MoeJoe is a New Iberia, Louisiana native and New Orleans resident who labels herself and dance style as Creole-Afro, specializing in the areas of folk and street dance. Her movements and class experiences celebrate southern dance culture and empowers the individual, while fusing world diasporic movements to connect and educate about world-wide Creole culture. She is owner of The MoeJoe Gallery in New Orleans, creator of Bounce Fitness w/MoeJoe, MoeJoe’s Bounce and Twerk Class in NOLA dance experience, MoeJoe’s Twerkout and Danceout w/MoeJoe.
Who makes up your art circle?
A combination of everyone. Artists, entrepreneurs, dancers, voodoo priestess, drummers, techies. I feel that there is something to learn from all walks of life and backgrounds to contribute to social and folkloric dance. Improvisation is at the core of my work and you have to be willing to pull from everyone. The more we have real life experiences the longer our depth and authenticity of your work will be.
How do you expand your art circle?
I get out my comfort zone constantly and travel solo so I’m forced to meet new people and have new experiences with others I may not normally get to experience in a group. Now I’m a mom who travels. So, I notice that my new circle expansions are happening at libraries, parks and photo shoots. Everything right now for me has to have an hour time limit and I have to recognize quick who/what is working or not working and it’s been great for me creatively.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
Creators/healers. We’re sensitive about our ish…We need people and spaces who understand how we communicate. We literally run from nothing. The boldness and adventurer in us won’t simply allow us to not feel or process. So, it’s great to create, but the community provides space for us to share and be supported with our thoughts and ideas, we can figure out how to move them out of our bodies and head, leading them to the proper channels and projects.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
I’m bold as hell. Confident and not afraid to be myself while trying other things. When I do cultural dance and performance I’m truly a student and I enjoy being with the people and learning together. That’s fun for me. I never go anywhere asking questions I allow my curiosity to bring the answers to me and I respond in a real way that is respectful, true and my way. This process has helped me navigate what my creations and authenticity will be in this world bc I bring all of me and my everyday life, interests and history to everything I do. It’s all connected and dedicated to locating all connections until the end.
