We recently connected with Mitchell ‘BonafYde’ Butts and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mitchell ‘BonafYde’, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
When I first started dancing it was a hobby only because I wasn’t able so I took the challenge to learn how to. I lived in a tough environment so because of dance it stopped me from getting into trouble and not long after began to be a healing tool for me. Then I began to fall in love with the art form, and at that point it was natural that dance became serious for me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m very determined and I’m passionate to a fault lol. I don’t believe in doing anything your heart isn’t connected to, art has to speak and mean something to you completely, any artist in any medium must stand on that. Whatever you do is a reflection of you so be selective and lead your intent with your heart’s focus.
Street dancing (Popping) provided me with a platform to be to hone my performing abilities. I started practicing my moves and acts in front of live crowds that led to professional opportunities.
I provide a visual experience. The spectrum of dance is so vast and creative, and it’s a gift to be able to capture the attention of an audience to share yourself with. To be vulnerable or not having to utter a word is truly art, and in essence bring joy and people together. Healing, and bridging others together.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m attentive and passionate. It allows me to have a human connection with those I interact with on a creative level. It also forms an understanding and intimacy with the dance, and as an artist that’s the safest place to be.
I’m most proud of myself. I’ve kept believing in myself in the darkest movements and times when I had nothing but myself, music, and a vision. I didn’t always have the answers or direction but my dream of becoming overpowered my fears. I’ve never done something in my life for this long, over half of my life I’ve been committed, or should I say married to this beautiful art form. 16 years of dance I formed my group Floor Trouble, I’ve hosted and put together successful dance competitions, elevated audiences with our performances, won dance competitions, became a community activist and much more. Floor Trouble is a representation of who I am, family values, hard work, love, art, culture, style, passion and perseverance. That’s my legacy and I’m proud of it dearly
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that I can be COMPLETELY honest. It’s no better feeling than to be able to exhaust your expression. It’s a cleansing of the soul I feel. The opposite side I find interesting always is in this there’s still perception. I love to hear feedback good or bad to see how someone viewed or felt about the desired art. Even though I may have had a particular intent, others may view it differently and that’s fine too. A double edged sword it is taking a risk exposing yourself but I love the freedom it comes with much more.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I was a troubled kid with a lot of responsibility and no consistent father figure. I was lonely and angry for my childhood but dance gave me something to believe in. I believed so much in dance, and when I became good at it I realized it’s real power, that it made me believe in myself. The healing tool it was, and how it saved me from my own mind and circumstances. With that I want to lead and be what I needed when I was younger. To be a better person and to be active in the community is what drives me most. I want to help and inspire with my story. Use myself as an example
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitch_bonafyde/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Floortrouble/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8GMiCsKuNT72Tt6PPF3uxg
Image Credits
Trevor “Trest” Stanislaus Laurie Caradonna