Photo: Mike Esperanza
Hometown: Powhatan, VA
Current city: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 29
College and degree: Wesleyan University – Chemistry and Dance
Graduate school and degree: The Ohio State University – Choreography & Performance
Website: www.warehousedance.org
How you pay the bills: Social Media Coordinator (at RealArtMuse) and Dance Teacher
All of the dance hats you wear: Choreographer and Teacher
Non-dance work you do or have done in the past: I've done a ton of retail.
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The first 2 years after college: I was in my 2nd year of grad school, and let's just say it definitely was a turning point with my relationship to dance.
5 years after college: I was working with several dance companies in NYC as a performer, and it just wasn't the best fit. The companies were great, but I was focusing a lot of energy on trying to get my own company off the ground and felt that I needed to make a choice between performing and choreographing, because unfortunately it's quite challenging trying to do both while still trying to pay your rent.
10 years after college: I'm not there yet (lol), but I hope to still be in NYC. After 7 years, I've been blessed to teach at several collegiate institutions and to tour nationally with my company.
Now: I'm the Teen Company Director (BAXco) at Brooklyn Arts Exchange, while I continue to make work under the moniker Danté Brown|Warehouse Dance.
Major influences:
Vickie Blaine with her work with Laban dance dynamics and weight. David Dorfman for his willingness to take risks. Bebe Miller for ensuring me that I'm not crazy for approaching things from another vantage point, and Esther Baker Tarpaga for always reminding me that dance is a political vehicle.
What is on your calendar for 2017?
First, we are working hard on our Kickstarter Campaign! Please join in if you can:
Jan. 8 - APAP
Feb. 18-19 - Pushing Progress Showcase
March 17-18 - CRAWL performance series with Brendan Drake Choreography
April 21-23 - Pentacle Boston Showcase (Dance Complex)
May 19-21 - DB|WD Workshop Series (Gowanus Loft)
I'll also be at Appalachian State and SUNY Brockport for two choreographic residences as well.
What do you love about working with teens? What are some of the challenges?
Teens nowadays have so much access to the world, it's as if they're adults already now, so it's always an interesting experience introducing what is usually "unusual" dance. There are chuckles, but there is always this turning point where you witness growth, and it's always satisfying watching someone learn.
What was the inspiration for you to start your own company?
I saw a Bill T. Jones piece during my undergrad, and it was the first time a performing art effected me emotionally. It was stunning. I joined a hip hop group on campus shortly after and choreographed my first "routine." I've been making work ever since.
Is your company for-profit, fiscally sponsored, or an official non-profit?
Fiscally sponsored through Fractured Atlas
Where do you usually rehearse?
Fourth Arts Block (East Village)
What does collaboration mean to you in your artmaking?
I do believe if a performer steps into the room and learns my phrasework, it's his/her interpretation, therefore it's a collaboration. I do get tired of my tendencies, so I do ask the performers to generate their own material as well.
Artistic/mission/vision advice and wisdom to pass onto dancers building a dance company:
Be real with yourself. It's easy to get caught up in the grind and think more is better. It's not. Pace yourself; that opportunity will be there when you're ready. And if not, you can make your own opportunity.
Financial advice and suggestions to pass onto dancers building a dance company:
Staying connected to a network of potential donors is rather important.
Last show you saw that inspired you:
Nederlands Dans Theater at City Center
Dreams and goals for the next 5 years:
Producing an annual performance series for Black Lives Matter in Brookyln. The first one is happening this year (May 19-21).
Advice to dancers wanting to move to NYC:
Be comfortable being a little bit uncomfortable the first couple of months once you move. It's sort of a right of passage.
Photo: Corey Melton
Final thoughts: Hope/belief/love of the profession:
It's dance. Not your life. As a young choreographer, it's easy to let the many responsibilities of the position dominate all of your time. Take time for yourself. Self care gave me the head space to be creative.
We're so lucky to be able to do this type of work. We have the opportunity to do what we love. Remember that in the moments when the process seems a bit too challenging, or the administrative side gets a little too daunting, you love this, so it's worth it.
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Related posts:
Spotlight on MFA Programs: Ohio State
Blog Series: Building a Dance Company
Advice on Moving to New York City
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Life as a Modern Dancer 
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