Mississippi Expat: Nicole Marquez
"The arts education I received in Mississippi paved the way to all the major accomplishments I’ve had outside the state."
What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? Nicole Marquez always had dreams of leaving Mississippi to pursue a career as a dancer in New York City. But just months after she made it to New York, a traumatic accident derailed her plans. Now, after eleven years in New Orleans, Nicole is thriving. Though her dance career looks differently than she once imagined, she did ultimately fulfill her dream of dancing in New York after performing “Mask of Joy,” a theater and dance piece she co-created with fellow USM alumni Julie Turner. Today, Nicole shares how Mississippi shaped her, even though her home state never truly felt like home.
Where are you from?
Madison, Mississippi
When did you move away and where are you now?
I moved away multiple times throughout my lifetime, but am now stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Mississippi is the place where I was born and grew up, but Mississippi has never really felt like “home” to me.
What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?
Good Question. I haven’t really found my “home” yet. Crazy as it may sound, Mississippi is the place where I was born and grew up, but Mississippi has never really felt like “home” to me.
What do you miss most about Mississippi?
I miss some of the friends I grew up with, and certain sentimental locations that are now closed. I miss exploring spots less-traveled and finding new areas to appreciate.
How have you cultivated community in New Orleans?
Well, in 2008 after a crazy accident I found myself a member of the disabled community. At the time, I didn’t possess many disabled friends. Since living in New Orleans for almost eleven years now, I have been immersed in the disability community here and have many groups of disabled friends.
Mississippi gave me the foundation to be the person I am, though I don’t feel very rooted to Mississippi.
Do you still feel rooted to Mississippi?
Not so much. Mississippi gave me the foundation to be the person I am, though I don’t feel very rooted to Mississippi.
What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been there?
Do we walk around barefoot, and is everyone ill-educated?
How has being from Mississippi affected your identity and your life’s path?
I am so incredibly grateful for the education I received in Mississippi. Especially as someone who went into the arts. The arts education I received in Mississippi paved the way to all the major accomplishments I’ve had outside the state.
What is something that you’ve come to understand about Mississippi by living elsewhere?
There's a great love and also a disdain for the state.
Have you ever thought about moving back? What would need to happen in order for you to move back to Mississippi?
I have not. Though I do have a soft place in my heart for Mississippi, I don’t see myself spending my dying days there. I would come back if I needed to help a family member or friend of the family.
What do you wish the rest of the country understood about Mississippi?
Most of what you hear on the news is true; however, there are pockets throughout the state that are worth the visit.
Do you have a favorite Mississippi writer, artist, or musician who you think everyone needs to know about?
Cassandra Wilson, Raphael Semmes, Lisa Palmer, John Grisham, Beth Kander, Ginger Williams Cook, Talamieka Brice.
The arts education I received in Mississippi paved the way to all the major accomplishments I’ve had outside the state.
If you had one billion dollars to invest in Mississippi, how would you spend your money?
I would fund more arts in the education system and donate a portion to the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Performing and Visual Arts. Part of the funds would go towards building more accessibility around the state, for example: public transportation, easier access to local events and festivals, better and easier engagement for the disabled and elderly community.
What or who do you want to shamelessly promote? (It can absolutely be a project you’re working on, or something you are involved in.)
A project I am working on is with a colleague of mine from California, Julie Turner. I was an aspiring dancer just starting my career when a crazy accident almost killed me. The accident left me with a spinal and brain injury. I’m alive, but my dance career will never be the same. Fast forward fifteen years, and my colleague and I created a theater and dance piece called “The Mask of Joy.” It’s an integrative performance that artistically shares the story of a spinal cord injury through dialog, movement, and visuals, spotlighting the healing powers of the human body along with the deep dark emotions we can harbor inside that affect our abilities to heal. This article we were featured in can give you more insight: Mask of Joy in NYC
Nicole Marquez is a brain and spinal injury survivor, advocate, performer, and board member. Approximately fifteen years ago, she relocated to New York with the aspiration of pursuing a career in dance on Broadway. Her dreams were deferred following an accident that nearly claimed her life—where she fell six stories from the roof of her apartment building. In the wake of this harrowing experience, Nicole survived & became dedicated to demonstrating that life’s formidable challenges can sometimes present the opportunity to embark on a new chapter and lead an even more gratifying life. Nicole is in the process of re-establishing her dance career, and by sharing her personal experiences, she seeks to illuminate the realities of living life after a traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Her outreach spans across all age groups nationwide, with the aim of inspiring resilience and conveying the potential to enjoy a meaningful life despite adversity.
One year ago:
Mississippi Expat: Harrison Scott Key
"Home is both the place you leave and the place you stay. Mississippi will always be the place I left. And I keep leaving, every time I go back."
Two years ago:
Mississippi Expat: William Ferris
"'Home' for me is the farm where I grew up, where I learned the smell and feel of changing seasons, where familiar voices of family and neighbors, of animals, birds, and insects were constantly in my ears, where I return each day in my mind to revisit the people and place that shaped me so deeply."
Your return to dancing after such a traumatic accident is really remarkable and inspiring! Thanks for including the link to the story - and that wonderful photo of you with your doctor.
Ms. Marquez's story reminds me not to indulge in pity parties for myself, that we are stronger than we know, and that the primary work of art is to heal, console, educate, and inspire.