We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Carr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” ~ Oscar Wilde

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a member of a professional dance company and thought that I would have choreographers dictate to me the steps and how to perform them. I never saw myself as a choreographer or director of a company. About 10 years ago, I was taking a load of courses in college bound to get on a professional company when I heard this quote for the first time. This quote struck me to my core and I realized had something to say beyond the steps.

Being authentic in expression is the most important factor that propels the work and vision for Authentic: Grooves. Authentic: Grooves is a process-based company and we look at performances as points along the journey where we invite others in on our process. Performances are never the end result for us. Each Company Member merges problem solving, physical skill, and an emotional journey to nurture continual growth. Authentic: Grooves’ holistic approach to movement, honors and celebrates the individual artistic voice of each Company Member. This is an integral part of translating, individual and collective, work from studio to stage.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The “starving artist” trope is an all to real reality for me. I knew pursuing a career as dancer was going to be an uphill battle, but a battle worth fighting for. I am incredibly thankful that I get to do what I Iove every single day! Being able to express myself with movement has gotten me through some of the most challenging moments in my life which is why I want to share that feeling with others. What I have learned along the way is that whatever battle you are fighting, you can not fight it alone. Asking for help and being open to receiving has been one of the biggest keys to unlocking the challenges I have faced so far.

The thing I am most proud of and extremely excited about is developing my dance company, Authentic: Grooves! I am forever thankful for the friends/artists who initially supported me and pushed me to keep creating work! I never dreamed of being a director of a dance company, and now I can’t imagine a life without it. Authentic: Grooves is beginning our 4th season of creating and I feel like we have barely scratched the surface of possibilities. We are a diverse group of creatives committed to eliminating preconceived notions about dance in order to tap into an uninhibited world and inspire the creation of art and dance enthusiasts. I am teeming with excitement to see how and what we create next!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would say a week long trip to Colorado is not long enough! There are so many fun and exciting places to visit in Colorado. However, I am a huge coffee drinker and we would have to stop by Stella’s Coffee Haus on South Pearl Street in Denver. Once caffeinated we could hit the road. Chicago Creek and Juniper Pass in Idaho Springs is one of my favorite spots to go for a short trip. But my ultimate favorite drive is through Glenwood Canyon and then heading toward Ouray. It is worth the miles!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I alone do not make up this company and can not create the work that I do alone! All of my Company Members, Creatives behind the scenes, Collaborators, and community members who support Authentic: Grooves deserves a HUGE shoutout! Without these folks I would not be where I am at today. Thank you for your creative energy and support. xoxo

Website: www.AuthenticGooves.com

Instagram: @Authentic.Grooves

Facebook: Authentic: Grooves

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@authenticgrooves

Other: Email: Autthentic.Grooves@gmail.com

Image Credits
Authentic: Creations, Amanda Tipton Photography, Adam Riggs Photography, Alzbeta Volk Photography

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