Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalimar Brown
Shalimar, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always loved to dance. It is simply who I am and always will be. I believe that my upbringing in New Orleans helped to shape my passion for dance and keen taste in music. I have always been inspired by the rhythmic culture and the divine spirit of the city. My earliest memory is choosing dance theater as an elective in the sixth grade and that’s really where it all began. I had the most amazing mentor, Mama Baderinwa who is good-spirited, firm, yet always inviting during our shared dance experiences. My time in middle school was filled with jazz, African dance, hip hop, and capoeira training. After hurricane Katrina in 2005, I was displaced and eventually moved back to my place of birth, Inglewood, CA. It was here I began to receive industry style training from a new mentor, Jeffrey Page. Through his guidance, I continued to delve into the styles of African Dance, Hip-Hop, Jazz but additionally contemporary, jazz funk, and contemporary. My time in California manifested multiple performances, an immaculate network of creatives, and an incredible future. As a proud graduate of Spelman College, I was able to continue my passion for dance by performing in pageants, talent shows, as well as the infamous Vagina Monologues. Soon after college, I transitioned into family life, started my career as an educator, and abandoned any notion of professional dancing. It was during this period I began to contemplate whether I made the right choice to quit dance. When my son turned 3, I began taking classes at my local studio in Louisville, KY, and was eventually offered the opportunity to teach beginner/advanced heels classes weekly. It was quite the start to not only being able to call myself an educator to the youth but to adults as well. From this opportunity, I was able to travel, train, network and cement my reputation as a professional dancer in cities like Atlanta, Nashville, my hometown in California etc. My path to becoming a professional dancer/choreographer dates all the way back to childhood, and I am very proud of my journey and impact.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has certainly not been smooth. I think one of the hardest things in this industry is finding yourself around like-minded people. Above all, I am seeking community and prefer to work on projects and be in spaces that are dedicated to pushing culture forward. I have a very firm belief that your talent and abilities are merely a plus to the story you craft, the change you make, and the mindsets you shift to make the world a more equitable place. My true calling is to create, perform in creative canvasses that not only make people feel good, but raise the standard, start conversations, and facilitate healing. It is been very hard to find such work but as I network, continue to grow my brand, and bravely put myself in more spaces, I see the results of my struggle and dedication.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional dancer/choreographer. As a professional dancer, I specialize in jazz technique, hip-hop, heels (multiple styles), twerk. As a choreographer, I specialize in heels choreography (jazz/hip-hop) and hip hop. I am mostly known for my heels choreography, as I have been a dance educator for five years. I have served as guest instructor on multiple projects and served as lead choreographer for music videos for artist like Neka Leslie and Miles Stone. I am mostly proud of my work ethic. I have poured everything I have into my career and am dedicated to succeeding as a leader/pioneer in the craft. What sets me apart from others is my authenticity, as well as never taking no for an answer.
How do you think about luck?
This is a phenomenal question. I don’t necessarily believe in luck, only fate. After Hurricane Katrina happened in 2005, I ended up back in Inglewood, CA, at a Charter School getting some of the best dance industry training that money could buy for free. One could say that was luck, but I believe that it was fate. When I was accepted into Spelman College, I was blessed with a four-year full tuition scholarship the day before classes began. One could suggest that was luck, but I believe it was fate. I believe that if you truly walk through life as your authentic self, particularly as an agent of change and kindness, your dreams will chase after you.
Pricing:
- Contact for pricing on choreography
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shalfierce
