Jonathan B. & The Shades of Mahoghany

BEAUTY                                                                                                                                 BEAUTY

      STRENGTH                                                                                                            STRENGTH

                 PASSION                                                                                               PASSION

                       ATTITUDE                                                                            ATTITUDE

                                   FIERCE                                                               FIERCE

                                            SEXY                                                    SEXY

                                                 BOLD                                         BOLD

                                                              MAHOGANY

As an artist there are certain people that you follow simply because you like their style of creativity. They inspire you and they help you to think outside your box. Whether it's how appealing they are when they are performing, how technically sound they are, or the connection they have with their audience; artists are always sparking new thoughts & ideas within each other. So, when you put together a group of (black) women who all have their own way of moving & a great choreographer....that's a force to be reckoned with!!!

I wanted to sit down with Jonathan Bryant, a great friend of mine and, the brains behind mahogany. I wanted to know where his idea of choosing women of the same shade originated. Now let's be honest, color/shade plays a big part in what type of gigs you receive and typically the darker the skin the further you are away from a leading role. Which is why I think it's ABSOLUTELY AMAZING that he chose to highlight these fierce, talented, forceful, purpose-filled women!! They have skills and you can't take that away from any of them. Don't believe me? Let's meet the fabulous ladies of Mahogany. 

ASHLEY NEAL

THE REBEL

"Be strong enough to let go and patient enough to wait for what you deserve"

Bolden movie, Sharaya J
   

AUDRI  WOOTEN

SPONTANEOUS

 "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Illuminate, Clubesque

DESIREE DIXON

PASSIONATE 

"So let us not give in doing what is fine, for in due time we will reap if we do not tire out"

Galatians 6:9

Ledisi, Demetria McKinney, August Alsina

NAOMI JAMES

COLORFUL

  "Never apologize for what you feel, its like saying sorry for being real"

Let It Shine, Get   On Up, Pitch Perfect 2, B.O.B. 

PRINCESS MBANUZUE

CONFIDENT

"Never COMPETE or COMPARE... CONGRATULATE and CONTINUE to strive for GREATNESS!"

Tamar Braxton, B.O.B, T-Pain

STEFANIE OKEKE

UNIQUE

"Walk by faith, not by site"

Kalenna 

Now that we're all acquainted, let's get a deeper look into the origin of Mahogany. Below are words from founder, creative director, & choreographer Jonathan Bryant.

The Idea

"The idea for Mahogany came about after a piece I did for the dance showcase Mad Expressions. The original idea was to use three different girls with different skin tones. Unfortunately, I was not able to use the girls I planned to so, I went a different route. I chose to use three brown skin girls who were friends of mine (Naomi, Ashley, Audri) to do the piece instead which turned out great and had great responses.  Talking with the girls, the idea of putting together a group of fierce, confident, strong black woman came to life, Mahogany was the best name for the group."

The Group 

"I am happy with the group and I love each and every one of them; they call themselves Mahogany sisters. I think the girls dance well, but as in any group, there needs to be a sense of gelling together and looking like one. The ladies are still getting to know each other on a dance level as well as getting my style of choreography, but I have all faith in myself and my girls to look great."

The Dream

"I see the group growing way beyond what I initially imagined a year ago when the idea of Mahogany was born. There are people who support the group and loved the idea in the beginning stages which leads me to believe that even more people will be behind the movement once we gain popularity. My ultimate dream for the group is for them to be a like a Pussycat Doll troupe with their own shows in Vegas and LA and even create a singing group, all though none of my girls now can sing lol."

Priceless

"Each dancer is different in their personality and dance styles. In my head, I categorize them as a certain aspect of the group that without them, the group will be incomplete."

"I choreograph based on feeling. The feeling doesn’t necessarily have to be a real emotion; I just have to connect with the song.  When I create choreography for class, workshops, and shows, the music I use isn’t a random choice. I have listened to the song and a light bulb pops in my head that says “Hey, this is the song!” and the creative process begins. When choreographing for artists and productions, I think I make more of a personal note on my choreography because I want people to see me through the vision of the artist or show. Another big thing is that I listen to music; not just the words and singing but what is going on in the background. Sometimes the background rides harder than the melody, then I just allow my body to do what it do."

