We had the good fortune of connecting with Seycon Nadia and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Seycon, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose a creative career because I honestly believed I could be successful. Everything around me was always inspiring to write, or dance, or create spaces for others using performance art.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a performer. I tell stories through song, and dance. It may sound cliche, but I’ve been dancing from the time I could walk. My mother was a folkloric dance, and my first teacher. It was important to her that I knew my culture, and she used means such as dance to teach it to me. I am of Jamaican, and Liberian heritage. Early on, I enrolled in local dance studios to learn ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and musical theatre. I love all genres, but I’m most passionate about my cultural dance. I wanted the genre to be celebrated with the same esteem of American modern dance. I developed a dance curriculum called the Island Jam Workshop that explored Caribbean culture, history, and spirituality through movement. Fast forward to 2018, I decided to utilize social media, and create content to share with those who were interested in the information I was teaching, but didn’t necessarily want to take a dance class. That is how the brand West Indian Americans Tribe was born. IG @westindianamericans
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a total nerd, and I love museums! Here in Detroit, I would recommend the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Motown Museum. There a lot of cool bars, and restaurants, downtown.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Hands down, my mother was my biggest supporter. She really made me feel like my dreams are valid. I remember all of the times to took me to dance class, singing lessons, and she was front row for every performance. Initially, she was skeptical of me pursuing my passion as a career, but soon enough, she recognized that this was something I needed to do, and gave her full support.
Website: wiatribe.com
Instagram: seyyouloveme