We recently connected with Corinth Moulterie and have shared our conversation below.
Corinth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
Yes, I have been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living from my creative work. But trust me, the journey was not easy. My story starts as an energetic, young, bright-eyed black boy from Brooklyn constantly searching for streams to exude my personality. Growing up the youngest of five sons I felt the need to try everything: church choir and plays, school musicals, step-teams, and sports. Until, the dance bug got me in the 7th grade. At first, I was hesitant to dance. Usually being the tallest boy in the room, playing ball was expected of me and I felt the pressure of going against the grain in school. At the time the calling felt so strong and I had to investigate why dance was pulling me. Attending Brooklyn High School of the Arts is where I found my “Why?” Here, I made the choice to pursue a career in dance with all my heart; with only the hopes of continuing to do what I love. Little did I know those four incubators years of my life would be one of the most challenging experiences in my career. I started to train 6 days a week at school and after-school at Harlem School of the Arts. The cold truth was I started late, and I had to make up for it if this was something I wanted. In this time, I was certain there was nothing that would stop me. I sought out programs like MOVE|NYC| and Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts (EMIA). These places opened my eyes to all the possibilities of dance, and more. I became a sponge, soaking in everything I could to be better. This came with joy and disappointment; the highest-highs and the lowest of lows. But this roller coaster ride of pursuing my dreams molded me for what came next. After graduating High School and then not getting accepted into my dream college the world fell at my feet. It seemed like dance was no longer calling me and I felt stuck. I had turned to my support system for guidance on how to swallow this and move forward. I was met with the fact that God’s plan for me was greater than what I had for myself. I was offered a full scholarship to train at the illustrious Alvin Ailey School. I always looked up to the Ailey dancers like heroes. Every show I went to, I was able to see myself on that stage. To be accepted into this space of rich history and legacy was an honor. After completing my first year as a student in the scholarship program, I was invited to audition for Ailey II. At this moment, it seemed like my dream had been presented on a silver platter behind a glass in front of me … and I went for it. This being my first professional job just a year after graduating High School was something I didn’t see coming to be very honest. Every day I am reminded of what a blessing it is to be able to share creatively for a living. Looking back, I don’t think I could have sped up the process. Every experience and lesson I learned was required for me to get here today and this is just the beginning.
Corinth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an African- American creative based out of Brooklyn, New York. As a child I was drawn to how freeing and fun the arts made me feel. At a very insecure time in my life, I continued to chase this freedom which so happened to turn into a profession I could live off of. Now as a professional in the field of dance, creatively I am driven by those same childhood feelings to tell stories of humanity; something everyone can relate to. With being only 19, maneuvering through the field can be challenging but I am most proud of remaining confident and knowing that what I have to offer to the world is valuable in every space I walk into.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The goal driving my creative journey at the moment is authenticity. I am striving to find my authentic voice as an artist and how I want to share authentic experiences from my life and culture through dance.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing how my art impacts others. I always say, if there is just one person that felt seen through me on stage then I have done my job. Looking back on my first international tour with Ailey II, it was one of the most fulfilling experiences as an artist. Every night I felt proud of the work it took and what I was able to share. The feeling is actually more than rewarding. It is truly more than words.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Corinth.m
Image Credits
Kemuel Cuffy