We were lucky to catch up with Derek Mitchell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Derek, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents were always a supporter of the arts, but they also loved to travel the world and also try all different types of cuisines. I think one of the greatest gifts that they gave me was exposure. Exposure to different ways and walks of life, exposure to different types of people and places, exposure to different ways of cooking food, exposure to different routes of passion, exposure to spontaneity and exposure to life in general. If it wasn’t for their openness to world views, I don’t think I would have been so successful in traveling their planet and making that part of my career. I have taught now in over 40 countries on 6 continents and in 47 of the United States.. it allowed me to have perspective and also allowed me to soak up so much information and inspiration all around this beautiful world!
Derek, 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?
I started dancing at the age of 7 at what is now known as the legendary Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Back when I started learning how to dance there in 1982 it was called “Hines/Hatchett Performing Arts Center” and was created by legendary tap dancers, Maurice and Gregory Hines and Jazz icon Frank Hatchett.. I went to LaGuardia High School of music art and performing arts behind Lincoln Center where I studied Drama and Dance and also studied for a year and a half with Erick Hawkins Modern Dance Company.
I was lucky enough to start teaching at age 19, and this September I recently celebrated 28 years as an educator and 40 years as a dancer. I have worked professionally choreographing, “So You Think You Can Dance” for four seasons in the Ukraine, over 300 flash mobs/industrials throughout the United States, as well as Choreographer for the New York Knicks and the Brooklynettes and the Wendy Williams Season 5 commercial.
I was the Resident Choreographer/Dance Supervisor for the Tony award winning musical “Hamilton”- 1st National tour.
I have worked in every facet of the performing arts, and I’m excited to see what projects are next!
I currently live in Miami where I have residencies at a couple of local dance studios, and I teach all throughout the United States with REVEL Dance Convention which is now entering Season 7.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
As a Choreographer, I know that I am almost always second in command to either the Director or a producer of the project. One of the most challenging things about being a Choreographer is to talk with non-creatives about logistics and budget. Most of the time producers believe that dancers do not need to be paid for their services and talents, and 9 out of 10 times they are imagining something that will not be possible given expensive permits, access to dancers or staying within the confines of their budget.
A lot of non-creatives tend to just find things on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube and then just want to copy that idea but somehow make it better without spending any money at all. A lot of times they don’t realize how much work and time goes into creating a piece of art and how much value the Artists bring to the work.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
My art is my therapy. I am so thankful that I have a creative outlet to express my hopes, dreams fears and passions and that my job brings me to people who want the same thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: Derekmitchellsite.com
- Instagram: Derekmitchellg
- Youtube: Derekmitchellg
Image Credits
@coreyrivesvisualart