ERICA DA SILVA
I got to talk to the amazing Erica about her dance motivations after moving from Brazil to London at the age of 10, she explains how her culture and family have inspired her from the beginning, however community and support within the industry has only pushed her further. Erica talks about how she wants to give that love back while pushing positive energy in every step she takes in her career.
What initially inspired or motivated you to start dancing?
I started when I was young in school shows, I’m from Brazil so the culture side was to dance all the time on TV and in Carnival. When I moved to the UK when I was 10, I started seeing more and more on MTV, Destiny’s Child for example, I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to be. I brought the energy from my culture, and I want to show my younger sibling if you have a passion for something you can go for it don’t just leave it in the back of your mind. If you want to make it your career you can.
How important is the sense of community and support from fellow dancers in your journey?
I feel like I got a lot of support from people when I was coming up in the industry. Of course, it takes time but there were a few people that recommended me for jobs, trained me and seen that potential in me. Having the community support you is a big deal. It doesn’t only give you that confidence but pushes you to do better too. You want to show your appreciation by working hard. Two or three people is just enough, you don’t need everyone to believe in you in the start. However, I’m careful with how much validation and approval from others I let into my head because once it’s no longer there it can knock your confidence down you know. You have to have your own back first.
Can you share an experience where the dance community played a significant role in your motivation or emotional well-being?
Sometimes when you don’t have that outside support you start questioning yourself, are you doing the right thing, is this good enough. Although people say self-worth must come from within, I believe that first you have to look at God and he will show you your worth. When that happens, you don’t really need the outside approval or validation from others. However, it is nice and hugely helps, so I’m always grateful. There’s support in classes, behind the scenes as well. For example, if someone comes up to me after the class and says, ‘I love your work this was great’. Just because of that, I end up feeling much more energised, and that person doesn’t even know they’ve had that affect. Everyone is a big dance family; in the industry we might be competitive but, in the end, we support each other.
On the same note, how do you contribute to fostering a supportive environment within the dance community, do you feel it’s important to continue building this throughout your career.
I feel like everyone needs a gang, that support system, especially in this type of career that they have chosen. You can’t just take take take. You must give it back as well. I love to give that support, because if it wasn’t for people that helped me along the way I wouldn’t be where I am today, so giving that back is definitely necessary.
Follow Erica on -
Instagram: @eridalatina
TikTok: @eridalatina