Today we’d like to introduce you to Chmira Dayvon.
Hi Chmira, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am 24 years old and originally from Sanford, North Carolina. I love to dance. Even at a young age, I was always mesmerized by the dances at church or youth group conferences and dreamed of one day being able to do that. Fast forward to middle school and I joined my church’s drama team.
I didn’t think I was that good, but I was doing something that I loved and so it was so fulfilling. Little did I know that I would be merely scratching the surface of what dance had planned for me. I stayed on the team all the way through high school and in 2015 competed in a regional dance-based talent show and won “State Champion” in my specific category. I was thrilled!
Soon after, I was put in charge of my church’s dance team and led them for my last 2 years in North Carolina. Once I graduated, I moved to Cleveland, TN to attend college and while there, I joined a local church dance team I had been following for some time. We traveled and did ministry and danced in front of thousands! I never imagined I would be doing something like that or dancing in front of crowds like that.
Meanwhile, at school, I am performing at the schoolwide talent show and choreographing dances for other students’ performances at different campus-wide events. Fast forward to my junior year of college, I decided to leave the dance team that I was on and just focus on continuing to make a name for myself at school with my dancing.
Thankfully, I was not alone, a dear friend of mine also carried the same love for dance that I had so we teamed up and became a dynamic duo at school dancing and making videos. Never did we think it would blow up as it did. Students and faculty at school loved what we could do and began to invite us to dance at events and interview us for the school paper.
We were on top of the world. Something to note is that I did not go to school for Dance; I went to school to major in Psychology and go on and get my Master’s and become a counselor. However, the more I went throughout my years at school, the more dance became a primary career option. Then while on my cross-cultural trip, we got the news that COVID had hit the US and that my last semester of college would be spent online.
As sad as that time was, it was really the turning point for me because, without my personal uncertainty of being fully online in a graduate program, I never would have taken the gap year right after college to just dance. That gap year was the most prolific year of my life. Off a whim, I decided to drive to Nashville, TN, and attend a class at Millennium Dance Complex because I saw a post on Instagram saying that they were opening back up.
Nothing was holding me back from going: I had a car, I didn’t have a job, and most importantly, I had a dream. So off I went. Funny thing is, the week before, I had sent an email to the studio asking for a janitorial job simply because I wanted to be there in any capacity that I could. The moment I finally got there, I was so nervous but also so excited because I knew that on the other side of that door, were the keys to my dreams.
Since that incredible day, I joined on as a work-study and learned the ins and outs of studio life, got the incredible opportunity to be signed to a talent agency (Fresh Talent Group), and performed with amazing artists like TheWeeknd (2021 Superbowl Halftime Show), Big n Rich, and Shy Carter. I also booked a local residency show (Ranch Hands Cowboylesque) and even became a teacher at Millennium.
I never imagined in a million years that these things would happen to me and I am happy to say that this is only the beginning.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think anything that I have ever wanted, came to be easy. I think that’s why I appreciate where I am so much; I know that I had to fight for it.
The biggest struggle has been the solo battle of my mind. There are some incredible dancers in this area and the biggest thing I had to learn was that we are all on a different timeline; Some people have been dancing professionally since they were 3 and others just started yesterday.
At first, I was really hard on myself because I was “not as good as” someone else and it almost pushed me away from dance, but I just had to continually remind myself that I am on my own path and my progress isn’t determined by the people around me, but by the man I was yesterday.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dancer, choregrapher, and model. I am currently most proud of being trusted with a class at a studio like MDC. I hold all the teachers there in such high regard, so to be in the same rooms as them teaching and inspiring others, is one of my greatest joys.
Authenticity is the greatest thing that someone can bring to the table to set them apart from the rest and I think I definitely am proof of that. That is not to say that I am better or less than anyone else, but I am authentically myself. Make no mistake, we all have our flaws and hiccups, but I think that’s just the fine print of life.
The person that I am is based on all my life experiences, my connection to dance, and the person that I am at my core. There is no one else in the world that can do me like me, and I am not trying to be like anyone else but myself. That is a lesson that I learned throughout all this.
You can only be the best version of yourself and if you try to be someone else you will always fail. So why be them, when you are enough?
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I have learned just how fleeting life can be.
People all across the world have been losing people left and right and you never know if or when that will happen to you or someone you know, so I have learned it is best to cherish those around you and never let the a “what if” stop you from doing the things you love.
Take those risks, have those conversations, and live your life; you never know when it could all be over.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chmira_/
Image Credits
Kate Gallaher
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Marilyn Gilliam
June 23, 2022 at 1:18 am
Extraordinary! I love this article! I love my son and his passion to pursue his dreams. God bless you!!! Love you Mir yo momma ❤️.
Glenn Gregory
June 24, 2022 at 12:15 am
i remember this young man at church on the drama team. I remember seeing him dancing for the Lord. I’m so proud to know that he is still dancing for the Lord. No doubt in my mind this young man will do great things for the Lord. Proud of you Chmira!
Jeff Coggins
June 24, 2022 at 1:16 am
So proud of the man you have become. Continue to let God direct your path.God had big plans for you.
Rodney Tysor
June 24, 2022 at 9:05 pm
That’s awesome, you should be very proud. Praying for continued success.
Dr. Carla M. Hooker
June 27, 2022 at 11:54 pm
Chmira Dayvon YOU are such an inspiration!! I truly enjoyed this article just as I have our conversations over the phone about dance. Yes!I still plan on collaborating with you in the very near future to bring you back home to Sanford for some Master Classes & Dance Workshops! Keep on Letting Your light shine with each and every breathe and movement!!❤
Marion Gilliam
June 23, 2022 at 4:19 pm
Chmira is an inspiration to others to follow their dreams! I hope his story encourages others to keep moving forward and to grow in the craft of their choice. I’m so proud of him.
