BUSTIN' OUT

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It is with great pleasure that I present the last feature of the year and of it’s kind to you WERKing dancers! This story comes in perfect timing and alignment with the growth of tWd. “Why?”, you ask. Well, this is the sophomore appearance for WERKing dancer Jonathan Bryant. We first met Jonathan as a commercial dancer and choreographer. We now get reacquainted with him as a dancer blazing trails in the musical theatre world! Just like Jonathan, the WERKing dancer is on the brink of some pretty major transitions and we are excited about the great things in store! 

Jonathan is a 28 year old Tampa, Florida native and if you know him you can hear the ring of his unique way of saying “Flor-duh” as I type. Jonathan was drawn to his professional dance career at the age of 16 as a way to express himself through music. “I have always been a lover of music and how it makes people feel, so why couldn’t I do the same thing through dance?”, Jonathan recounts his approach to dance in the early years.

I wanted to talk to Jonathan about his passage from the commercial/hip hop dance world to musical theatre. A lot of artists worry about making a transition in their artistic career. For some reason we are made to believe that we have to pursue the same thing desperately because we are artists. We don’t really accept an actor trying to become a singer or a background dancer trying to make their way to centerstage with a mic in hand. Our supporters sometimes make us feel that because we are passionate about something we have to stick with that thing whether or not it is still rewarding. So, we’re stuck thinking: “Is this the right thing to do? What if it doesn’t work? Do I really want to start over?”  Questions cloud our minds about whether or not this is the right choice.

Truth is…you won’t know until you try! I’ve been dealing with this a lot in my personal career. When I started the WERKing dancer I was a working dancer!! I’ve now made the hard, but gratifying decision to pursue other passions and they have done nothing but feed me in the best ways possible!!! So, if you’re looking to do something more artistically challenging, explore your creativity in new ways, or you want more financial stability out of life just know it really is ok! Artists have seasons…..just like one hopes for a promotion in the corporate world, you should always be seeking growth and exploration on your artistic journey.

         INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN BRYANT 

When did you start wanting something different out of your career? What inspired the transition? Why musical theatre?

“I don’t think I wanted something new out of my career,  I just wanted to work consistently so, I was open to other fields of dancing other than commercial work. I always had an interest in musical theatre. I grew up singing in the school chorus from elementary to high school, but in high school I started to focus on dance. I found that as a dancer and choreographer in the commercial world my experience was good, but not what I thought it would be.

“I have always been a person who has paved new lanes for myself in order to still do what I love–and still make money. Musical theatre was yet another lane to follow. What opened this lane was an audition for Dream Girls with the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. I thought to myself , Why not?  I was familiar with the production, I could dance and I could sing…well enough.”,  he laughs.

“Once I went through the initial audition and two callbacks I thought Ok, I got this but then never heard anything. I then auditioned for In the Heights with Aurora Theatre  and was cast. A week later, I got a casting email from the production team of Dream Girls! All within two weeks, I had been cast in two musicals with prominent Atlanta theatres. Musical theatre allows me to be the upbeat, showy performer I naturally am. I am no longer told that it’s too much and I don’t have to hide my abilities in order to dance behind an artist. Musical theatre allows me to be me!”

What are some of the pros and cons to making a change in your career? 

“I think one pros is the work! In commercial dance, you just have to know your steps, hit your mark and your job is pretty much done. In musical theatre, you are not only dancing, you are singing and telling a story. I have been blessed because the shows I’ve done so far aren’t a far stretch from who I am, yet they weren’t easy shows to do. As I think, a con out of what I just said is that the commercial and theatrical worlds are similar yet completely different. There are tons of people, pieces of work, and theatres that I didn’t know existed or were paramount.  I would hear my peers talking about this show or working with this theatre and what this person is doing now and I would be standing there like a deer in headlights! 

It can be a little discouraging when you feel like you know nothing. Then I had to realize I’m here for a reason and it’s okay if it takes me some time to learn everything I need to know. 

“One major change that I wouldn’t name a pro or con is realizing that I have made a career change! I had not realized that made a 180 until doing this interview. What I have realized is that if I want more challenging roles I have to put my time, energy, and money into training and learning other disciplines because I feel like I’m playing catch up. I’ve gone from concept videos to songbooks and that is a big change for me!”

