Dancer Lisa Naa Quama Darko, known as Lisa Quama, has passionately articulated her motivation for pursuing a dance career despite her parents’ financial capability to provide for her. During an enlightening interview on Joy Prime’s Changes show, host Roselyn Felli probed into Lisa’s motivations, leading her to reflect on her desire for independence and self-sufficiency. Lisa expressed a strong rejecting of the notion of being a “spoiled child,” revealing her determination to forge her own path rather than depend entirely on her parents. This pursuit for autonomy was rooted in her deep love for dance, as she stated, “I really loved to dance and didn’t want to be punished for it.” These sentiments underscore her intrinsic motivation towards developing her skills and monetizing her passion for dance.
Embarking on her journey, Lisa immersed herself in the world of dance, joining friends in performing at various events without any financial compensation. Her commitment to dance was not just a hobby; it was a life choice that she wholeheartedly embraced. Despite the challenging dynamics of earning money through performances, she maintained her focus on her studies, reaching academic excellence that made her parents proud. “I was more of a hustler,” Lisa stated, indicating a sense of independence from her parents’ resources. She knew that excelling in school would help her parents feel assured about her creative aspirations, thus allowing her the freedom to pursue dance without added pressure.
Determined to refine her dance skills, Lisa took matters into her own hands by saving her pocket money to enroll in dance lessons during her school vacations. This self-financed approach demonstrated a commitment to growth and professionalism in her craft, differentiating her from peers who might rely on their parents’ financial support. Her diligent saving habits began to yield results, as she developed her techniques and performance capabilities further, creating a pathway to success that she could proudly attribute to her efforts.
Lisa’s hard work ultimately bore fruit, as she began to generate income from her dance performances. With newfound financial independence, she embraced a sense of responsibility and aspiration that extended beyond personal gains. Lisa set a heartfelt goal to buy a car for her mother, a gesture of gratitude for her parents’ support throughout her childhood. She cleverly managed her earnings by dividing them into categories—tithe, savings, and what she aptly dubbed her “car fund.” This structured financial approach revealed a maturity and foresight that belied her years.
“Saving diligently was key,” Lisa explained, highlighting how she approached her financial planning with sincerity and discipline. By separating her earnings, she not only demonstrated accountability but also a deep respect for her parents and the sacrifices they made for her. Rather than indulging herself, she prioritized her mother’s needs, weaving her dance success into a narrative of familial appreciation. Her joke about buying her mother a car transformed into a tangible goal with a steadfast determination to realize it, encapsulating her work ethic and commitment to her family.
In conclusion, Lisa Quama’s journey into the dance world is a testament to self-determination, hard work, and love for family. By pursuing her passion and maintaining a balance between her academic excellence and interest in dance, she carved her niche and achieved success through her own efforts. Through discipline in financial planning and a focus on supporting her mother, Lisa exemplified how personal aspirations can be intertwined with deep familial bonds. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of independence, dedication, and the beauty of giving back to those who have supported us along the way.
