Making a claim on history through the lens of a modern black female Director and choreographer
“She is a griot of dance, carrying the lore of how dance urges humans towards freedom, celebration and unity.”
-Eva Yaa Asantewaa
dance company
Known for being dynamic and inventive, Camille A. Brown & Dancers soar through history, exploring issues of race, culture, and identity.
Theater
Camille’s energetic choreography gives life to Broadway shows like for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, Choir Boy, and Once On This Island.
ENGAGEMENT
We are committed to empowering communities through dance and dialogue. Join us for music, art- making, and community-building.
CHOREOGRAPHY REEL
“Every aspect of the dance-making here is thoroughly accomplished.”
— The New York Times
“A DANCE GRIOT OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN/AFRICAN DIASPORIC EXPERIENCE”
-ZITA ALLEN, AMSTERDAM NEWS
About Camille A. Brown
Choreographer and educator, Camille A. Brown’s award-winning choreography reclaims the cultural narrative of African American identity. Her bold work taps into both ancestral stories and contemporary culture to capture a range of deeply personal experiences. Through dance and dialogue, Ms. Brown empowers Black bodies to tell their story in their own language(s). Read more.
Photo By Josefina Santos
GOOGLE
ARTS & CULTURE
“ink”
DANCE FILM
TED
2018
”New Second Line”
Performance
“As I began to develop the concept for "ink," I wanted the dancers to represent superheroes. I couldn’t figure out why I had the urge to play with this idea until I read ‘Question Bridge: Black Males in America.’ One of the men interviewed said, ‘I see Black people as comic book heroes because they always keep rising.’ That was it! It is about showing that in our basic survival, and natural attributes we have superhuman powers.”
- Camille A. Brown
Inspired by the events of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, TED Fellow Camille A. Brown choreographed "New Second Line," a celebration of the culture of New Orleans and the perseverance of Black people in the midst of devastation. The performance borrows its name from the energetic, spirited people who follow the traditional brass band parades for weddings, social events and, most notably, funerals in New Orleans. Brown says, “It honors our ability to rise and keep rising”
TEd-ED
history of
African-American social dance
Why do we dance? African-American social dances started as a way for enslaved Africans to keep cultural traditions alive and retain a sense of inner freedom. They remain an affirmation of identity and independence. In this electric demonstration, packed with live performances, choreographer, educator and TED Fellow Camille A. Brown explores what happens when communities let loose and express themselves by dancing together. Over 15 million views!