"My ultimate goal is to be an artistic director. I always tell people when I watch “This Is It” Michael Jackson movie, Kenny Ortega was the right head man to Michael and running the show and that’s when I said “He is who I want to be like…” My mind is always running with ideas for shows, videos, concerts so why not embrace the gift and take it to the highest level.  My short term goals are to become a force in the dance industry as a dancer and choreographer and not limit myself to just commercial dance work. There are many layers to the dance industry that I do not want to restrict myself. Of course, Mahogany is on this band wagon. I think this idea can become a big thing and now is when I put the work in to get it where I know it can be."

the WERKing dancer is THANKFUL for the many Shades of Mahogany. 

Watch and see why below! 

the WERKing dancer: CiCi Kelley

I had the most amazing interview with CiCi Kelley at her working home of Gotta Dance Atlanta. Sitting there asking her the questions I created, I started to get a deeper insight and it became clear to me why CiCi has been so successful in her career. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing how genuine, heartfelt, and confident she was while answering. Editing proved to be extremely difficult as this video could have easily been 30 minutes ;-) but I hope that you enjoy what I was able to include. Her answers turned into these amazing stories that showed her unyielding love for her daughter, the passion she holds for her students, and how her many jobs as a dancer & choreographer have given her so much knowledge in this craft we all love. The cool part is that she gets her greatest joy in seeing her students accomplish their goals....nothing better than a sharing artist!

I've worked with CiCi a few times throughout the years and one thing that holds true is her lively & vibrant personality! She really brightens a room until you get in one of her classes & she turns into tough stuff! Which is what provoked me to lead with the question of 'What is the difference between teaching and instructing to you?' I wanted to specifically ask her this because, to me, she is a teacher(trainer). She prepares you on all fronts for the stage and that is what every artist should desire out of class. So, go ahead and press play and enjoy my interview with Atlanta's CiCi Kelley!! Before you watch...special thanks to Daryl Foster for your help in creating this video!!!

BIOGRAPHY

A native of Atlanta, renowned choreographer, dancer & producer,  CiCi Kelley has accomplished much in her professional career.  Her list of accomplishments cross every end of the dance spectrum and genres.  

With undergraduate training from The University Of The Arts, her choreography has been seen on national commercials for the Georgia Lottery and Atlanta Falcons, BET's 106th and Park, the 2004 MTV VMA’s, Musiq Soulchild’s “Stir the Senses” Tour, a 12 day European tour with the Fugees, and a stellar performance for 20,000+ fans for the 2013 Russel Athletic Bowl.  Also on her list of accomplishments, she has had the opportunity to go on tour with LL Cool J as well as appear in his powerful video along side Jennifer Lopez “Control Myself,” & Outkast’s “Ghetto Music.” Kelley’s work has also been observed in many stage plays across the nation such as The Wilson Pickett Project, Satin Dolls a Duke Ellington Review, and Tell Hell I Ain’t Coming.

Kelley’s amazing performance skills have also been witnessed on TV with the  extraordinary Beyonce Knowles in her “Get Me Bodied” music video as well as her 2009 MTV VMA “Single Ladies” performance.  MTV has highly favored Kelley twice with appearances on the heavily rotated Emmy Award winning hit tv series, MTV MADE & MTV MADE Head to Head Hip Hop Challenge with Laurie Ann Gibson, Chris Judd & Soulja Boy. Kelley’s work is also gracing stages internationally with Multi Grammy Award winning artist Toni Braxton as her tour choreographer as well as a recent appearances on WE TV’s Braxton Family Values.  Director Jon Turtletaub selected Kelley to work along side award winning actors Morgan Freeman, Robert Dinero, Kevin Kline, & Micheal Douglas in the blockbuster hit Last Vegas!

With her talent and skill set in Choreography and dance, Kelley is now filling in the shoes and taking on the role as producer with her production company CK Productions, LLC, with a highly publicized and critically acclaimed 6 year strong choreographers showcase and benefit entitled Phazes Of Love.

