On BET’s Born to Dance: Laurieann Gibson auditioned young women from all walks of life for the show epitomizing the idea that talent doesn’t discriminate. Hundreds of ladies stood in line for a chance to make the top 20.
The top 20 that were selected were moved into an Atlanta Loft, where the competition really began.
Enter Miss Jahleeka Morris aka Jelly born in Boston and residing in Atlanta. Not officially trained and taking her first dance class in 2007, Jelly has quickly made a name for herself. I had the chance to interview her and was immediately drawn to her charismatic personality. A sweetheart and minus the 10lbs that television ads, Jelly has a bomb shape people! Check out my interview below.
How close is what we are seeing to reality? Are you being portrayed correctly?
Well, it’s difficult for people to portray you other than what you show. I came into the audition and into the show being exactly who I am, just a real person. SO, the fact of the matter is that on the last episode (Episode 2), it looks like I just went into the house and started crying missing my baby (her daughter) in one day that was like two and a half weeks! So right now, I feel like they are making me out to be a cry baby! I love the things that I love and MyJoy is one of the things that I love, so I don’t care they can show me crying about her all day. (laughing)
How do you feel about being considered an underdog?
I didn’t necessarily consider myself an underdog until I saw that the competition was young and full of girls who had been taking classes since they were [like] two. So, my thought was ok, I’m a little different, but I still didn’t consider myself an underdog, because I was the oldest, a little more mature, a little more well rounded, so I had other things that worked for me well.
What do you hope to get from this experience?
My one wish with my journey through this is for people to understand that you have one life to live. I was a manager at a bank, I went to college and I have degrees. I was the only girl who went to college that was another thing. They just danced. I love to dance yes, but my life situations have caused me to have to strive to be successful, because I don’t have anybody to take care of me.
So I really want people to grasp the fact that if you love something a lot, you need to persist until it happens. Doors will open and they will close. There was a time before when I auditioned and a prerequisite was that I had to lose 15 lbs, and I was much lighter than I am now. But I didn’t allow the fact that it didn’t happen for me then to that deter me from auditioning for Laurieann.
Be passionate about what you want to do. People will be drawn to your passion. Every day you need to think of a way to get noticed. No more excuses, you have this, this, and this going on. If you want to do it, do it, and keep doing it until it happens. Also, once you make it don’t get bougie (Bourgeousie), talk to your supporters!
I am getting a lot of support on the show, because in the dance industry they can be not so nice to big girls. People love that Im doing something that is difficult to do in 2011. So Im representing for all the people who have been told no, all the thick girls out there because I love ya’ll, and for people who have really been through things but didn’t allow their past to create their future.
What are you currently working on?
A Nonprofit organization called Dance for Your Life, where I talk to women about self esteem and self confidence, not letting stereotypical beauty determine what you are.
Also my brand is Eye Candy Kittens and we are DOPE! (so silly) We will do lap classes, gogo stilettos, etc.. So we are currently looking for a spot, or location to make it come into fruition.
Also, I want to do a sector of Dance for Your Life where I go to boys and girls clubs where I talk to them about not letting their current situations determine where you’re going to go in the future.
Last words, Jelly?
I like to be a story for people. I don’t consider myself a celebrity. I don’t consider myself as someone who thinks they are better than anyone else. I have a story and I’m not afraid to tell it, and if people will listen and hopefully it will move them to do something positive with their lives.
Follow Jelly at @jellybtd and visit her website at Honey Hi
Check out a video clip of my interview below!
Thank you so much Jelly for the interview! Such a sweetheart, a good person. Loved our laughs! Good Luck!!! XOXO
This is an amazing interview. Thank you so much for coming to our GIRL$ MOVE! Program on August 13 where Jelly shared her story and danced with our girls. You are greatly appreciated!!!