I grew up hearing the stories of Camille’s AMAZING dancing at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts. She was always special. I was lucky enough to witness it live when we danced together with Echoes Dance Company (Jamie Philbert, director), where we shared MANY laughs. I had the honor of dancing in Camille’s FIRST creation. It was her application video for Hubbard Street’s National Choreographic Competition in 2002. She was a finalist in the competition…and since then she has not stopped. Her words have inspired me over many years. A humble and positive soul, with a great sense of humor. She has become a great artist. Today she is one of New York’s most popular choreographers…………..

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?

I wanted to be a Lego Builder! Other than dance, there was nothing I loved more than putting things together and creating and reworking shapes. In a way I think my approach to legos as a child has followed me in my creative work. I remember staring at my lego creation for hours- trying to find ways to make the shape better and connection slicker. My process now as a choreographer is very similar. I’ll keep changing something until the transitions are smooth and the concept is clear- to me of course! It certainly takes a lot of time and energy (very tedious work!) but it’s all worth it in the end! So in a way, yes… I’ve always wanted to do what I’m doing. Just didn’t know it was called “choreography” back then.

Camille’s Favorite Things
Things to eat?

Things that are so good I do a praise dance.

Books?

Books that I can’t pull my eyes away from. Revolutionary, Inspiring, fulfilling, Enticing books- no matter what the topic

Movies?

Movies where I see the brilliant union of a stellar cast, crew, and creative team. Where that union is so amazing it inspires me to choreograph.

Ballets, Dance Piece or Musical?

Ballets that stir my mind, heart, and inspire creativity and highlight the amazing union of the creative team. Where I see a process, the person’s voice, their courageousness, or humor… And ones that are fully supported- giving the artists all the tools they need to make their vision become reality. Well, I guess my answers prove your statement! I feel like it’s because artists are so resourceful- pulling from various places. It’s so hard to pick a favorite thing because it’s never about just one…maybe in some cases, but it’s still so hard!

I like dancers who…

…are actors and musicians of movement. Who tell stories, always push for more, investigate their role as an artist.Dancers who are genuinely nice people, who are team players, and who always give their all. Dancers that I can try anything with because they make themselves available to dive in (figuratively) without looking.

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I am afraid of…

…telling you what I’m afraid of. If I do, I am putting that energy into the atmosphere for it to possibly come to fruition. Mercy said no LOL!

Dear aspiring artists,

KEEP moving forward and be brave about it! Don’t let anything or anyone discourage you. Your path is carved out just for YOU.
EVERYONE is always going to have an opinion about your work, but if you know your truth, hold onto that and keep going.
Research the past! Know the origins of dances! IF you don’t know who Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, Carmen de Lavallade, Janet Collins, and Dianne McIntyre are please get to know them and many other legends who paved the way for us. They are not in the Dance history books as they should be. Keep their legacy alive. Seek to find the information that is not easily accessible. Conditioning our minds is just as important as conditioning our bodies. IF there are things you see in the Dance world that frustrate you, don’t give up! Work to be in positions where you are able to help the next generation and create change. SUPPORT each other. Look out for each other. Acknowledge each other. Do what you can to help the next generation of artists. How you allow yourself to be treated determines how they will be in the future.

–Camille A. Brown
Photo Journal

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Find out more about Camille at www.camilleabrown.org