Introduce yourself!
Hey, I'm Brigitte, I'm a 30 year old Dominican, born and raised in the New York City!
How do you express yourself creatively?
I'm a dancer, choreographer and instructor. I use my knowledge in different dance disciplines in order to express myself and teach. I started my dance journey in the Ailey School, I learned classical dance there. Then I received my B.F.A. in University of the Arts as a Modern Dance Education major. Now I'm focused on hip hop and pole dancing! One style always compliments the other.
Describe an insecurity that you had while growing up. Has your perspective changed? If so, how did you overcome this insecurity?
My hair was an insecurity growing up. Hair is a complex thing for Black and Brown people. I have very curly hair. I used to resent the fact that my hair didn't fall flat, instead it was big and round. I felt my best whenever I'd get my hair straightened in the salon. I remember wanting to show off my straight hair to my friends in school. To show them I had "good hair".
I started to embrace my natural hair more in college. Positive reinforcement definitely worked wonders for my confidence. Now I wear my hair proudly. My personal hair philosophy has done a complete 180. For me if it's not big and fluffy, I'd now consider that having a bad hair day. I hardly ever go to the salon to straighten my hair. On top of the fact that it makes zero sense for my lifestyle to maintain straight hair, it also makes me feel so....ordinary. It's crazy how I was so obsessed with it back then, and now I have little to no interest in it. It's a liberating thing.
Define Beauty I know it's cliche but beauty does come from within. There's no physical standard that everyone must follow. It's confidence in authentically being who you are, unapologetically.
How would you describe your skin-type? I've got combination skin.
How do you combat your personal skincare problems? Drinking lots of water is a must. Getting quality sleep works wonders as well.
What are some of your skincare beauty secrets? Sweating! It works wonders for my skin. It opens up my pores, and makes my skin glow.
2 do’s for skincare?
1) Whenever you can give your skin a break, do so. I love makeup but I don't need to leave the house with it. On days that I can afford to not wear makeup I take full advantage! 2) I apply masks whenever I can. I make sure to use moisturizers with SPF in it.
2 don’ts for skincare?
1) Fried foods. I don't avoid them completely but I am mindful of my intake. Whenever I eat too much fried food I see the effect it has on my skin, my energy as well as my digestion. 2) Being sleep deprived. I need to be better about this as well. It's hard for me to get good quality sleep when I'm in that New York hustle mode. But my skin (as well as my the rest of me body and overall mood/sanity) takes a really hard hit when good sleep isn't part of the equation. I try to nap as much as possible.
What motivates you to practice self-care consistently?
I practice self care in various ways. If I take an active approach to my self care, I like to do that with yoga. Hot yoga specifically is great in the colder winter months. Yoga relaxes me, it allows me to stop time, to be present. Hot yoga gets me sweaty which I love! Also long walks! My friends can't stand that about me. I can walk for miles (as long as my shoes are comfy). It's truly the best. I can clear my thoughts. I like to walk paths I wouldn't normally run into on a daily basis. I've lived in NYC most of my life, so I find it pretty cool to discover something new. Taking dance classes for me is also a great thing for my self care. As well as dancing in nature. I love to dance during a sunset. It's the best!
If I want to take a less active approach to my self care it would be staying at home. I love it when I actually have time to clean my space. I find that I'm my most stressed when my personal space is cluttered. So when I clean, it's super therapeutic. I also love to pamper myself. Painting my nails and giving myself a face mask makes me feel so luxurious! It's definitely needed.
Where can we find you?
Instagram: gigisplendid
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