
Introduce Yourself:
My name is Adam Parson
and I am the Artistic Director/Choreographer of Commonality Dance
Company. I've been fortunate as a dancer to have travelled around the
world performing and doing jobs for The White House, Power Rangers,
Prince, Monica and working with choreographers Marguerite Derricks,
Jamie King and Tina Landon to name a few. Recently I just wrapped up
the season of choreographing a halftime show at the Staple Center for
the WNBA Sparks, with the Sparkids.
What inspires you?
Music is a big factor in inspiring me to dance and
choreograph. It holds so much power if you are willing to give yourself
to it. I tell my dancers the what the audience hears should be the
appetizer, but what movement they see to that music should be the main
course.
My dance company members are also a huge factor in my inspiration.
When someone is willing to give you their time and body, its my
responsibility to make sure they are happy that they did, so when I
create works I do them knowing that what I create will be challenging
but rewarding otherwise whats the point?
Dance Spirit Magazine said I
churn out "Unstoppable Dancers" which I though was a huge compliment,
but I do want to create dancers who not only dance smart, but think
smart! I recently completed choreography for a dance film called
"Love on a Sunday Afternoon" featuring 10 amazing African American
dancers. It was directed by the amazing Jamila Glass, now THAT inspires
me, seeing so many people of color creating magic is awesome!
Why are you a dancer?
I dance because its
the best way to constantly learn and take stock of who I am. Direct life
experiences come out in my dancing that I don't realize until I start
moving.

What is one of the most notable challenges you've overcome as a dancer?
Well I started dancing
at 26, so that was a big challenge for me but I welcomed it because I
loved dancing so much and wanted to be the best I could at it.
Any advice you wish to share with other dancers?
Take class from as many teachers that you can in your
beginning career. We all have our favorites but if you stick with your
favorites you lose the opportunity for you to grow as much as you can as
an artist. Don't get me wrong, I have my favorite teachers as well, but
I have to take from other people all the time so I know I'm challenged
mentally and physically.
As I stated earlier, the more knowledge you
have about your art, the better dancer you will become. Its as simple as
that. Also, if you are planning on being a serious dancer, take all
dance styles, particularly ballet for you Hip Hoppers, and Hip Hop for
you Ballet people, Jazz for you tappers, and Tap for you Jazzers!
Contemporary and Modern have been injected into all dance styles now so
you have to know them.
As an African American, I have to know where I
come from and proudly know my history. It's a part of who I am and since
dance is my life, I would say get to know the history of your art form,
know the choreographers that changed the game for dancers, know the
names of dances that have stood out over time.( The lines have started
blurring and forms are slowly starting to merge. If you want to be
employable, you have be able to do it all.
Twitter @adamparson ( have a website coming up!) www.adamparson.com
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