Looking back, what would you change about your career and how have your grown on your artistic journey? 

“Looking back, I think I would have looked at other alternatives in schooling. I think receiving that knowledge would have helped me in making me a more well–rounded artist. Artistically, I feel renewed and lucky. I feel renewed because there is a whole new world that I know very little about. I am being introduced to things that inspire me creatively and make me want to be more than only a dancer which, in retrospect, I guess I never was. I am lucky because I have the ability to work in both the commercial and theatrical worlds which I don’t take for granted.

“I will always be a commercial dancer, that was my entrance into this career but, I now know there is more for me out there and that I can do more to show my ability as a performer and as an artist.”

In Theatres Now!! 

Look for Jonathan as a principal dancer  in the newly released Billy Lynn Long Halftime Walk directed by Ang Lee in theatres now. 

Bustin Out SerieS: BOSS Antwan Sessions

I started this blog because I realized I was surrounded by people whose stories I felt should be told. The amazingly talented and rambunctious ATLien, Antwan Sessions, is no different! 

Antwan quickly made a name for himself on the Atlanta scene as a dancer, but now he's taken the lead by starting his own company, Lamorris Namari. Learn more about Antwan and his new company below...

Want a little musical reading inspiration? Click here!

Antwan’s Roots

Antwan played baseball growing up and admits he was quite good at the sport. He was a part of a touring team and says he would probably be on a professional team if he hadn’t gotten burnt out. Antwan says even when playing baseball he had a love for dance. He would watch and learn choreography from Britney Spears, Janet Jackson and the Spice Girls music videos “just to name a few”, he laughs, and perform them at middle school dances. Upon graduating middle school he was approached by his counselor to audition for the North Springs High School Dance Program. “...so without knowing what a plié was I audition and that day my counselor called me to tell me I made it.” says Sessions. 

He shares that he didn’t really take dance seriously, in the beginning, until he saw Ulysses Dove's Episodes.  After seeing amazing  dancers like Desmond Richardson and Desire Vlad he was so impressed; especially by Ms. Vlad because she was such a beautiful dancer and, not to mention, “...she was dark chocolate like me. Mr. Desmond put me under a spell from the very first moment I saw him dance. Ugh, those legs are what I wanted! So, after seeing that, ballet dance became my heartbeat.", says Sessions. 

 Since then Antwan has trained at several schools under full scholarship like: Total Dance, RISPA , Tolbert Yilmaz, and Metropolitan Ballet Theater where he trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop. He has taught and performed in Atlanta, Denver, and San Francisco. He’s also traveled as far as Mexico, Canada, China, Europe, and Africa to share his gift.  He has danced with several awarding winning choreographers like: Tracy Vogt, Lonnie Davis Jr, Kim Robards, Kiki Ely, SYTYCD, Beyonce's choreographer Jeffrey Page, Cirque Du Soleil Choreographer/former dancer Stephan Reynolds, and alongside Nikki Jane. 

What Keeps Antwan Going

   “When I wake up in the morning I kid you not, I put my headphones on and I dance until I'm satisfied, and then coffee!!!”

Antwan says that his drive comes from a determination to make his dreams a reality. He says he has this underlying fear of never making his dreams come true, but is also filled with excitement and joy when he thinks about the future and those dreams are realized. 

“Never give up! Do what makes you happy in life.”, says Sessions. Drifting back into the future, he says that when he leaves this world he wants to be at peace with his legacy and know that he achieved what he wanted in his lifetime.  

What’s in a Name?

“The name of my company is Lamorris Namari Ballet. When I was a young, hungry dancer I was wild, full of energy and had so much power.  Every time I would dance or go across the floor my teacher, Ms. Terrie "Ajile" Axam owner of Total Dance, would yell "Antwan calm down you BIG BLACK CAT!”, I would smile and laugh. So, from those moments I became very interested in panthers. I was intrigued by their black fur, beauty, and the ability to command respect just by their presence---on top of being dangerous, proud creatures of the animal kingdom. So, when it came down to creating a name for my company I combined my middle name, Lamorris, with Panther in Swahili 'namiri'…

….Which is another funny story. When I finally got the name approved through the system to be a Georgia business I went back to Google to double check the meaning of the name and I couldn’t find it. So, I started panicking; I kept searching but, no luck.  Finally, I realized the name I got approved I misspelled.  Black Panther in Swahili is "namiri" , I spelled it “namari”, he laughs. “So I don't know the meaning, but I fell in love with it and kept it.", says Sessions about the name of his company.   

