Megan Grabau shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Megan, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important to me. Intelligence and energy are qualities that can be developed over time, but integrity is who you are and what you stand for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a dancer, choreographer, and creative director. For those that don’t know me, I own MEG Productions which encompasses all these different aspects. I love that my profession is my passion and I get to connect with people of all ages through a shared love of movement. I have been in music videos, TV shows, movies, and choreographed and directed a lot of cool events and performances, but I have to say that what I am most proud of is how I have gotten the privilege to help others step into their greatness. The most rewarding part of working with other artists, is seeing their confidence grow and seeing them believe that their light can not only shine, but the world is a better place when it shines. I truly believe that every person has a unique voice that makes the world a better place with a divine purpose. Through my company, I am not just teaching steps and dance moves, but my ultimate goal is to help others see their brilliance and radiate who they are without looking outward for approval in an industry that is full of “no’s” and very frugal on “yes’s.”
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I am so blessed to say that my parents taught me the most about work. My parents are some of the hardest workers I know, and this is not just seen in their careers, but in everything they do. They work hard at being good friends and creating relationships. They work hard to serve the Lord. They work hard to support one another and make each member of our family feel seen and loved. They work hard to create and cultivate community. I am so grateful that my parents have instilled a determination in my heart to reach for excellence in everything I do. My Dad and Mom are two of my biggest role models and I couldn’t be where I am without them. My prayer is that I can follow their guidance by loving fearlessly and serving others with 100% of my heart.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I truly believe that suffering teaches us and guides us more than success. It is in the times of suffering that you not only have to problem solve, but rethink the steps that got you there in the first place. Sometimes we need a disruption in order to get on the right track to where we are meant to be headed. In May of this year, I broke my foot and ended up being on crutches for 2 and a half months and a boot for a long time after that. I still am not 100% healed and just tried my first jump this week, and this is 5 months later. For most, this sounds pretty bad, but for an athlete that makes their income off their craft, it was a huge disruption in my path and still is challenging to navigate. But looking back at this injury, the lessons I have learned worth way more than the time I spent not dancing. I wanted to share four lessons that I was taught in the struggle. 1. Everything is temporary. Hold close to your faith. 2. Your works and your fruits do not define you, the Lord does. This is true even when the world says your worth is tied to your works, looks, and titles. 3. Life is about relationships and people. Connection is everything. 4. Rest is just as important as the hustle.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies the dance industry tells itself is that one has to be selfish to be a star. I strongly disagree and actually oppose this point of view. When artists are all consumed in themselves, and glorifying this self love, they are failing to see all the beauty, wonder, and magnificence around them. They are drawing all their inspiration from themselves when there is so much inspiration in this beautiful world we live in. This not only limits their creativity but their connection with others around them. As dancers and artists, we want to draw from our life and experiences to impact others. If all our perceptions and thoughts are only from ourselves, how are we able to connect with our audience? Art is not about ourselves but connecting in a deeper way that words cannot express with our audience and loved ones around us.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that my legacy is how I made other people feel and not what I did. Every encounter I have with someone, my goal is to make them feel loved, seen, and valued. This is the reason that I love what I do. In my dance classes and conventions, I get to pour into the next generation with love and help them believe in their greatness. I hope my legacy is truly about others and not myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @megangrabau
Image Credits
Angelli Nguyen