Dorinda Robinson
June 23, 2022 at 11:27 pm
Greetings from the Sandhills of North Carolina. I met Chmira several years ago and was impressed with his manner and personality.
Delighted that he is pursuing his dreams and that he is willing to push through obstacles and doubts to do what he loves to do.
DRR
Kim Williams
June 24, 2022 at 12:12 am
I’ve known this young man nearly all of his life and I’m not surprised. He was a go-getter as a child. One story I’ll always remember…he did not wait for anyone to teach him how to ride a bike. He mounted the bike, figured it out as he wobbled along and before we knew he was riding his bike! So indicative of his life as a dancer! Continue “fighting for it”! I can’t hide that North Carolina pride!
Mary Spell
June 24, 2022 at 12:23 am
Beautiful article! So.glad to know him through his mom. She raised a young man that followed his dreams. So proud of continue to reach for the stars.
Rhonda Faye Crumpton
June 24, 2022 at 12:27 am
Sometimes opportunities are hidden behind obstacles. So proud of you, Chmira for not letting anything rob you of your dreams. Keep striving. You are an inspiration to others to step out on faith.
Joyce Welch
June 24, 2022 at 1:13 am
That is awesome. Continue to pursue your dreams and may God be with you.
Miss Joyce Welch
Rhonda Coggins
June 24, 2022 at 1:26 am
Huge plans are on the way for this young man. We have watched him grow and his gifts soar to great heights. But I truly believe this is only the start. We are so proud of you Chmira! Every where you go everyone one loves you.
Rosalyn DeLane-Gilliam
June 24, 2022 at 1:38 am
Dear Mira,
An incredible accolade of your story. You are relevant. Keep expressing your very being through the power of dance for all to enjoy. We support you 100%. Love your cousins Rosalyn and Gregory😘Smooches
Virginia Hill
June 24, 2022 at 2:01 am
I see you have a passion for dancing but from this article you are a writer. You paint a beautiful picture of your journey and determination to reach your dream.
What an inspiring story.
Continue to share your journey as you reach higher one step at a time
Virginia H. Fayetteville Nc
James Daughety
June 24, 2022 at 2:17 am
Praise God, I met you over 12 years ago when you were a youngster. I worked with your mom who is a God inspired person and she raised you with the same principles as well and look at you now. Thru God we can do all things, keep them first and like you said be the best YOU. Love you
Quinterious Ragland
June 24, 2022 at 2:21 am
Amazing story! I remember him when he was just a kid I seen the destiny then but to see him now I’m proud of you man. Keep pushing
Shawn
June 24, 2022 at 2:33 am
Chmira, I’m so happy for you and all the awesome things that are happening in your life. I pray that God continue to grant you all your hearts desires. Never stop! God Bless.
Shawn Graham
Angela Holmes
June 24, 2022 at 11:57 am
You are an amazing human being! We are all so proud of you here in Sanford, NC! This article is so inspiring!
Sharon Gregory
June 24, 2022 at 12:04 pm
I remember this young man the first time I saw him perform at our church drama team. I knew he would do great things. I’m very proud of you Chmira! I know this young man will do great things for the Lord!
Aleasa Stone
June 24, 2022 at 12:21 pm
It’s amazing may God continues blessings.you.
Nekia Creacy
June 24, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Congratulations on your journey to the top! Keep turning your dreams into reality! We are so proud of you. Love you!
Gwen higgins
June 24, 2022 at 3:07 pm
Wow so wonderful how you are able to follow your dream and have greAt things fall in your path!
Judy Turnet
June 24, 2022 at 3:57 pm
So proud of you. Blessing to you. Love Tony & Judy Turner Looking good.
Christina Edwards
June 24, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Wow! So amazing! I love the opportunities God has given you! He has many more BIG things in your future…this is only the beginning!
Barbara Bethune
June 24, 2022 at 5:09 pm
Great Job and continue to make us proud of you. May God keep you safe and his loving arms around you.❤️
Andree Corley
June 24, 2022 at 11:37 pm
You are amazing “Mir”. Continue on with your dream as well as being the best that you can be. I am so proud of you. Seeing how you just bloom in such a sweet way. Keep focusing…keep living. Embrace it all.
Tammy
June 25, 2022 at 11:12 am
What an amazing article. I’m so proud of you Chmira. Keep reaching for the stars! Many blessings to you!!!❤️Tammy
Janice Hicks-Wickham
June 25, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Congratulations!! I love this article and without a doubt the impact you’ll have on your students is a blessing! Enjoy and be proud of your adventures. God Bless You!
Anthony Dyson
June 27, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Hello,
I love this article as well! I remember a young man coming to our church with his mother at the age of about five and six years old. Immediately we had a Bond between one another and I’ve always admired Chmria polite mannerism and being so genuine and his character. I have always felt in my spirit that Shamir would do special things in his life. As a matter of fact I called him the governor years ago! We are so very proud of you and the young man that you have become. Never forget what you experienced in your heart and the joy that only living for Jesus can bring! May God bless you!
Brenda Johnson
June 27, 2022 at 3:58 pm
I am so proud of you. I watched you as a cold, and I knew there was greatness coming out of you. Keep the journey going.Believe in God and yourself, and the rest is history.😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Linda Sutton
June 27, 2022 at 5:26 pm
I was sent this article by my cousin. This article was a blessing to receive and too read. I commend Chmira for all of his hard work and dedication to passion for dancing. May Gods continue to lead you into many open doors of opportunity for your future. Stay true to who you are and always remember your beginnings. I look forward to seeing more if your performances in the future.
Love
Linda Sutton