Continuing her passion in the arts, Kelley felt the need to fill a void within the framework of traditional training for young dancers.  With her drive and passion for instructing, and maternal instinct to encourage, nurture, and cultivate a child with God given talent, Kelley created the DARE.DREAM.DANCE curriculum and foundation to be a vessel for this reason and purpose.  Kelley also created the TRIFECTA scholarship to not only create a matriculation process for the youth that train within DARE.DREAM.DANCE., but also to offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to an extremely talented and driven individual to pursue their dreams in the 3 major dance hubs in America. 

 "During my first years of a professional dancer, I would have loved and greatly appreciated someone to believe in my talent and grant me the opportunity to train with the best of the best in LA, NYC, & ATL.  Although I did not have that specific opportunity in my early years, I simply want to be an aid in facilitating another young aspiring dancers dreams!"

-CiCi Kelley

NOT just a hip hop dancer, CiCi attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she received a BA in performing arts with an emphasis in jazz technique. Her choreography has graced the legendary stage of Harlem's, "Showtime at the Apollo" and FOX 29's, Good Day Philadelphia." Her choreography has also been seen on the WB's "Pepsi Smash" and BET's 106th and Park" with Atlanta's very own Ying Yang Twins. She has performed with Grammy winner Lil' Jon, Petey Pablo, and the Ying Yang Twins at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards in Miami and is in the music video, "Control Myself" with LL Cool J featuring Jennifer Lopez. CiCi has toured with LL Cool J and the Hip-Hop group, A Tribe Called West. Ms. Kelley recently played the role of Josephine Baker in The Rialto Theatre stage play, "Satin Dolls: A Duke Ellington Revue." CiCi was also the choreographer for MTV'S "Made" for the last two seasons. Check CiCi out at www.cicikelley.com

CHECK OUT CICI IN ACTION!!

Birth Your Dream https://vimeo.com/94813762

Reel https://vimeo.com/87430198

What's New: Dizzy Izzy Dancewear

Atlanta’s newest  competitors to the dance wear industry

DIZZY IZZY DANCWEAR

will open its doors on December 4th at Gotta Dance Atlanta 

WHO IS DIZZY IZZY?

Dizzy Izzy Dancewear is a mother-daughter owned business, conceptualized in 2007 in response to a need for affordable dance wear in the Atlanta dance community. "My mom and I, like a lot of instructors I’m sure, grew tired of teaching students with inappropriate dance wear. For example, Wal-Mart ballet “slippers”, casual tutus, and church stockings are not ideal in a productive dance setting. In a mobile dance setting especially, where I began teaching, students who don’t have access to traditional studios most likely do not have access to quality dance stores. That’s when we launched our online dance boutique, so our merchandise is delivered to the doorstep of our students, now clients."  

Mechel Miller
Mechel is the founder and executive director of I-Can Studios Corp., a performing arts studio. She is a widely sought after dance instructor with extensive training of over 30 years. She began her love of dance when she was recruited to study dance under a scholarship with Alvin Ailey and Judith Jameson. She also studied ballet with the Joffery Ballet Company in New York City.

Ashleigh Nyee
Ashleigh is a dedicated performer, teacher, and a proud graduate of Georgia State University. She began teaching as an instructor's assistant at I-Can Dance Studios at age 14. She has since taught hip hop, ballet, tap, and tumbling to children across Atlanta. Ashleigh can be seen alongside CeeLo Green, or not at all as a member of illuminate, from the 6th season of America's Got Talent.

WHAT'S IN A NAME...

Izzy is dizzy because inspired dancers never stop moving. Every student I teach can be found leaping in the grocery store or practicing turns in a parking lot. They are just so excited and passionate about dance that they can’t stop. Izzy, or Isabella, was a common name of memorable students of both my mom and my dance classes. We like to wish every performer the same wonder and excitement our Izzys have for dance. 

DRESS DIZZY!

  FLAWLESS
for a clean, professional look

FIT
for curvier dancers with additional support 

FANCY
for performance, a mature and fit style.

The Dizzy Izzy online boutique sells a wide range of quality wear for all ages and genders at competitive prices. We have leotards, dresses, pants/leggings, costumes, shoes and more. 

Apart from our leotards, DID is a boutique catering to performers and dancers at heart. Our motto is, “Dress Your Passion”. Not only do we cater to dancers, but we have wear for gymnasts, tumblers, aerialists, fitness, and yoga fans. 

