Lights, camera, action. A dimly lit stage, the silence thick with anticipation and then, a single movement sets the entire space ablaze. While some people see dance as mere movement, 30-year-old dancer and choreographer Shamara Spitzer, better known as ‘Inspire’, ignites emotions and tells a story. She commands the stage with an energy that cannot be ignored. With a career built on breaking barriers, Inspire is shaping the future of dance in Jamaica one step at a time.

Raised in Manchester, Inspire’s love for music began within the walls of her church at the age of six, finding the melody in every beat of the drums. This passion led her to take dance classes, and eventually, she became the captain of the dance club while at Manchester High School. However, determined to pursue new opportunities, she left Jamaica to earn a bachelor’s in economics and finance at the University of South Florida in Tampa. 

Like many, Inspire faced pressure to follow a traditional career path instead of focusing on dance, but fate had other plans. “After earning my first degree and securing a work permit in the U.S., I focused on preparing for the GMAT exams so that I could do my master’s in Compliance and Auditing. A few days before the exam, Hurricane Irma hit Florida, and the exams were cancelled, but I was unable to reschedule anywhere in the U.S.,” she recalled. “I am someone who believes in signs, and I took that as one. I came back to Jamaica, took some time, and decided that I really wanted to invest in my true passion—travelling the world to teach and choreograph.” 

Since returning in 2018, Inspire has embraced opportunities that have continuously redefined her career in dance and choreography. “Participating in the ‘Dance Your Style’ competition and choreographing a music video for Vybz Kartel were pivotal moments for me. They reminded me that it’s okay to be different. Many Jamaicans have a particular dance style, but I don’t conform to what most people are used to seeing, and for me, that’s okay.” 

Her commitment to non-conformity is inspired by three-time MTV VMA-nominated choreographer and creative director, Tanisha Scott. “Since stepping into the spotlight, people often tell me what I should or shouldn’t do. But Tanisha reminds me that I don’t have to conform to others’ expectations. She started as a dancer, then moved into choreography and teaching, and now serves as the creative director for major award shows like the Grammys and VMAs. She’s simply doing what she loves, living her best life. Finally meeting her in person was magical, and I would love the opportunity to work with her, absorbing all the knowledge and energy she has to offer.” 

Following Tanisha’s lead, Inspire continues to push the boundaries of her creativity. In 2024, she took her passion for choreography and teaching to the international stage, embarking on her first tour across Europe. She travelled to over 15 countries, including Russia, France, Austria, Spain, and Germany, sharing her artistry with a global audience. With each new destination, she absorbed diverse cultures, rhythms, and movement styles, shaping her unique approach to choreography. 

“There are many things that set my choreography apart from others, but one of the main things is my ability to create unorthodox, creative pieces. I don’t want it to look like what you thought it would look like—I make it my point of duty to highlight the beauty of every aspect of the music. I want you to feel, understand, and hear everything, and that takes a lot of creativity.” 

Even the most innovative minds face moments when inspiration feels out of reach. For Inspire, creative blocks provide opportunities to dig deeper, explore new perspectives, and push beyond the ordinary. She turns to nature—listening to its sounds or going on a drive to take in the local landscape—searching for inspiration in the deepest crevices of the Earth. This ongoing pursuit of creativity has not only shaped her artistry but also influenced her approach to every opportunity, including her role as a Red Stripe Flavours Squad member. 

“Being a Flavours Squad member has shown me that I am capable of far more than I initially thought,” she reflected. “I learnt a lot during that experience. It showed me the power of storytelling and the importance of curating every detail—from styling and locations to production and editing. I had full creative control, which strengthened my confidence and expanded my skillset in marketing and brand storytelling, and more people are noticing me and my work.” 

Looking ahead, Inspire is focused on expanding her impact through touring and, more importantly, creating spaces for Jamaican dancers to thrive. One of her most exciting upcoming projects is Hot Girl Factory, a dance camp set for August 9-10, 2025, in Kingston, Jamaica. The workshop will feature both local and international instructors, offering training in Dancehall, Afrobeats, Soca, and Urban Styles. 

Her ultimate goal is to cultivate an environment where dancers can receive structured training, not just take recreational classes, ensuring that Jamaica’s rich dance culture continues to grow and evolve.