CHVRCH: As a dancer, dad, and cycling instructor, how do these roles influence each other in your daily life?
Bashaun: My mantra is that movement is medicine. The minute you stop moving is when the dust settles and we all know that anything with dust is considered "old". I love that all 3 of these roles help to encourage movement in all its aspects. Also, all 3 roles require me to be a teacher which I love because there are always life lessons and words of encouragement I can pass along. Influence wise, I ultimately believe that cycling has a direct influence on my stamina and cardiovascular health that I need to strengthen in order to dance and perform at my highest level. These two activities bring me passion and and joy in such a way that I can ultimately share that vibration with my family and be a father with energy and enthusiasm.
C: What does Black History Month mean to you, and how do you incorporate its spirit into your movement and teaching?
B: Black History month to me is about awareness. You can't confine any beings' history to just a singular month. Given the true past of our ancestors collectively, the world has never had an agenda to teach, let alone celebrate the contributions of people of African descent. February at least helps plant the seeds and with each passing year, water those seeds that otherwise would be left unattended. I let that spirit shout a little bit louder during the month of February but it ultimately walks with me daily.
C: Who are some Black figures—past or present—who inspire you, and why?
B: Black Icons that I embody are Martin Kuther King, Jr. For his courage and poise. Harriet Tubman for her bravery and dedication. Malcolm X for his determination and power. Shirley Chisholm for her commitment and influence. Kobe Bryant for his relentless passion and work ethic. Madame C.J. Walker for her passion and motivation. Barack Obama for his knowledge and eloquence. My Mom and Dad for their Love and commitment to building community....just to name a few.
Black Icons that I embody are Martin Kuther King, Jr. For his courage and poise. Harriet Tubman for her bravery and dedication. Malcolm X for his determination and power. Shirley Chisholm for her commitment and influence. Kobe Bryant for his relentless passion and work ethic. Madame C.J. Walker for her passion and motivation. Barack Obama for his knowledge and eloquence. My Mom and Dad for their Love and commitment to building community....just to name a few