Melissa James

I’ve had to reinvent myself so many times throughout my career to remain a full time artist. I’ve been an actress, dancer, singer, director, choreographer, producer, clown, emcee and somewhere along the line I added aerialist to the list. If someone showed me this photo and said “This is what you’ll be doing for your job at 40” there’s no way I would have believed them.

If I could tell any young artist anything it’s NEVER PUT LIMITS ON YOURSELF. The outside world will try to but that will have no effect if you accept your limitless potential. Never stop learning: take class constantly, try new skills that force you to be uncomfortable, see shows/read books/watch movies that inspire your creative vessel, train when your body allows but find other ways to stay present as an artist when it doesn’t.

I get to open a new show next week as a lead actor in an immersive production before I get to tour for 7 weeks as a solo aerialist and dancer all whilst trying to build a company, write shows and create business plans, budgets and pitches for my show. And yes while I may not sleep much some days, the point is if you just keep showing up every day, it is inevitable that something will happen. You don’t have to know how, when and why, just keep showing up.

And on the days you struggle to, give me a buzz because no matter what, I ALWAYS have time for those I love 🩷

#aerialist #dancer #actress #creator #badassmftryingtomakeadifferenceinthisworld