We also offer embroidery customization for spirit and dance wear, and other services helpful to studio owners and teachers!

 We will only sell the basics at the store: DID Leotards, tights, fitness and yoga wear, ballet belts and skirts; and black leggings, jazz and harem pants. 

Studio Dancewear Management

When you contract DID to manage your studio dance wear, we create a custom page in our boutique based on your studio's needs and selected dress code items. At no cost to studio directors, the studio will be assigned a code for parents and students to easily access their dress code online. Studio owners can even profit from the items they’ve selected. 

Izzy Costume Closet

ICC is our recital management service where we construct costume packages based on a studio’s budget and theme. Our Dizzy Deputies personally arrange groups measures to avoid sizing mistakes. For elaborate productions, we can custom design your costume with you. 

There we will keep our Dizzy Izzy Drop box, where students can drop off their gently used shoes for evaluation, and trade value of up to $5 off their next purchase, online or at the store. 

All of your other dance wear needs can be met 24/7 at our online boutique, dizzyizzywear.com 

FOLLOW DIZZY IZZY AT:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DizzyIzzyDancewear

Instagram: Dizzy_Izzy_Dancewear

the WERKing dancer: CiCi Kelley PREVIEW

CHECK OUT THIS PREVIEW OF MY UPCOMING INTERVIEW WITH THE FABULOUS 

CICI KELLEY

ALSO CHECK OUT http://www.daredreamdance.com TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CICI!!

A Dancer Returns: Veronica Russ

GROOVE OUT WHILE READING!!!

BUSTIN OUT Series: BOSs Brentney Stephens

This young lady reminds me so much of myself! Hardworking, focused and creates opportunity instead of waiting for someone to do it for her. In working with Gotta Dance she played an essential role in the process; her work ethic and professionalism was clear from the beginning. I know that she has a great future ahead of her! I love an artist with a great business mind and that is what I admire about Brentney. She adds a completely different layer to the term the WERKing dancer....the work isn't only on stage or camera, but it can also be behind the desk. WERK girl!!!

At Gotta Dance Atlanta, Brentney is Front Desk Manager and assistant to the owner and CiCi Kelley.  It is her duty to provide outstanding customer service to the students, staff, and partners.  Furthermore, she is responsible for outsourcing dancers and choreographers for productions, TV shows, and various gigs.  "I pretty much take the role as the studio agent. I like this part of my job the most.", she says.

1. Full Name: Brentney J. Stephens

2. Hometown: McDonough, GA

3. Age: 24

4. When did you start dancing?

I began dancing in 2004 at Eagle's Landing Dance Center's Summer Camp.

5. What/who made you want to become a professional dancer?

My first dance teacher, AKA my dance mom, Vanessa Gibson made me want to seriously pursue dancing as a professional.  She was a professional dancer, and listening to all of her wonderful experiences, and how she turned her love of dance into a lifestyle inspired me to do the same.

6. What is your dream job?

My dream job is to perform in theatrical productions on Broadway.  I would love to dance in musicals such as Jelly's Last Jam, Hairspray, Sophisticated Ladies, etc. 

7. What is your best dance memory? 

My best dance memory was seeing myself on TV for the first time on Married to Medicine.  I got this "I made it" feeling.  I've never had that feeling before.  It was amazing!

8. What does dance and creativity mean to you?

Dance and creativity go hand in hand.  It is always interesting to see choreographers such as KiKi Ely and CiCi Kelley choreograph to the same song, however their choreography is so different, yet they both get the same message across.  Dance is all about freedom with creativity.

9. What do you appreciate most about the dance scene in Atlanta?

The dance scene in Atlanta is very small compared to LA and New York.   This makes dancers, mentors, and jobs more approachable and attainable.  Although I am independent, I still need nurturing with my craft, and the Atlanta dance scene is able to provide that for me. 

10. What advice can you give dancers who are looking to BUST OUT?

In order to BUST OUT, you must remain true to yourself.  A dancer must find their niche, perfect it, and stick with it.  Everything else will fall into place. 

Bonus Material

11. What's your slogan or something you always say? 

Yasss, werk, oh yea? lol

mmmhmmm...okay...I see you!

