We were lucky to catch up with Calvin Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Calvin , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

In our lives we take risk everyday from the decisions we make. For me I played it safe for most of my dance career. Stand in the back and never be seen or heard, but I realize I wasn’t being true to myself and my artistry so I took the leap of faith and went to Washington DC to audition for the Washington Wizards NBA dance team with little to no money in my pocket. Not knowing that the risk I was taking would lead me to joining the first team in the NBA league to go co-ed. Being able to dance and perform every home game in front of a huge crowd with screaming fans was the highlight I needed. It brought back artistry that I thought I lost and it eventually lead me to make another huge life changing risk and move to Atlanta GA to audition for the Atlanta Hawks NBA dance team where I became the first male dancer to make the team in years.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello everyone my name is Calvin Brown and I was born and raised in Miami FL where I dance and trained for most of my life. I started out as just a Hip Hop dancer, but I wanted to be a well rounded dancer so I joined a dance competition studio where I trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet & Musical Theatre. I went to New World School of the Arts to further my knowledge of dance and train more. I taught Hip Hop dance at various studios and help people understand the history of dance. Now as three time and current NBA dancer I teach up and coming dancers and hopefuls pro style choreography and tricks that can help them make Pro NBA & NFL teams. I also have a podcast call “Beyond the Lockers: Pro Edition” where I share information on what game days like look, rehearsal, appearances and more. I’m most proud of the work I have been able to share with other young hopefuls who are looking to pursue this career as well as getting male dancers involved.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Growing up I have never seen male dancers in the pro NBA or NFL or even semi pro dance teams. Now that I have been a pro dancer for three years my resilience is to keep striving and moving forward and breaking barriers for other young hopefuls like me especially African-American men to come in and be themselves. This is already a hard world to be in so to make it easier for others after me is my goal. Never give up on your dreams or passion.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can best support us artist and creatives by spreading the word. By letting people know about our shows, song, painting and content. Social media sharing and liking. Let us know that you are here with us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Itscalvinbrown
• Twitter: Caltbrown_
• Youtube: Calvin Brown

Image Credits
CheniseJ