What's Happening?
Camille A. Brown & Dancers presented 'I AM' at The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre, showcasing a dynamic exploration of Black joy through dance. The performance featured a fusion of genres and challenged traditional audience-performer dynamics. The musical score included original compositions and R&B hits, performed live by Kareem Matcham, Juliette Jones, and Martine Mauro-Wade. The choreography incorporated various dance styles, such as breaking, vogue, and step, with dancers dressed predominantly in white against a dark stage backdrop. The performance aimed to engage the audience actively, encouraging participation and interaction.
Why It's Important?
The performance of 'I AM' is significant in its celebration of Black culture and joy within a formal artistic space. Camille A. Brown's work challenges the exclusion of Black art from high art venues, seeking to normalize audience engagement and participation. This approach not only reclaims space for Black styles but also enriches the cultural dialogue by integrating diverse artistic expressions. The performance serves as a tribute to Brown's father and marks a pivotal moment in her career, as she is set to choreograph the revival of 'Dreamgirls' on Broadway.
What's Next?
Following the success of 'I AM,' Camille A. Brown will be choreographing the revival of 'Dreamgirls' on Broadway. This next step in her career is anticipated to further showcase her innovative approach to dance and choreography. The announcement of her involvement in 'Dreamgirls' suggests continued exploration of themes related to Black culture and identity, potentially influencing Broadway's landscape and audience engagement strategies.
