We recently connected with T.M. Pride and have shared our conversation below.

T.M. , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In the Spring of 2015 on the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, FL, Florida A&M University was preparing for the Artist in Bloom Festival. This festival showcased a series of artistic events that celebrated the arts through a series of productions in the visual and performing arts. I was fortunate enough to be the chosen choreographer for one of those events, Emancipation Blues. Emancipation Blues was a spirit-provoking narrative about the state of black people in America, underscored by the world-renowned FAMU Jazz Ensemble. This performance would be the inception of what became T. M. Pride’s Emancipation Blues.

While working on the FAMU’s production I found myself immersed in the artistic interpretation of the moments that bore witness to Black Americans’ journey to Emancipation. I wondered how this could evolve. What are the stories being left out? And what does Emancipation look like today? Throughout my creative journey, I also had influence from other shows that reflected the vision of my interpretation of this story. Black Men Stories was a piece I performed in my first year with the Peter London Global Dance Company in 2019. I along with several powerful Black male dancers; Llyod Knight, Gentry George, Hassan Ingraham, Tyrell Rolle, Vitolio Jeune, Aaron Lopez, Nathaniel Davis, and Leon Cobb, all danced testimonials to the legacies of Black male leaders and visionaries of the past. Most recently I was cast as Man in Orange, in the Off-Broadway production of For Colored Boyz by Bryan-Keyth Wilson. A choreopoem that holds the mirror to society and asks the question, what do Colored Boyz do when freedom ain’t enough? Through these experiences, I was able to create a show that would share the history of America built on the bodies and the culture of Black people. It was important that I created a space and opportunity for the community to come and learn about themselves. The thing that makes T.M. Prides’ Emancipation Blues, different from the original, it’s all movement. Each historic moment is illustrated through movement and accompanied by jazz and blues music that reflects the event’s time. From West African civilization all the way to Black Lives Matter.

The greatest victory in creating this original production has been learning and teaching the history to members of the African American community, who didn’t learn this history in public school education. This is the true purpose of art, to teach, to provoke thoughts and feelings that result in understanding and compassion for all of humanity.

T.M. , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is T.M. Pride, my mother named me Terrence, but as an artist, I use T.M. Pride to honor my surname. I have always been a dancer. My older brother Quinton and I would perform for the guests at my family’s gatherings. When the opportunity came for me to study professionally in high school, I quit the marching band and became a full-time dancer. It was my high school dance teacher, Tena Davila Alise, who introduced me to musical theatre. I went on to train with several companies and professionals in the industry until finding my passion to choreograph as well. I began choreographing youth summer camp showcases, pageant talent routines, and some short company pieces as well. In 2014, during my matriculation through the Florida A&M university theatre program, I was chosen to be the student choreographer. It was at FAMU that I expanded my abilities as a choreographer and learned the business of directing and choreographing theatrical productions. FAMU is also where I met my mentor, the award-winning director, Broadway choreographer, and writer, Patdro Harris. Under Mr. Harris’s mentorship I have perfected my talent and skills in the performing arts, becoming a Master teaching artist, choreographer, professional dancer, actor, screen actor and director.

Currently, I work as a creative specializing in several disciplines. An award-winning master teaching artist for my contributions to youth arts programs. I’ve directed several community arts programs, from conception to fully producing multidisciplinary programs including music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and voice. I’ve directed children’s musicals and community theatre, with the most recent production being Sweeny Todd in Coral Springs, FL. My most exciting experience was working for Carnival Cruise Line in entertainment, serving two contracts touring from Asia to the Caribbeans. With over ten years of experience in the performing arts sector, most of my clients seek me out for the following services:

Choreography- Musicals and Dance Company Productions or private dance lessons (Weddings, Quinceaneras, etc.)
Dancing- Professional dancers needed for productions, performances, or concerts
Theatre- Private acting lessons, Professional Actor (Equity/Non-Equity Contracts), Playwriting, and creative movement workshops.
Arts Administration/Social Art- Arts advocate, Board Member, Arts Education Consultant, Arts Education Curriculum, Grant Writing, Community Arts Projects, Curator.

Why should you hire me?

If you’re looking to create a memorable experience using the arts. If you have a vision of something artistic and can’t quite bring it to fruition, I can assist in helping you build the vision and make suggestions in the discipline used to create it. If you need a director for a film, docuseries, mini dance production, or a large community or church musical. Looking for someone to provide professional-level coaching in dance or acting for yourself or a loved one. Maybe you need to hire dancers or performers for a fundraising event or an exclusive party.

One thing you should know about me.

I have always been praised for my rapport with children and my genuine relationships with fellow artists. Being able to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, who speak different languages and making them feel welcomed and valued in the space. The difference between what I do and what everyone else does is how I do it. Years of experience coupled with my passion to collaborate with others and be open to the possibilities of what could happen if I just listen, observe, and then respond. Three words I would use to describe my essence are pride, passion, and humility. My number goal as an artist is to have an IMPACT.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I’m an artist and sensitive about my ish……lol. It’s important that society understands that wherever art is happening in whatever way it’s being presented, art is meant to make us feel something. So, imagine the number of people who use recreational drugs or who can afford private therapy sessions. Art is just as valuable if not more than the drugs people use, as the therapy they consume or provide. Art is the embodiment of the creator’s spirit toward humanity. For those who are deaf, a picture can speak a thousand words, for the blind, music can take you on a journey from soul to swing. The best thing society can do, and what is imperative to humanity, is just engage. Visit local studios and exhibitions, stand and listen to the musicians on the street corner, and pay tribute. See at least one theatrical performance and seek out those that are unknown to you. The popular stuff is popular for a reason. But how can we sustain new artists if we don’t engage with their work? Everyone is worth hearing out, we must start listening.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is when I create an original work, after all of the time and energy invested in sharing that particular story, I don’t know how people are going to receive it or if they’ll receive it at all. But when they do, they come to me and say; “That part really touched me!” or “I really connected with this character.” That is the greatest reward. To create change and to have an impact. Knowing all the work was not in vain and that because I endured and didn’t give up when it got hard and when people told me no, somebody’s world will never be the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.terrencepride.com
• Instagram: @TMPrideofficial
• Facebook: TM Pride
• Linkedin: TM Pride
• Youtube: T.M. Pride

Image Credits
Good Sainte Photography