Location, Location! 

 “I think Atlanta is the perfect place for my company because I wanted to give the talented dancers here a chance to shine. I also wanted my company to blossom from the South not having to go to LA or New York.”

Antwan says he wanted his company to grow from an Atlanta based dance company to a global corporation reaching as many different people around the world as possible by having multiple shows traveling at the same time. “My company started based on an idea I had on how I wanted to dance in other companies. I am inspired by so many different talented companies. I thought, ‘what if I can show the world my interpretation of dance as well as bring a new breed of entertainment.'

I asked Antwan what type of company is Lamorris Namari and I can picture him lighting up as he answers…

“Lamorris Namari is a Multi racial contemporary ballet company. I wanted to create a company that entertains and inspires people! This won't be your average ballet company. I want to incorporate pyrotechnics, live music, avant garde choreography, dancers coming from the ceiling and hitting the step! I want all the visuals you can possibly ever want, I want your imagination running wild and leave our shows wanting more and more! It is important to me to appeal to everyone and not just those involved in the arts. This will be a company everyone will enjoy!” 

What Antwan looks for in a WERKing dancer

“I look for dancers with strong technique, performance quality, and stage presence.  I want the underdogs; people who go for broke.  I do not see body type or color.  I don't care if you're thick, tall, short, skinny, athletic, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, or Arabic! As long as you can hit the steps —with my requirements— I want you!! 

—Right now when Lamorris Namari performs, entertainment is number one with me. I carefully pick my music, add breathtaking light effects, daring choreography, and talented dancers. These four things are the very essence of my company.”

Antwan leaves us with quotes from the great Alvin Ailey. ‘Inspire the people not shut them out. "Dance came from the people and should be delivered back to the people." 

In Depth with Patrick Smith & Kaleidoscope

Although the WERKing dancer moved to New York two years ago, Atlanta is still in our hearts! Today we highlight someone who has truly made a name for himself in the Atlanta dance community. Known for his igniting performances and near perfect technique, this dancer has inspired us for years! Patrick Smith is not only an amazing dancer, choreographer, and teacher; he is now making waves at the Director of Dance for the Stephenson Dance Repertory Company. 

PK's Roots 

Patrick Keith Smith, artistically and affectionately known as PK, is a Little Rock, Arkansas native! (I'm an Arkansas girl myself so, I initially fell in love with Patrick because of our Southern roots.) He was introduced to dance during his freshman year at Horace Mann Arts & Science Magnet under the direction of C. Michael Tidwell. He later joined Tidwell Project Dance Ensemble.

PK says he attributes his dance knowledge ot Mr. Tidwell and later as a dancer with Dallas Black Theatre's 2nd company (DBDT II). It was at Dallas Black Dance Theatre where he experienced more intense training gaining the opportunity to study under Allyne D. Gartrell, Melissa Young and Chantal Adams.  He says that he is grateful to have been exposed to great opportunities and pioneers in the dance community by Ms. Ann Williams, DBDT Founder & Artistic Director. 

My name is Patrick Keith Smith (artistically and affectionately known as PK). I am from 

Little Rock, AR. I was introduced to dance during my freshman year of junior high at Horace 

Mann Arts and Science Magnet under the direction of C. Michael Tidwell. I later joined his 

dance company—Tidwell Project Dance Ensemble—which was comprised of dancers from 

both the performing arts magnet Jr. High and High Schools. I attribute my dance knowledge 

from what I attained while with Mr. Tidwell and later as a dancer with Dallas Black Dance 

Theatre’s 2

nd

company (DBDT II). It was at Dallas Black Dance Theatre where my dance 

training became more intense; having studied under Allyne D. Gartrell (then DBDT II’s 

