Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelson Cruz
Hi Nelson, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a kid I always had a love for dance. I would always try to learn all the new trendy dances back in the 2000’s & just dance to have fun. I stumbled upon Litefeet one day in 2007 at my High School, (Dewitt Clinton H.S), when I noticed a cypher happening outside with loud hand claps & chants. I was instantly drawn to the organic energy that was being produced and instantly fell in love with the style. It wasn’t until early summer of 2008 when I decided I wanted to try learning the style in a more serious manner. Thankfully I went to school with many pioneers and legends within the Litefeet culture and I quickly became acclimated due to consistently being in that environment & having the help of some dope friends. What started out as a fun hobby slowly turned into a passion over the years & in 2017 I left my home in New York & moved to Florida. I prioritized my personal life and didn’t step out to much into the Florida dance scene at 1st, but in 2019 I was offered my 1st opportunity to teach my 1st ever Litefeet class at DGBEK Studios in Orlando for an event called “Seed Summit”. My 1st class consisted of more than 60 dancers in attendance & although I was nervous, I was able to get through the class & the energy, as well as the love I received that day was overwhelming. With that class I found a new passion in teaching the style of Litefeet and over the years I have taught in various studios around the state of Florida, around the country & as well as out the country. I found a new fire that inspired me to start learning & taking choreo classes & over the years gained enough knowledge & experience to compete, as well as showcase/choreograph sets for World Of Dance, Prelude East Coast, Hip Hop International, Red Bull Dance Your Style, Dancing for Diabetes & being a current member of “The 407” hip hop dance team for the Orlando Magic. Words aren’t enough to express my gratitude for dance & I am so blessed to meet and connect with so many beautiful people through dance.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a kid I lacked so much confidence in my dance but I never cared about others opinions and just danced for fun. There were many times where I just wanted to give up and stop dance completely. However, any time I attempted to walk away from dance, the fire in my heart burned brighter and I couldn’t deny the passion I had for it. Litefeet is a style that blossomed from the streets of the concrete jungle, so I never had any real studio training experience. All I knew was Litefeet that I learned from my friends & I was always ok with that. Nothing we want in life comes easy, but consistency along with passion will allow you to reach your goals & open doors you never knew existed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Relationship Banker for Regions Bank, as well as an NBA Dancer for the Orlando Magic. I’ve always been very goal driven in my work environments & I make sure I separate my personal life from my work life. I am blessed to have a health work/life balance & I take a lot of pride in being a team player. A leader is one who can recognize the leader in those around them & bring out those qualities in those around them. With that mindset I am able to produce more than what I limit myself to & continuously break barriers for my growth.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Never get mad over the things you can not control. A missed opportunity isn’t an end game, it creates more room for other opportunities that are meant for you when the time is right. Love yourself and know that what you do is for yourself and nobody else.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyc_xdock?igsh=MTV5cnplNHFzYjA3OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18YMxeBbvi/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Alex Ferrelly
