Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Libby Brooks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Libby, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?
I got signed to Bloc Talent Agency in LA this past summer! It wasn’t like your normal audition. I was working with Velocity Dance Convention at their nationals where I was working backstage as well as helping with the younger dancers making sure they leave with a guardian. But this certain day was before the ending show of nationals and I had a bit a free time. I usually was spending my freetime by the pool but I saw there was a mock audition happening so I said to myself, “why not? lets do it”. So I auditioned and it went so so well. Way better than I could’ve dreamed. I met James (my agent) at nationals, and we both had a connection to each other. We had an interview a couple weeks later and i just had that feeling that this is who I needed to sign with. James believed in me as a dancer but also as an actor and as a human. It was surreal and felt as if I was finally being seen for the dancer and person I am. Flashforward to now, I am still signed with Bloc and with James, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities he sends my way!
Libby, 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?
Hi, I am Libby, I am 22 years old and I am from North Carolina. I started dancing when I was 2 years old, but did not really take it seriously til around 8th grade. Once I hit junior year of high school I started to think about where I wanted to go after school. First I wanted to just move to LA right away, but my mom and I had lots of conversations about that as well as college. I decided to audition for lots of colleges even though I did not feel a pull or energy to go. Until I auditioned for Point Park University, and I immediately felt something there. I studied the modern track at Point Park, and it made me the dancer I am today. College allowed me to find and refine my artistic voice which I am so grateful for. I spent 4 years learning more about myself and once I graduated I had a couple master classes lined up as well as choreographing two pieces for a local high school in my hometown. I was so excited because prior I only choreographed for my senior project, but having teachers believe in me and wanting to choreograph for their dancers was so surreal. It made my heart fill up with so much love. I recently moved to LA, to pursue dance on an even higher scale. I think what sets me apart from others is that I dance from my heart and head always at full energy. And I feel like you can see that when I am dancing or in any room I am in. I bring true personal feelings, energy, or thoughts into every class I take but I am also incredibly open to any knowledge/any new things. I want people to know that I am human, and I bring who I am or what I am feeling to every part of my life whether that be in dance class or via social media. I am always 100% me in every way. I strongly don’t believe in the whole concept of leaving everything at the door before entering a room. I believe in bringing it all in with you because in the end it can help. I am sometimes a perfectionist but only when I know the feeling and intention of the movement is off within me. I am constantly growing and learning and I am so grateful to continuously be meeting people who inspire me.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Goals are always changing with me, because I am changing everyday. Right now community, love, and being seen is driving my journey. I recently found an amazing studio/company, and the first class I took there I felt that same pull of energy that I need to keep going and it was because of the energy in the room. The people in that room were the most kindest, welcoming, and loving humans I have ever met. My goal is, is to be in a dance company where the artists in the room are loving, supportive, and truly see each other. When a space and community feels like that, it might as well feel like home too.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist would have to be seeing how your art affects those around you and those watching. Even in dance class I am affected by the people dancing which causes a physical reaction like screaming or clapping. And that is just so touching because it truly means you are inspiring the people around you. Even with performances or social media seeing how people react sometimes is the best feeling because you know you put your all into something and that person or people see and hear you. It feels good to be seen for who you are and what you are doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.libbydbrooks.com/
- Instagram: libbydbrooks
Image Credits
Kamea Wilson
Dylan Letorney