Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Bryant, owner of Royal Courts of Dance/Blue Ice Dance Team.
Autumn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Like any other child I was introduced to several physical activities, picking from left to right which ones to keep and which ones to throw away. Thankfully, after picking off all the petals of the dandelion, I discovered that dance was going to be my passion. I remember watching my brother playing football, but what was amazing to me was the band. My eyes lit up when the drum majors hit the field, then I saw the dancers. My sister was also a part of a dance group at Lovejoy High School. Ever since then I decided that dance is what I wanted to do. As you can see, I have always been surrounded by music, creativity and dance. At the age of 5, I began to take dance lessons with Atlanta Dance Core School and Company. There I was taught several techniques of dance. As I got older, I began to broaden my horizons by becoming a part of several different dance teams. I never grew tired it was like “Fire shut up in my bones”. My passion for dance is so strong that I literally can dance all day every day even on Sundays. Being a part of so many different organizations has allowed me to experience a wide variety of genres. Almost like a puzzle that had to be fitted together in order for it to run smoothly. Even though I loved each organization, I found that there were good things I wanted to inherit to expand my brand. Each entity provided me with a wealth of knowledge. Also, with these entities I learned that everyone is not what they seem. I was taught early on that you cannot wear your feelings on your sleeve. Since I did not attend a traditional high school, I was not a part of the “Friday Night Lights” that I waited to shine with. During my high school years, I attended Martha Ellen Stillwell School of Arts, which did not have a dance team. This was the one of the reasons that sparked my interest to create my company, Royal Courts of Dance and the Blue Ice dance team. I found there were others like me that felt cheated in the traditional high school experience. Another reason I create the dance team was to provide dance knowledge to girls that were not afforded the opportunity to take additional dance lessons. Dance lessons can be very expensive. My mom invested in my passion and it was a struggle because the money was not always available. I created Royal Courts of Dance / Blue Ice Dance Team so that we could have fun perfecting our craft, utilize positive energy to escape the cares of the world, introduce the world to the art of dance, at no cost to the girls who wanted to learn and also had a passion for dance.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, the road has not always been smooth for Royal Courts of Dance / Blue Ice. There is a lot of hard work in becoming an entrepreneur. I was only sixteen years of age starting a business and it has been a struggle. Not only do you have issues concerning the company but there were personal issues that I endured. People assume that because you are a child that you don’t experience the curve balls that life throws out of nowhere. Needless to say, I would not trade this experience for anything. I have learned a lot of life lessons at a young age, but I found that nothing should stop your dream. Dance has helped me through the pain of life. Through dance I was able to resolve some of the issues. No one should control or take you off the track of your destiny. One of my favorite quotes by Guy Finley is “If you don’t leap you’ll never know what it’s like to fly”. Money started to become one of my biggest issue because I did not want any of the dancers to be consumed with fees, dues, costumes, etc. Another obstacle, that Blue Ice was forced to deal with is not having a permanent home. We had to search for space that were big enough to practice in or had times available for when teammates were available. Sometimes, we had to rent spaces at other studios, practice outside, or practice in someone’s garage. A lot of the dances that we choreographed have a lot of transitions and it is imperative that the space is large enough to make the dances come to life. I think the most challenging road travelled is the ability to get other girls to want to join our team. We are a team that want to bring something new to the dance arena. Blue Ice tries to tell a story through the art of dance by incorporating original choreography along with technique. It is somewhat difficult to determine if people are there to help you. I would hear so many promises that were easily broken. People stated that they were willing to help and wanted to guide you only to disappoint the team, I learned that everyone is not transparent and may have a motive.
What do you do?
Blue Ice, our dance team, uses every part of our bodies to get the message of the song, piece of music, or poem so that the audience will see the story line. We dance to all genre of music and we implement different styles of dance to make sure that takes place. Royal Courts of Dance plans to become a non-profit organization designed to awaken kings and queens through the art of dance. Once we become a non-profit organization, we will allow boys and girls the opportunity to embark on something new by offering scholarships for those who are financially challenged.
What do you specialize in?
We specialize in the Art of Dance. We also try to instill confidence and self-esteem in our dancers.
What are you known for?
Choreographing dances using technique, such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, liturgical and lyrical.
What are you most proud of as an organization?
Blue Ice, our dance team, has come in 1st place of every competition we have entered. I think it really warms our heart when we are approached by little girls that are interested in becoming a team member.
What sets you apart from others?
We will go above and beyond to make sure our dances capture the audience. We keep you guessing what the next move will be. We dance to all genre of music. We have danced at Birthday parties, churches, half time shows, competitions, parades and recently Blue Ice danced at a Silent Auction Gala for Domestic Violence against Women. We incorporate all types of dances in our performances. Our determination to excel in every performance. We never give up. Even though we are small in numbers, our passion for dance is large. Our team is committed, dedicated, great attitude, the ability to remain humble, and true to the art of dance.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
(1) Karyn Watson Bryant, my mother- She has been with me every step of the way. My mom told me to Just Do It. If it was not for her this dream would not have come to pass.
(2) Josie Harris-Walton, my aunt and Chairman of my Board- She handles a lot of the business affairs and since she is an attorney, she handles our legal affairs as well.
(3) My sister, Chaztynee Watson and my brother Braelin Watson – They are my biggest cheerleaders. They always encourage me to be the best I can be.
(4) Darrell Bryant, my Dad- He is always there for me.
(5) Teammates- Nia Parks, Jayda Carey, Jamiah Bates, Aiyana Watson have worked hard, they have taught me how to lead, how to listen and be open to new/different dance moves. If it wasn’t for their commitment, loyalty and their encouragement Blue Ice would not be as strong.
(6) Mrs. C. Taylor “Mrs. T” with Atlanta Dance Core is a beautiful woman of God and has allowed me to assist with the choreography in one of her dances for her competition team. She trusted me to put my best foot forward. She has always encouraged me to fulfill my dream.
(7) Marcus “Coach D” Williams- He inspired me to always stay upbeat and sassy. Since I have been in college, Coach D has stepped up to help teach and choreograph some of the majorette stands in my absent.
(8) Asia Martin an awesome dancer and mentor. Anytime I requested her assistance she was there. Ms. Martin is an Alumni of Alabama State University Stingettes and I followed her throughout her career. She was such an inspiration. She is beautiful inside and out.
(9) My grandparents for seeing the passion and pushing me forward. They always told me to push forward never let anyone steal your gift and joy.
(10) I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the other Board Members for keeping everything in decent order, others who have helped by driving in parades, helping with dance clinics, helping when the need was there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.royalcourtsofdance.org
- Phone: 404-580-5641
- Email: blueicedanceteam@gmail.com
Image Credit:
D Wilson Photography
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