspiration from making my own stories. I have always loved writing, so when I hear a song, I’ll see a story right away in my head. I write it down and then build on the story. I take inspiration from dystopian and uncanny valley aesthetics. Being an activist, on top of that, I find situations in the world as well that can translate into my work. But I guess the world is feeling pretty dystopian nowadays.
3. What advice would you give to new dancers?
Whether you want to dance professionally or for fun, you started for a specific reason. Remember that reason throughout your journey so you don’t lose your love for dance. Getting caught up in how hard it can be and how competitive it can be easily makes you lose your passion for it. Remembering why you started or the true inspiration behind it will keep you dancing and give you more feeling behind your movement. Which will make you a more confident dancer.
4. What has been your best moment as a dancer so far?
I have had a lot of unforgettable moments, but the most recent one that is still really resonating with me is finishing filming my first concept video, “Always Forever.” As I have said many times, it took a while to make that video and it was my first creative project like that. So, watching my vision come to life and all the effort everyone around me put into it was so beautiful and emotional for me. Then, releasing “Always Forever” and seeing the response to it was also so special because it inspired me to keep pushing forward on my next personal projects.
Photo Credit: Cecelia Lim, @_cecelialim
5. You are also a drummer! What do you like most about playing music?
I love playing and making music! Music is one of the most important things to me as a dancer, but I have always loved having music on in the background of whatever I am doing. I love playing music because it deepens my understanding of it, whether for dance or learning how to produce music. On top of it, drums have always been one of my favorite parts of songs, so it is super cool to play them as well.
6. You are the host of the podcast Society Inspired. Why is it important for young people to have a voice?
It is SO important for young people to have a voice because we are the world’s next leaders. Knowing what is happening in our world and having the courage to speak out about it will be crucial for our future. I love how my generation is involved in activism and using different tools like social media to create change in this world. It gives me a lot of hope that people my age are so open-minded to conversations and learning the real history behind different issues in the world. The beginning of any understanding has to revolve around conversations. Which can be difficult, but having those REAL conversations will lead to change.
7. How do you handle negativity and criticism in both your dance and your podcast?
Negativity and criticism can be challenging to handle in my career and podcast. I still struggle with criticism & doubt at times. I am only seventeen. But I know what I want to do with my career & life and what my truth is. Realizing that it is not worth having people in my life who don’t respect my boundaries or the way I go about my own projects & life is gold. It can be difficult to ignore, but I remember how important my dreams and speaking out are to me, and it helps me push through! You won’t please everyone all the time, so you have to operate from your truth. Sometimes, you stand alone. But that’s better than being disrespected. The truth is always there for people who actually want it.
8. Where can fans follow you on social media?
You can follow my journey on my main account @gemma.asfour on all social platforms. My campaign, Society Inspired, is @society_inspired on Instagram & Society Inspired on YouTube/your preferred podcast platform. Lastly, I also run a photography account and love taking photos of my friends. You can find that @snapsby.gem on Instagram.
Photo Credit: Mary Mason, @fitbymary