An Insight into YOUR dance journey with Andre Bright
INSiGHTZ: An Inisght into…
An online series and archives with UK dance professionals sharing valuable insights within the dance industry.
Series 1 - ‘An insight into YOUR dance journey’ - Inspiring and motivating youth
Produced by: Tamar Dixon
March 2019
As an Architect, dancer and entrepreneur, Andre Bright has increased his physical and mental skills through years of conscious development. He reached international level in popping locking, hip hop, house dance and breaking. Teaching for Pineapple dance studios and Royal Academy of Dance and working commercially with clients such as Little Mix, Jessie J and Wembley Stadium
1. Tell us about yourself. What do you do and what is your main dance style you work in?
I'm an architect, dancer and entrepreneur. In dance, I teach perform, choreograph and produce and specialise in street dance styles of popping, locking, hip hop, house dance and breaking but open to all expression through movement
2. Why dance? What or who initially inspired you to begin your dance journey?
I had many blessings that brought me shoulder to shoulder with those I admire, early in my dance career. My first real inspiration was a house mate I met in uni that, by shadowing, taught me how to teach and look at dance as a business.
3. Where were you 5 years ago? (e.g. career, dance lifestyle, journey)
At 28 I was dancing in other people's gigs as that guy you call when you need an all-rounder, partner for a battle etc
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
On my way to financial freedom creating residual income from sustainable dance theatre productions, trading and business ventures around the world from my laptop
5. What challenges have you faced so far along your dance journey/practice?
All of them! lol but most have been internal. Doubt, insecurities about value and ability, comparing myself to others, and not knowing enough about the industry
6. What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Changing people's mindsets by being myself, and an international performing arts exchange in Sierra Leone called "BeCome - the identity and cultural displacement of the African diaspora"
7. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your young 16yr old self?
Bow before God, stand before man.
8. What advice would you give to the younger (creative) generation?
Raise your mental IQ (keep learning), financial IQ (treat your career as a business), emotional IQ (process your emotions healthily), and create a legacy (pass on knowledge/mentor)
9. How do you stay focused, positive and motivated throughout your practice/training?
I tend to focus on a tangible goal or impact. for example, if i know it will allow me to travel or make a certain amount of money, it encourages me to finish producing a show or write that application. Also, even if it didn’t, I’d focus on the transformation a project or performance may have on those experiencing it.
Image Credit: Andre Bright Logo
10. Random… But what do you do in your free time? When you aren’t in dance/work mode?
I travel, read, and listen to music. But i think I’m a workaholic because when i have downtime. I’m also thinking of business opportunities, trading etc
BONUS Any last comments or words of encouragement for our readers?
As long as you're breathing, it's not over
Thank you to Andre Bright for taking part in our INSiGHTZ series.
Learn more about Andre Bright and BeComeImmersive
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