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A little background of the author!

INNASKRRT is a 16 year old dancer from NYC. After moving from Jamaica to America at a young age, she has been exploring and training in many dance styles such as Hip-Hop, Tap, and Ballet since the age of 2. Known for her expressive movement, she uses dance as a way to express, inspire, and empower.

Here are the questions!

Claudia: What’s your story? How did you get where you are today?

INNASKRRT: “Dance has always been my way to express my feelings and an outlet to share my story or thoughts. Unfortunately, after a rough injury, I had to undergo surgery that required limitations to the things I could do; one of those things being dancing. During my recovery, I fell into a really dark time. Dance was my voice and I had lost it. I had to find a new way of expressing myself and ultimately, I started writing. I started with journaling which turned into poems, stories, scripts, etc. After I was fully healed and cleared to dance again, I learned to appreciate creative writing for helping me express myself during a time where I wasn’t capable of doing so.”

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Claudia: What do you consider your achievements? If any!

INNASKRRT: “Back then, I would’ve definitely said my recovery first and I would still agree with that now but after a lot of reflection I’m really proud of myself for continuing doing dance despite going through an experience that not many people bounce back from. Jumping back into classes and choreography was not an easy task and was probably the toughest part for me after recovering but I’m super proud of myself for giving myself grace, and humbling myself to relearn the basics and start at square one.

In terms of writing, an achievement for me would be allowing myself to be vulnerable, as well as sharing my vulnerability. Despite my experiences with being a dancer, I find it hard to verbally share my feelings. It was never about feeling weak or sensitive, but I was unaware of who was willing to listen. But now that I’ve gotten past that, I’m really grateful that I took that step to share my feeling through writing.”

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Claudia: What are the best qualities of your writing/art style?

INNASKRRT: “My art style is very down to earth and honest. My number one goal is that I want to make sure that the audience is able to channel whatever I am feeling and I make sure to incorporate that into my art.“

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Claudia: How has your writing/art affected yourself and/or others?

INNASKRRT: “People usually say that they find my art relatable, which I really appreciate considering the fact that I find it hard to share my vulnerability. Otherwise, they are able to sympathize with my pieces and connect it to their personal story which makes me just as appreciative. My art has definitely made me better at sharing who I am or what I’ve been through; whether that be through dance or writing.”

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Claudia: Have there been any drawbacks in your art/writing journey? How has that affected you?

INNASKRRT: “I do have these times where I get super self conscious about my work and those times tend to make me completely unmotivated and judgmental about my own work. Additionally, I sometimes feel as if I’m falling behind. This usually ends up in me taking a break from creating. My breaks can last me from a week to sometimes a month. I’ve come to learn that it’s okay to take breaks. I am my own worst critic but at the same time I’ve learned that there is no right or wrong when it comes to how you feel and whether you decide to put yourself out there is up to you and no judgement should come with it.”

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Claudia: What are your aspirations for future publication and/or plans, if any!

INNASKRRT: “School has been quite a priority now since I am getting closer to starting the college process but I’m always dancing and writing when I can. Feel free to stay updated with me on my instagram: @Innaskrrt”

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Sorry! Zine thanks INNASKRRT so much for the time to talk to us about such a wonderful writing journey. We are so honoured to have you here!