GEMMA ASFOUR Best known as a Dancer, Choreographer, Actress, and Podcast Host. While classically trained in all styles of dance, it is her expertise in underground/street styles, particularly Chicago Footwork and Contemporary Fusion, which is setting the dance world on fire. Her dynamic style has been showcased in an NBA halftime show for the Timberwolves alongside Tone Loc, as well as Capri Everitt's music video On Site. Gemma is the choreographer and director of the upcoming concept video Always Forever, in which the stages of a dystopian love story are told through the push and pull movement of dance. Her unique vision and exceptional talent are catching the eye of many top choreographers under whom she continuously trains. As an actress, Gemma can be seen in the Parental Controls Instagram commercial for Meta and is making her film debut as Anna in the upcoming movie Mi Loca Quinceanera. Passionate about making the world a better place, Gemma started the Society Inspired campaign in which she interviews various activists and artists about social issues in the community and the world with the goal to deepen the knowledge of her peers and start conversations about difficult topics. In her free time, this unique young teen enjoys playing the drums and photography.
You are the Founder of Society Inspired! In this campaign, you interview different activists to help educate ourselves as we speak out about these important issues in the world. Why did you start this campaign?
"I started my campaign Scoeity Inspired after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I still lived in Minneapolis when this occurred, and watching what was happening around me with the anger and the protests moved me to do something myself. It was a long process to start the campaign, and it took a lot of courage to announce it. However, the urge to be a part of the difference and learn more about what was happening in the communities surrounding me, pushed me to release episodes and create that platform."
What are some issues that are important to you?
"Every time I think of one issue that is really important to me, I can find another one that is just as important. In reality, I am learning along with everyone listening to the episodes, and even though I can speak out on these conversations myself, I will never stop being a student about all these different topics. So, in the end, each issue is equally important, and they all need attention + need to be spoken about."
How have people reacted to you starting this campaign?
"In the beginning, I didn’t have the best reaction. It wasn’t only from outsiders either. It was from activists. I got told a lot from the older generation that I didn’t know what I was talking about and that this “little project” wouldn’t make a change. I would be told, “Why Try?” There were times when I had scheduled interviews with activists, and theyjust wouldn’t show up at our scheduled time and I would never hear from them again. As time has passed, people have begun to take the campaign more seriously, and I have many kind souls reaching out/sharing the episodes. No matter the reaction, it will not stop me from uploading episodes because pushing for the change our world needs is so important to me."
Why is it important to have these conversations?
"It is beyond important to have these conversations because there needs to be a profound change in the world in so many different areas. People think they cannot make a change in the world, but taking the time to learn what is going on in the world around you is making that change! When you learn, it inspires you to live differently, and you also have new knowledge that you can give to others. So, having conversations is already making a change, and if you decide to take action on that new knowledge, that is up to you. But know that that can cause an even more significant impact!"
You are also a dancer, what sort of inspired you to start?
"I have been dancing ever since I could walk. So, there isn’t something particular that inspired me to start. It’s what I have always loved and felt compelled to do I cannot imagine my life without it. It is how I heal, how I figure things out, but also my soul's passion. In addition, my parents had a wide variety of music playing around me from a very young age, which I also think had a significant impact on dance becoming my way of life."
What is your favorite genre of dance?
"I love all styles of dance, and I enjoy learning more about the styles I am not as versed in yet! My favorite for the longest time has been contemporary fusion. Being very involved in the hip-hop world, and loving the contemporary style, I love fusing them together. But I also love underground styles like House and Chicago footwork. But overall, I have a love for all styles that I do and an eagerness to continue learning and evolving as a dance artist."
What’s next for you in 2024?
"I am so excited for my first concept video, “Always Forever,” to be released. I have been talking about it for so long. It is coming, and you can keep up with the teasers and release for it on my Instagram @gemma.asfour. I also finished filming a movie called “Mi Loca Quinceanera” with some friends of mine, and I am so excited to see the completed project! You can keep up with any of my projects on my Instagram, which is, again, @gemma.asfour. Monthly episodes are coming out on my campaign, Society Inspired, and you can keep up with vital information @society_inspired on Instagram/looking up Society Inpsired on YouTube & your preferred podcast platform. Lastly, I will be releasing more content on my photography account this year, and you can find it @snapsby.gem on Instagram!"
Social Media Handles:
Main Insta, TikTok, YouTube, Threads: @gemma.asfour
Photography Account: @snapsby.gem
Society Inspired Insta, TikTok, Threads: @society_inspired
Also, you can look up Society Inspired on YouTube or your preferred podcast platform.
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