12. What's your favorite food?

Good Food

13. Is there something; a particular type of clothing you have to wear while dancing?

No, but I refuse to not wear underwear when I have on a leotard.

14.  What can you not live without?

God

15. What super power would you have & why? 

I would want the ability to be in two places at once.  I am a busy body, and being able to do this will allow me to get through tasks quicker.

BUSTIN OUT SERIES: BOSs Reid Newton

I first saw Reid dance at North Atlanta's spring dance concert. I had done some choreography for the show and came to support my dancers. I was in awe of this beautiful young artist that kept gracing the stage. Eventually I started seeing her in classes at Gotta Dance as well as in rehearsals with the company I dance with. I became more and more impressed with her talents everytime I saw her dance. This young star is definitely on her way to an amazing dance career!! If you know her you know there is no question as to why I am highlighting her as my next BOSs dancer!

"I grew up as a serious competitive gymnast. I started dancing at Atlanta Ballet and school and I loved it. Eventually I realized I needed more rigorous training with more personal attention which brought me to look into summer intensives. After my summer at the Ailey intensive I started working with Robert & Jennifer Mason to privately train me in ballet and horton, and mentor me through the next two years so I could get good enough to be accepted to my dream school: The Fordham/Ailey BFA program. The training was so hard, but I got through it and I owe all of my success to Robert and Jennifer. Amidst all of this I was also accepted into the Governors Honors Program for dance, where I met my other mentor, Ms. Dawn Axam. She was so inspiring and helped me to think in ways I never had before. When the summer was over I began apprenticing with her company; Axam Dance Theater. The combination of The City Gate School training with Jennifer and Robert and the performances and hours spent in rehearsal with Dawn Axam was absolutely perfect for me. I ended up being accepted into some of the most prestigious dance BFA programs in the country, which I owe all to God and Jennifer/Robert/Dawn. And I have chosen to attend Fordham/Ailey with the help of a lot of scholarship money. I had to play catch up, but it was all worth it in the end. I am hoping to graduate from the program and go right into the Alvin Ailey company. I want to dance professionally for many years after I graduate and travel, and eventually start my own company as the artistic director. I also love to sing, and have been taking voice lessons at Jan Smith Studios and performing with them for about a year. So we will see where life takes me:)" 

Full Name

Julia Reid Newton

 Hometown

Atlanta 

Age

18

 When did you start dancing?

13, 8th grade, seriously in 9th grade

What/who made you want to become a professional dancer?

I was a competitive gymnast until I was 13 years old, and then I switched to dancing. I fell in love with it and knew I had some catching up to do so I started working like crazy to catch up on the technique I knew I needed to turn dance into a career. It just felt right when I started. 

What is your dream job?

To dance professionally in the Alvin Ailey Company and or Cirque Du Solei, and eventually start my own contemporary company. 

What is your best dance memory?

The Governors Honors Program show. I was a dance major and the show we did with Dawn Axam was the most emotionally vulnerable yet physically demanding show I have ever done. I bore my soul on stage and it was a great 4 weeks. 

What does dance and creativity mean to you?

Dance and creativity embody a universal language…we get on stage and essentially show others our experience in life through an asthetic medium. We try to make them feel what we felt, or feel/think about something that they never felt/thought about before. As dancers and choreographers it is our job to push ourselves physically in order to portray a message so that everyone can feel it and understand it. Intangible art. 

What do you appreciate most about the dance scene in Atlanta

I appreciate how small it is. Almost everyone knows each other in one way or another, which can be comforting but can also be a little suffocating at times. 

What advice can you give dancers who are looking to BUST OUT?

Just don't compare yourself to anyone else. Push yourself to the limit but know your own limits. If I compare myself to Alicia Graf, I will be sad all day long. But I'm Reid, not Alicia Graf, and I have been born with a talent to share and I do that to the best of MY ability. Don't be discouraged by expectations, let them fuel you. 

FUN FACTS

What's your slogan or something you always say?

I am kind of quiet on that front haha. 

 What's your favorite food?

Mexican food 

Is there something in particular type of clothing you have to wear while dancing?

Layers! Look as homeless as possible haha so many random articles of clothing. 

What can you not live without?

My dog tiger 

What super power would you have and why?

to fly…other than the obvious travel opportunities… imagine the choreography you could make with that!