This first week I got a chance to interview Jermaine Browne. He is an established hip hop and lyrical dancer who choreographed works such as Love Don’t Cost a Thing by Jlo and Genie In a Bottle by Christina Aguilera. He teaches street jazz and femme funk, both styles incorporate feminine and maculine moves. I was very interested to ask him how he found his own artistry as a dancer as those are my essential questions: How can I utilize theatre and dance to create a performance piece that explores my artistic identity? What is my artistic identity?   

Jermaine Browne explained to me that in every class he brings his own style. While he has certain moves that he likes to do, he doesn’t define his style. His style is based on how he feels and what he can bring to the piece to make it unique. He also explained that in most dances he can not bring political messages as he is often choreographing for other artists. 

I am unsure if I can clearly define my artistic identity. I bring a certain energy to my dance pieces such as Jermaine stated. However, defining my style as being one thing might only limit me. Also I might be able to incorporate political/ cultural messages into this piece but most dance pieces I will not be able to do so.