03/16/2026
Be brave. Do the dance 🔥
A few months ago, my friend Ashley Cox Music put up a video where she was dancing in the snow. It was so much fun and just so happy, I watched it at least five times.
It reminded me that once I loved to dance and had the confidence to do it. Before YouTube, I bought a Christina Aguilera single just because it had a DVD of the music video "Come on Over" and I learned the whole routine. I used to win every swing dance competition at middle school dances with my friend Jenny. I loved it so much that when I was a young teen, I opened up the paper, looked for ads about dance schools and found one that did a pop dance class. It fit right along with my dream of making and being in music videos, so perfect.
I signed myself up and told my parents - "I have dance class next week. Can someone drive me there?"
I went and we danced to an *NSYNC song. I took classes for months and did a recital and I'm pretty sure I still have the lime green, shiny outfit I wore.
I was OK, but not as good as the other dancers who took ballet and tap and did pop just for fun. They all knew each other from their other groups and I was just the beginner new girl who stood out like a sore thumb.
After watching Ashley's video and being reminded of my love for dance that I let go of, I tried doing a dance work out. It was hilarious and fun. My son did it with me and we laughed through most of it as the Peloton instructor shouted "grapevine!" from the TV. I never really got it, but it felt good to try.
Within days of that, Diana, the leader of SpeakDance CNY, contacted me. We have worked together for years through FIRE Festival CNY and I featured the group in my "Eve" music video last year. But Diana contacted me to ask if I would dance LIVE at FIRE while singing. She even proposed the idea of me wearing a vocal mic headset.
I remember my reaction being a knee-jerk, "NO." The thought of wearing a headset like Britney Spears and trying to move and sing was the most terrifying thing I had thought about in years. I'll get on any stage and sing or play in front of anyone, but DANCE and sing? No.
However.
I'm me.
So, I said, "yes!"
I'm so glad I did.
I sang live and danced to my song "Eve" with SpeakDance at FIRE on March 8 (pictured below!) and I loved every second.
At the same time: it was terrifying. And watching the videos back I immediately think of all the things I can do better - next time.
THAT is the best.
I'm not sure how often you all feel that, but I do constantly and I love it. It comes from years of performance where I get to hear and see myself back and think, "I know what to do to make this better." I think it's the biggest thrill of performance. There's always a way to change and grow. There is no top. There is no perfection. Improvement is an addictive thing to chase.
So, what I want to say to you is: Do things you are afraid of. Say yes when your natural reaction would be a "no" of self-preservation and safety. Strive for something that makes you happy and gives you the motivation to improve. None of us are perfect from the jump. The thrill is in the chase of getting better at something we love to do.
Keep going after it.
Whatever it is.
You can do it.
And keep dancing 💃
Biggest thanks to Diana and SpeakDance for getting me out of my comfort zone and for believing in me! You are amazing!
See the "Eve" music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFrVtOZpoXU
THIS WEEK:
TODAY (MONDAY): Jess Novak at Potters Farm to Fork
WEDNESDAY: lessons - take one today!
FRIDAY: Jess Novak at Nick's Ride 4 Friends 10th Anniversary Celebration
SUNDAY: Jess Novak at Bluewater Grill
more at www.jessrocknovak.com
