Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Briana Reed. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Briana, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I think the most important thing as an artist is to not only take a risk but consistently take risks, the fear of the word No and/or perceived failure at something we desire, has the power to keep us stuck or only seeking that which is comfortable. As a freelance choreographer I am always looking for opportunities to create and whether applying for grants or sending in choreography submissions the risk is always rejection. Taking the risk to continuously hone your craft in the midst of rejection, essentially betting on yourself, your gift, and the vulnerability of that is risky; yet I have found in putting forth the effort and taking the risk to continuously put myself and my work out there the opportunities that have been right and most fulfilling for me and my growth as an artist have shown up. Each time I embark on a new project there’s that tiny (sometimes loud and annoying) voice of doubt asking if I’m ready for this opportunity, do I really know what I’m doing if I’ve never done this before, can I do it, am I talented enough and the list goes on. I take the risk, use that voice of doubt as fuel and in the words of the majestic Judith Jamison I pray, prepare and proceed. Granted I am dramatic so there may or may not be the preliminary wailing, moaning and gnashing of teeth before I reach that resolve. I feel deeply that when sharing my artistry outweighed the risk of rejection and unanswered emails a shift happened internally and externally. I recently had the opportunity to choreograph Little Shop Of Horrors at Virginia Stage Company though I’ve work as an Associate Choreographer this would be my first time choreographing a full musical at the Regional level with a Director I never worked with and that nagging voice was there, I took opportunity risked the what ifs and the show was a huge success and their second highest grossing show. Taking risks can be so uncomfortable but the opportunity to discover new facets of yourself is a risk worth the reward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began studying Ballet, Modern, Russian Character Dance and Traditional West African Dance. I attended and graduated from The Juilliard School and danced professionally with Ailey II and as lead dancer with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 16 Seasons touring 5 Continents. After leaving Ailey I began teaching dance and have taught at institutions like ABT JKO School, Ailey Extension, Harlem School of the Arts, Joffrey Ballet School, Steps Academy and Steps Conservatory. I have a profound joy for teaching students of all levels and ages, currently I teach open Contemporary Dance classes twice weekly at Steps On Broadway Fridays 11a-12:30p and Sundays 2:15-3:35p, which gives me the opportunity to meet so many dancers from different demographics which is both exciting for me as a teaching artist and choreographer. I didn’t realize I loved choreographing until it became necessary to choreograph pieces for different school shows for that reason I am so grateful for each student because I definitely credit them all for unlocking my love of choreography. As a Teaching Artist and Choreographer my goal is not just technical growth but also inner growth using all facets of my artistry as the vehicle.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think the hardest thing for non-creatives to understand is that each day is not structured into a 9-5 box and that contemplative time is actually work that goes into creating a work.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to always be able to use my artistry invoke thought and uplift. I believe art has always been a catalyst for the betterment of a society and I hope that through consistently sharing my love of dance and creating art that I may positively affect my corner of the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brianareed.com
• Instagram: bria103, brianareedbeadz
• Facebook: Briana Reed

Image Credits

Stephanie Diani, Joffrey Ballet School, Hisae Aihara, Leora Misdraji