We were lucky to catch up with Durell Comedy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Durell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents were not very vocal people. Not always the most affirming but they were never negative or discouraging speakers. BUT one of the greatest memories I have and the culture of our home was whatever we were passionate about or eager to learn about, they would create a space in our lives to pursue that. I always remember dance and music being accepted and embraced in our home but it wasn’t because it was forced upon us. It was something that was already in me that my parents gave room for it flourish. It gave me a subtle confidence to pursue whatever path I wanted within the realm of the arts. For that I am completely grateful.

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

I grew up in Prince Georges County, Maryland, not too far from Washington, DC in a Christian home and environment where physical creativity and expression were welcomed. I started dance training at 6 and quickly found my voice within this world of movement. I continued my training all throughout middle and high school and graduated magna cum laude from George Mason University with a BFA in Dance Performance. I quickly moved to New York City and enjoyed a 12 year career performing full time with The Limon Dance Company and Mark Morris Dance Group, in various venues such as The Metropolitan Opera House, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and with other choreographers including Kyle Abraham, Matthew Rushing, Patrick Corbin and Roger C. Jeffrey. During my time in New York City, I discovered a new love for music and quickly connected with the Grammy Award (6) Winning Gospel Choir, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and became a featured singer and soloist for 9 years. I was fortunate enough to perform for President Obama’s Second Inauguration Ceremony as well as travel all across the globe with the ensemble group, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers. It was through this connection that I met my wife and started a new career as a worship leader. In 2019, I relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, to work on staff at First Baptist Church Indian Trail and The LIFT Church in Indian Trail, North Carolina. In 2021, our family relocated to NW Houston to work full time at Champion Forest Baptist Church as a Worship Associate/Leader where I sing weekly to thousands of congregants about the gospel of Christ. In addition to singing, I have the honor of being Staff Coordinator and Instructor of “We Are Magnify” Creative Arts Academy located at the church. I also work part-time as a Modern Instructor at the Houston Ballet Academy.

I am incredibly blessed that I get to combine both of my passions and offer what I have to share within the Houston community.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most reward aspect of being a creative in my current season is that I have the opportunity in every context to teach and guide multiple generations and communities. Within dance, I am able to impart knowledge, experience and information that I’ve received over many years and watch other dancers bring or leave all of that knowledge along their journey of development. Within music and congregational worship in the Christian church, I also provide encouragement and doctrine on the importance of intimate fellowship with God through music. Giving away has been the most satisfying aspect of being a creative.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I knew about ballet academies and programs for early dancers with strong ballet foundations. I had a great training growing up but now becoming aware of the major ballet and dance establishments within major cities with programs for early dancers, had I been enrolled there’s a chance I could’ve progressed at a faster pace and possibly could’ve had a stronger and longer career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @durellcomedy

Image Credits
Justin Reid Tiffany Lopez Melika Dez