Inspiring Conversations with Bryan Brinson of Motion Collective Dance Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Brinson.

Hi Bryan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey really started with hip hop — it was the style that shaped how I moved, connected, and expressed myself. Our co-founder, Lanisha, comes from a contemporary background, which gave her a different but complementary perspective. When we came together, we realized that our strengths could merge into something powerful — a space where hip hop’s rhythm and community energy could meet contemporary’s depth and artistry.
Motion Collective was born from that vision. At first, it was grassroots — teaching classes, working in studios, and creating small community showcases. Over the years, we expanded through programs like Soul Motion Project in Atlanta and long-term outreach in Boston. Today, we’re proud to have grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a formal training program, Fuel the Motion: Training Ground, where dancers can develop strong technique in hip hop, modern, and contemporary.
The road hasn’t been without challenges, but blending our different dance backgrounds has allowed us to create something unique: a company rooted in presence, growth, and accessibility that brings people together through movement.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most meaningful journeys. Building a nonprofit dance company from the ground up requires wearing many hats — teacher, choreographer, fundraiser, administrator — all while staying rooted in the art itself. One of our biggest challenges has been balancing financial sustainability with accessibility. We want to make high-quality training and opportunities available to all dancers, not just those who can afford it, and that means constantly finding creative ways to fund programs, showcases, and community outreach.
Another struggle has been navigating the transition from grassroots work to becoming an official 501(c)(3). There’s a learning curve in setting up systems, handling the legal and business side, and making sure we’re building a structure that will last. On top of that, the pandemic shifted how dance communities gather and made it harder to keep momentum.
But each challenge taught us resilience. Our community has always shown up for us, and those moments of struggle reminded us why Motion Collective exists — to create a space where dancers feel supported, seen, and empowered no matter the circumstances.

As you know, we’re big fans of Motion Collective Dance Inc.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Motion Collective Dance is a nonprofit company built on the belief that dance is both an art form and a vehicle for community impact. We specialize in hip hop, modern, and contemporary dance training, and we’re known for blending technical excellence with community outreach. Our tagline — ‘No Pressure, Just Presence’ — really sums up who we are: we want dancers to grow not just in skill, but in confidence, presence, and connection.
We run Fuel the Motion: Training Ground, our formal training program that equips dancers with strong foundations in technique while also offering mentorship and opportunities to perform. Alongside training, we’re committed to outreach — teaching in studios and programs across Boston and Atlanta for over a decade, and creating showcases that highlight the voices of local dancers.
Another important part of our mission is helping dancers transfer their artistry into workable skills and creating sustainable career paths in both business and the arts. We believe that being a dancer doesn’t have to mean uncertainty about the future — with the right guidance, it can open doors to leadership, entrepreneurship, and long-term opportunities.
What sets us apart is the balance of artistry and accessibility. Because our founders come from different backgrounds — hip hop and contemporary — we’ve built a company that celebrates multiple perspectives and pushes dancers to be versatile. At the same time, we’re intentional about making our programs inclusive, so that financial barriers don’t keep young artists from opportunities.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built. Motion Collective isn’t just about dance steps — it’s about creating a supportive family where presence and growth come first. For your readers, I’d love them to know that when they support Motion Collective, they’re investing in more than just performances. They’re helping us create spaces where young people can thrive, find their voice, and build lasting confidence through movement.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people grow through dance — not just in their technique, but in their confidence, their voice, and their sense of self. Watching a dancer walk into the studio shy or unsure, and then, over time, transform into someone who owns their movement and their presence is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced.
I also feel happiest when our work at Motion Collective helps dancers discover their purpose through dance and the arts. Whether that purpose leads them to the stage, the classroom, or even entrepreneurship, it’s powerful to see how movement can open doors and give someone clarity about who they are and what they want to contribute.
On a practical level, I love when we can help dancers translate their artistry into real-world skills and sustainable careers. Knowing that what we’re building is creating opportunities, not just performances, fills me with purpose.
At the heart of it, I’m happiest when I’m in a room full of people moving, learning, and connecting — when dance becomes more than steps and turns into a shared experience of growth, purpose, and possibility.

Pricing:

• Foundation Member 55$/monthly
• Creator Member 70$/Monthly
• Leader Member 115$/Monthly

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.motioncollectivedance.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motioncollectivedance?igsh=MXhoa2RwaG11aXBieA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CkrFvP7AJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr