In a special effort to raise awareness about the Braswell Arts Center Virtual Benefit Gala, we are proud to present this years featured artists.

Who are you? And a bit about your training and experience?

My name is Luches Huddleston, jr. , born in Washington, DC. 1969 (if this is important 🙂 ) I started dancing at the age of 3 and continued training with a youth group in the DC area called DC Youth Ensemble. We traveled around the Metropolitan area doing shows for Churches, Auditoriums, Schools and Outdoor events. I obtained a scholarship with the Alvin Ailey American Dance School in New York. There my training consisted of Ballet, Lester Horton, Catherine Dunham, Matt Maddox Jazz and Graham Technique. 

What inspires you?

Almost everything inspires me! Just walking down the street and watching people, buildings, houses and streets. I enjoy traveling to new places and exploring museums, galleries and theaters. Watching films, mostly documentaries, inspires me a lot also. 

Tell us about the work you are presenting or dancing in?

I have listened to Itzak Perlman’s version of Camille Saint Saens’ s “Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso” for at least 20 years and always wanted to do something with it, but never had the proper venue to present it in. The dance world and art’s world is filled with pieces about relationships and couples, so I wanted to do something about a couple and show the different colors that come with a relationship. The fun, the drama and the LOVE all is part of a relationship and the many facets are what is performed and portrayed in this duo. 

Hardest part of your job?

Trying to keep myself creatively active! Sometimes the challenge of working with movement and teaching is trying to find a way not to become monotonous. It is so easy to get into a comfort zone and just do the same day in and day out. But the hardest is to challenge yourself to create something that moves you emotionally. 

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career? and why?

There are so many people that have influenced me in different facets of my life. As a child, it was my father, because he is also an artist! I loved watching when he created something and to see the final result. OH, how much passion he put into his work, still drives me today. As an adult, I am very influenced by the many black artists that are striving and making a difference in the world for other artists.

Something you like to do other than dance?

I love love love to cook!! 

Your wildest dreams for the dance world?

The dance world is already a wild dream!! My wildest dream would be to create a chain reaction of dance movements that flow across the world. With multimedia, it should be possible to connect everyone together and make something that connects us as one. 

Something you would change in the REAL world?

Get rid of hatred and intolerance!!!

Please help us raise awareness about the Braswell Arts Center Virtual Benefit Gala, we need your support to reach our campaign goal for the new Braswell Arts Center at Aeschenplatz. Join us if you can!