We were lucky to catch up with Da’Shown Rawl recently and have shared our conversation below.

Da’Shown, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I started dancing and teaching hip-hop at the same time at the age of 13. After I got accepted into the Baltimore School for The Arts. I knew then, that I wanted to choreography and start my own dance company. The reason was simple to me. Make it out of Baltimore and have something I could call mine. So, freshman year of college that’s what I did once accepted into George Mason University in 2014. At the start of 2015, I launched RawArts Dance Company. However, I also fell in love with teaching. It offered me a way to be creative without having to commission new works. I also, knew at 13 that I wanted to create for as many people as I could.

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

I was introduced to dance through the form of Hip-Hop by an artist named Rickey. He once danced and auditioned for Lady Gaga. I quickly fell in love with choreography. However, once I was accepted into the Baltimore School for The Arts. And learned there are so many styles of dance. I wanted to learn as many of them as possible. The basics would allow me to create anything and use my creative voice to make it mine while still maintaining the integrity of the form. I performed for vocalist and competed in many competitions through the DMV, New York, Delaware, New Jersey, and more.

I then went on to George Mason University. Where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in dance. I accomplished many goals at that time. Started RawArts Dance. Created my first dance film. Had my first commission paying over $1,000, and created my first full evening-length work Cold Fire: A Story of Emotions. I got my first grant. I performed for choreographers such as Mark Morris, Robert Battle, Lar Lubavitch, Doug Varone, and many more.

After leaving Mason, I went on to create over 50 more works through commissions and under the company name. I also created a series of dance films named The Thud. Based on love, loss, trauma, and freedom of expression. Which led me to Wilson College where I received my Masters in choreography and interdisciplinary art making.

I teach Ballet, contemporary ballet, modern, contemporary modern, hip hop, jazz, choreography, interdisciplinary methods, and improvisation techniques. I also built my own movement practice (Raw Practice) to serve the need to allow the student to learn basic techniques of many styles throughout the year while also working on their technique of performing and artistic voice.

My main focus when it comes to choreography and teaching is exploring the emotional state of mind. I grew up having a difficult time feeling love like I mattered. Many times I created from the place of hoping to be understood until 2021. Where I started to create from a place of what my anger, love, and fear look like. So I then started to create my music and teaching through the lens of exploration and progression methods.

I’m most proud of my ability to create quality work quickly. I can create 10 minutes of choreography with characters, story, mystery, and drive in under 8 hours or 3 days. I can create 3- 5 minutes of choreography in under 3 hours. I am also proud of my clothing company, and my entrepreneurial mindset to work both in the arts and a regular job.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative person has to be the process. I love working with dancers who want to be pushed. I like to see how far they can go when faced with the unknown or the challenge of figuring things out on the fly. When I create, there is no level. It’s about the work at hand, and when that comes into play, I love seeing them fight to be on the same level as each other. I worked with young artists from 13 to artists 21 and older within the company, and people could not tell who was who. I love that! It gives them a chance to not only see that they can do the hard things but also take on harder narratives that make them think on a different level. For example, one of my first youth apprentices started with me when she was 13. She’s now in college, dancing for artists like Doug Varone. Being in the studio is a reward, teaching is a reward, creating is a reward, mentoring is a reward, and being able to support and watch others do what they love is a reward.

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

More free places to share their work. We don’t always need to earn or pay to share our art and hopes. Let me explain: We deserve to be paid for our time and art just as much as the people giving space should be compensated for their space and time. However, we need more community days where art can just be shared and not just one or three times a year. I think we need more space for youth artist to share their work and be mentored if they want. I think we need more kindness in the world, and that is how art will balance the scales of the less kind. I also think that to build this thriving creative ecosystem, we need to be okay with creating more positions within the workforce for artists. We love the old, but make it so hard for the new. Hire that 19-year-old and teach them how to build themselves. Hire that 67-year-old and allow them to learn or share their life experiences. Create that space for the teacher who teaches differently and gives people something new. If it does not work, that’s fine, but keep the door open and see what flies in. We need to work together more. How’s this, if we can make someone famous enough to support their dreams, who does a TikTok dance? Then we can do the same for someone who has been working on their art for years. And no, that is not a shot at those dancers or creatives. We need all of the art we can get in the world. Even if it is not your kind of art. We just need to support each other more in whatever ways we can. But let me be clear, we only need art that does not hurt the lives of others. Emotions and feelings matter, but art is like comedy. It’s just some truth to the laughter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rawartsdance.wixsite.com/website
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rawartsdance1270