Artistic Director), Melissa Young and Chantal Adams. To this day I am very grateful to have 

been exposed to great opportunities and pioneers in the dance community by Ms. Ann My name is Patrick Keith Smith (artistically and affectionately known as PK). I am from 

Little Rock, AR. I was introduced to dance during my freshman year of junior high at Horace 

Mann Arts and Science Magnet under the direction of C. Michael Tidwell. I later joined his 

dance company—Tidwell Project Dance Ensemble—which was comprised of dancers from 

both the performing arts magnet Jr. High and High Schools. I attribute my dance knowledge 

from what I attained while with Mr. Tidwell and later as a dancer with Dallas Black Dance 

Theatre’s 2

nd

company (DBDT II). It was at Dallas Black Dance Theatre where my dance 

training became more intense; having studied under Allyne D. Gartrell (then DBDT II’s 

Artistic Director), Melissa Young and Chantal Adams. To this day I am very grateful to have 

bee

n exposed to great opportunities and pioneers in the dance community by Ms. Ann 

Williams (Founder / Artistic DirectFounder / Artistic Director

PK's WERKing dancer Highlights 

"Perhaps the greatest highlight of my dance career was having many opportunities to tour with both Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Atlanta Dance Connection."  Smith was not only a dancer in the companies but has also served as Costume Coordinator, Artistic Assistant, and Rehearsal Director. "I have no doubt that each role and responsibility has helped me carve my way as a professional and to hone in on additional skills and talents." He says that with every opportunity there was a great sense of 'I'm not ready', but that "...time has proven to me repeatedly that when preparation meets opportunity you must go along for the ride. I am on one of the most eye-opening rides of my life right now!"

The Dancer vs. The Teacher 

"As a professional dancer one is concerned with himself—mostly.", says Smith. "Within each leadership role my level of care and attention started to expand. As a teacher—to this extent—it certainly differs in that you unintentionally step into the role of parent / brother / Uncle / Life Coach, etc." Smith says that while teaching can leave you completely drained, it is also rewarding seeing how you affect change in your student's lives. 

Coming Up for Patrick 

KALEIDOSCOPE 2016 is the theme for Stephenson High School’s fall dance showcase. Smith wanted a theme which would suggest the varied qualities of dance to be presented in one evening. He also says he feels fortunate to have the guidance of former SHS Dance Director, Edward Lawrence. What a relief it is not to have to go into the abyss completely without a hand-up!

PK hopes to play a role in bridging some of the gaps within the Atlanta dance community.  He says that several before him have successfully made change in that same area and he simply wants to do his reasonable service. "My involvement within the Atlanta dance community has strengthened my connection with some extraordinary people."

This year, Norma’s Academy of Dance will perform as a featured guest. "It was important for me to expose the fact there are successful dance organizations which have been doing great work for decades. Norma’s will celebrate its 45^th year of providing excellent instruction to the Atlanta community under the direction of Ms. Djana Bell."  Also on the program is the dance juggernaut known as Atlanta Dance Connection—celebrating their 7^th year as Atlanta’s premier contemporary dance company. "Many thanks goes to Founder / Executive Artistic Director, Allyne D. Gartrell for all support shown towards myself and the dancers of Stephenson High School."

WAYS TO SUPPORT 

***There is room for involvement as it pertains to the performing company—Stephenson Repertory Dance Company. Donations for after school snacks, company sponsorship, engagement opportunities and simply by attending a performance assist greatly in providing a rich experience for the dancers. All support is both welcomed and appreciated. There are (12) artists which were selected from this years’ company audition. Each one has a great deal of promise, enthusiasm and passion for dance. I would love to see them have opportunities with outside dance organizations through master classes and performances for more exposure to the multiple possibilities awaiting them.***

"My personal mission for this performance and the student’s overall dance experience is simply to discover the possibilities. Not necessarily as a dancer per se. I want each of my students to understand how the commitment level needed to succeed in dance is the same with any endeavor. On the other hand, it is a delight to see those who are insecure with the mere idea of dance discover a newly-found liking.  

I personally knew this transition came at a time when I needed it the most. The immense feeling that I was not allowing myself to be fulfilled artistically became unbearable. Deciding to teach became a mission of my own self-discovery and to truly see what I am made of. I intend to win."

         - Patrick Keith Smith