45: Finding Purpose, Off of the Stage — Lawrence M. Jackson

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Lawrence M. Jackson — a university professor, respected author, guest performer, and seasoned choreographer, who has created over 75 original works for the concert stage.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Jackson currently serves as Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Dance at the University of Alabama, and, while not in the classroom, is an esteemed chorographer, having choreographed a number of works, including performances for the award-winning off-Broadway production</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Separate but Equal</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to dance, Jackson finds joy in riding in the background — in enabling others to be their best on stage, in mapping out steps and movements for dancers, in allowing the arts to better communities — and, on the podcast, he deep dives on why he finds so much satisfaction in helping others be their best. During the interview, Lawrence discusses his not-so-easy beginnings to dance, why he loves choreography, how he’s using the arts for community benefit, how to view rejection in a positive light, and much more.</span></p> <p><br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Moving Quotes:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think choreography is an extension of your artistic voice, and it’s a way to prime your artistic voice."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We sometimes have what we think is good and right for us, but often the universe has a completely different idea or plan for us. When you’re faced with rejection, it’s not that you’re not good enough; it’s just that the universe is steering you in the direction you’re supposed to go."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You can do so many things with dance. People may say, ‘What are you going to do with that? You’re not good enough to be on the stage.’ I’m not on the stage, and this is so meaningful to me. This is so muc