Dancer of the Week-Braven

Who is Braven?

23 year old; Optimist, free-spirited, multitalented dancer/choreographer.

Where are you from?

Originally from Richmond, VA

Where are you located?

Atlanta, GA (Camp Creek area)

What style of dance do you do?

I do various styles of dance including jazz, hip hop, modern, and contemporary. A lot of people find this to be interesting, but I also mime.

What does dance mean to you?

Each year, dance has become more serious for me. When it started as just being a fun outlet to control my anger, it ended up being deeper for me, becoming my passion. I didn't know that I would be good and I never thought that it would mean so much to me.

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing for fun when I was in the 3rd grade. I began professionally training in contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, and ballet my junior year in high school in the Center for the Arts Program at Henrico High School in Richmond, VA.

Why did you start dancing?

I started dancing because I didn't have the best relationship with my parents and I didn't have many friends growing up. It kept me calm when I was angry at everyone and everything around me. Dance was my "escape" from my personal issues, and my way to creatively express myself when words were not enough.

How does dancing make you feel?

Dancing makes me feel at peace with myself. I can find myself and lose myself at the same time.

What current projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working with Kelsey Nykole from VH1's Couple Therapy for the A3C Music Festival as well as performances in Alabama, Texas, and North Carolina for a college tour. I am also doing choreography for Danii Roundtree (Miss New York 2008) to prepare for her local shows here in Atlanta. In the midst of these gigs, I am also working on my first concept video.