MDAD: How long have you been doing African dance, and how did you discover it?
BC: I’ve been doing African dance for a combined total of 13 years. I started at a young age with a company based in my home town in GA. It was there that I had my first look. I stopped at 9 years old and began again in 2011 with Kuumba Dancers and Drummers based in Tampa. This I when I knew I would never stop.
MDAD: Who are some of the people who have been inspirational to you on this path?
BC: Other than my parents who have encouraged me even as an adult, my current company director Natalie Jackson and two other mentors of mine and who changed the entire way that I move and view dance; Katura Robinson and John Parks, a dance legend.
MDAD: Are you a Tallahassee conference alumni? How do you feel about it ending after 25 years?
BC: Tallahassee was my first conference after getting back into African dance. Although I was nervous it only added to the excitement I felt about my journey going forward. For that I am grateful. It’s ending felt more like a transition to me. They did a wonderful job cultivating an atmosphere for people to experience the culture in an authentic way. The closing of that chapter simply allows for another to open. I’m looking forward, knowing that there are others who will continue to promote and share the culture and community of African dance and drumming. Being a member of Kuumba and having the chance to create a new chapter is all the more sweeter.
MDAD: What styles of dance other than African do you do?
BC: I am a classically trained dancer and have been blessed to train and perform a variety of styles including Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, Caribbean, Belly dance and Liturgical dance. I have to express my gratitude knowing that a knee surgery at a younger age was seemingly the end but became a moment that I can now say inspired so many other great things in my life.
MDAD: What has been your most memorable performance or experience in African dance and drum?
BC: I would say I’ve had 2 most memorable experiences. One being the first time I actually felt completely free. I had finally gotten “out of my head” and allowed my body to just travel through space and time, feeling as if the music was coming through me. It was that very moment that I fell in love with it. The second is my recent trip to Senegal. Dancing, singing and experiencing the culture through interaction with people in their country was unlike any other. Having the chance to be a part of events like family gatherings as well as being told I was welcome any time and celebrated because of my love for the culture was daunting and life changing.
MDAD: When you are not doing African dance and drum what do you do?
BC: When I’m not doing African dance I’m likely doing some other form of dance, Lol. If I’m not dancing then I’m working out, writing, experiencing something new or spending time with family (including my puppy). I also am an active volunteer and seem to always be planning for something or bringing a project to life. Being a professional dancer/choreographer, marketing coordinator, creative director, educator or more so of a serial entrepreneur keeps me busy. I just like to keep it simple and say I’m a creator whether that be of inspiring art, innovating opportunities or pathways for others to grow. My purpose is to use my creativity to affect positive change.
MDAD: If you could give any advice to someone who wants to learn African dance and drum what would it be?
BC: Give yourself space (that also means patience) to learn the movement and music, commit willingly to the process and open your mind to the knowledge. In order for a person to hold something in their heart they must first open their hand, making themselves vulnerable and then make a conscious decision to take hold of it.
MDAD: You will be performing at the Afrifest in Miami on Saturday, February 23, which we are looking forward to. On Monday, you are teaching an Afrimix workshop. So, what is Afrimix?
BC: AfriMix is a empowering movement experience composed of a mixture of African, Caribbean, Latin and other dances of the diaspora. The purpose is for people to experience movement that encourages self exploration, healing, positive change and exhilaration. I design my workshops with the whole person in mind. It’s my greatest desire for each person to feel freedom.
MDAD: Any other thoughts or shoutouts?
BC: Most definitely a shoutout to my company Kuumba Dancers and Drummers. And my greatest appreciation for the opportunity to be in Miami and share with you.
Recap: Beryl Colbert will be performing at the 2019 Afrifest Festival this Saturday, February 23 at 12 Noon in Miami. She will be teaching an Afrimix dance workshop at the Belafonte Tacolcy Center on Monday, February 25 at 7:30 Pm. The workshop fee is $15, FREE for children 12 and under. You can find out more about her at beryl.colbert.com and follow her on Instagram @beryl.colbert