One of the great things about Laguardia High School, was that the alumni would always come and visit. Especially the “Juilliard Kids” who were right across the street. I would see Darrel once in a while at LaGuardia. I already knew who he was because I would go and see every Juilliard dance performance…. hoping one day to go there myself. My ballet teacher, Roger Jeffrey introduced me to Darrell one day, and so began a very long friendship. Even at a young age, Darrell’s choreographic talents were visible. Benjamin Harkarvy asked him to stage his ballet “Against The Grain” for the Juilliard Dance Ensemble. Not something that happens to every student. I went to the premiere and it was great! You could see that the dancers enjoyed what they were doing. Great movement, musicality, and lighting. I was so impressed with Darrell’s creation. I was inspired.

I finally got my chance to work with Darrel when he created “Aspects of a Vibe” for Lincoln Center Out of Doors. I was flattered that he asked me to join the cast, and I wanted to do my best. Can I just say first, he is hilarious. I never laughed so much in a rehearsal, it’s amazing we got anything done! It was a fun process. When it was time to work, his focus is admirable. He can also be tough when he has to be. Once, In a rehearsal, Darrel stopped the music and gave a colleague of mine a correction about a movement. I relaxed and took a sip of water… Out of no where he turned to me and said “Armando you are good, but your not consistent”. Then he turned the music on and sat down. He was tough, but he was right. I never forgot those words. They push me even today.

Darrel has always been someone I know would give me the honest answer. I value his opinion. He has been so supportive and encouraging throughout my whole career. I look up to him! I had to have his input for this series. I mean Darrel has done it all from Ballet to Broadway to Beyonce………………………….

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

Always knew I would be artistic. Always dancing and singing. I used to make up dances for the kids in the neighborhood. I also wanted to be a child actor on TV! I made it close in many auditions…but never got it! I always enjoyed creating dances.

 Darrell’s Favorite Things

 

Food?

Salmon (grilled filet well done!)

Book?

No Disrespect by Sister Souljah

Movie?

The Shawshank Redemption (made me cry like a baby)

Ballet?

Night Creatures by Alvin Ailey

 I like dancers who…

…are good people.

Dear aspiring artists,

We are all leaving this earth sooner than we think…stop being fearful. Stop trying to predict what’s next in your life..you can’t. Being mean and evil gets you nowhere. Laugh as much as you can. Last and definitely not least….whenever you can, go to a club and just dance with your eyes closed. let the beats throw you around.

–Darrell Grand Moultrie

 

 

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Photo by Christine Cotter

For more info on Darrell visit darrellgrandmoultrie.com. Thank YOU for reading!

 

 

Main photo by Frank Thompson