Brandon Avery
What words/phrases describe you as an educator?
COMPASSIONATE + SPECIFIC + ANIMATED + DEMANDING + INSIGHTFUL
What words/phrases come to mind when you think of Ballet?
DISCIPLINE ↔️ FUN + AIRY+ MATHEMATIC PATTERNS + TURNOUT + FACILITY VS. TECHNIQUE + PAS DE DEUX
“I was first introduced to ballet as a prospective student at Knox College. I thought it was cute, but it didn't call to me like jazz and hip-hop did at the time. Now ballet has a major place in my career and personality. As a Hiplet dancer, ballet is literally half of what I do. My ballet mentors are Homer Hans Bryant, Waverly Lucas, Nena Gilreath, Lydia Mitchell, Savery Morgan, Deneen Graham-Kerns, Fury Gold, Wayne Villamil, Calvin Gentry, Karla Tyson, Yanis Marshall, and Dereque Whiturs. I agreed to participate in Ballet Unboxed because all of the people mentioned provided a perspective of how to approach the technique for my body's benefit, and what it is like to have a personal relationship with the movement/music/genre/profession; that is what I want to share with the students of my Ballet Unboxed classes”
About Brandon
Avery's dance journey began with 12 years of self-instruction in urban dance techniques before he took his first formal dance technique classes at Knox College. He boasts an extensive performance background, having appeared with or for notable names such as Mielle Organics, Fuego Dance Sneakers, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, and MTV-2. Avery has also taught at various institutions, including Red Clay Dance Academy, Emory University, and Dyett High School for the Arts. Recently, Avery made history as the first male heels dancer to perform at the 94th annual Bud Billiken Day Parade and the 32nd annual Dance for Life Chicago benefit showcase. He currently serves as a company member with the Hiplet Ballerinas, a recording artist with the Haus of Everything, a runway and vogue performer in the House of Alain Mikli, and the founder and instructor of Hips & Heels by Brandon Avery™.
PAST CLASSES
The Ballet Unboxed Class/Workshop Series is kicking off with its first class led by Brandon Avery!
TITLE: ELEVÉ-TED BALLET
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 8-9:30PM
WHERE: VISCERAL DANCE CENTER, STUDIO 1
Brandon’s class is geared towards experienced movers. What does this mean? You are aware of your body’s physical abilities and want to learn more about them! You do not need an extensive relationship with Ballet to take this class. Some knowledge of Ballet terminology will be helpful.
Brandon’s class structure:
Floor Barre - strength building/let’s get warm
Barre - balance + alignment
Center - let’s move!!
Brandon is big on building a sense of community in his classes. He teaches from a place of love, joy and staying curious about oneself. He encourages you to come as you are, no matter where you are!
Can beginners come to this class? YES! Here are some words from Brandon:
“I don’t want you to come in with the notion of what you HAVE to do. Come into class with the notion of “What are we doing?” Come in and give what you’ve got so that I will know how to guide you.”
Brandon will be teaching again in October— this time with HEELS!
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 8:00-10:00PM
WHERE: VISCERAL DANCE CENTER, STUDIO 1*
*This class will begin in Studio 1 and then transition to Studio 3 at 9pm for a heels portion. If you have a question about what type of heels to bring/wear, please email me at tuli.bera92@gmail.com
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Brandon’s class is geared towards experienced movers. What does this mean? You have an awareness of your body’s physical abilities and want to learn more about them! You do not need an extensive relationship with Ballet to take this class. Some knowledge of Ballet terminology will be helpful.
Brandon’s class structure:
Floor Barre: strength building/let’s get warm!
Center: balance + alignment
Heels**: Elevéted Phrasework
