You wanted to know, so here's the scoop! One of the dance industry's most influential choreographer's, Derek Brown, sat down with me to share his story to his rise to the top. This is a motivational must read for all artists on their daily grind. Enjoy!
"Train hard, stay focused...stay humble..."
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| Derek Brown |
Bio:
Derek Brown is a proffesional Choreographer, Dancer and Artist Director in Washington, DC. Derek has choreographed for artists such as Pink, Monica, Mya, and Chrisette Michele to name a few. Derek has also worked with companies such as BET, FOX, Seagrams, 99.5 fm, 93.9 fm, TV One, Disney, Motown, Def Jam, Universal, J Records, Manhattan Records and Touchtone Films.
The Interview:
Me: How many years have you been dancing?
Derek Brown (DB): I have had a strong connection to dance ever since I can remember. My parents would have parties in the basement and I would sneak downstairs and end up in the middle of the dance floor in my pajamas. My mother and father would cheer me on then put me back to bed.
Me: What was you’re first “big break?”
DB: My first big break was performing on “Showtime at the Apollo” when I was 14 years old. It was my first time in New York and on TV. I remembered being so nervous the audience was going to boo us lol… but they didn’t.
Me: Out of every occupation there is, what made you choose a career in dance?
DB: I always new I wanted to be a dancer. In school when kids would say “I wanna be a doctor when I grow up!”… I always wanted to be on stage dancing in front of thousands of people. Dance really wasn’t a choice for me, It was chosen for me.
Me: Most embarrassing dance moment (that either happened to you, or to someone else you saw)?
DB: Oh my! So many to even name! I’ve seen everything from pants splitting to fake breasts falling out of bras lol… Lets just say personally, I have had too many, but at least I can laugh at myself.
"I enjoy a dancer who can break away from reality and be vulnerable."
Me: If you could work on any dance project what would it be and why (i.e Broadway, tv, music videos, live shows, movies, own a studio, teach, etc.)?
DB: I would love to run the whole gambit if possible, but my passion is film and video work. Dance movies or movies with dance in them, and dance videos inspired me as a child to want to peruse dance. I think it would be awesome to have my work forever immortalized in film, and video, to inspire other upcoming dancers to want to live out their dreams of being an entertainer.
Me: If you could take a class with any artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
DB: I’m sure I’m not alone in saying Michael Jackson. He was such a visionary in all aspects of his career. Id love to have a jam session with him but more so, sit down and just talk.
Me: What is your favorite dance move?
DB: LOL! It would have to be “The Prep” Its nostalgic and you don’t sweat lol
Me: When starting a new work, what is your choreographic process? How do you begin to get inspired?
DB: I start off just listening to the song over and over until I understand its mood, sound, inflection, attitude, and overall vibe. Then I think about the person or persons I’m choreographing for and their level of dance. I don’t actually move when I choreograph, which sounds a little crazy. I sit and I see an image playing in my head as if I’m watching the show already complete. When I feel like I have seen the right show in my mind, I start to move.
"...hard work is the foundation for a strong, secure
future."
Me: What is playing on your iPod right now?
DB: Adele
Me: What is your favorite dance accessory?
DB: My gloves! They are like my protection blanket when I’m dancing…lol…I own about 20 pair, all types from fingerless to motorcycle gloves. I never dance without them J
Me: Any advice for up and coming professionals? Advice for young dancers choosing a career in the arts?
DB: Train hard, Stay focused, have a positive work ethic, stay humble, and most importantly be patient… patience is key. Nothing worth having is easily obtained, so there will be times it feels like your working so hard but cannot see the payoff… That’s where patience comes into play. Trust that your hard work is the foundation for a strong, secure future. To make it in this business there are many personal sacrifices but the reward is well worth it.
Me: What do you look for in a dancer when holding auditions?
DB: I would say emotion. I enjoy a dancer that can break away from reality and be vulnerable. I love to work with artists who take risks emotionally as well as in their dance.
Me: In your opinion, what makes a good dancer great?
DB: I believe there is a huge difference between dancers and performers. A dancer can do all the steps perfectly but a performer will make you remember steps they performed. To me it’s more than acing the choreography but living the choreography.
Me: Are there any new projects you’re working on that we should look out for? If so do tell!
DB: Recently I was fortunate to work with the amazing Chrisette Michele, choreographing for her live stage shows and her video for Goodbye Game. Also, working with MYA on her new video “Love Is The Answer” which will be out soon, and her soon to be released album “K.I.S.S”.
"...patience is key."
Me: How can we find out what you are up to next/where you’re teaching next? Any links that we should follow?
DB: Well, my website will be up soon yay! The website will be displaying all of my past and current work, and also information regarding upcoming projects, classes, workshops and auditions. You can also reach me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/derekbrown.dance I love to keep in touch with dancers, fellow choreographers, and anyone who has a passion for dance, so please don’t hesitate to say HI!
Thanks Derek for sharing your wonderful insight with us! I look forward to seeing what you have in store for the future, and thank you for being such a positive influence for our young dancers and fellow artists in the entertainment industry! God bless :)
Don't forget to leave a comment, thanks for reading!
xoxo,
Jadée
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