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.