Meet Calvin Brown | Dancer & Choreographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Calvin Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Calvin, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
For most people their difficult decision have probably been about a job change or relationship or something bigger then them, but for me the most difficult decision I had to make in my life ever is my sexuality. See for most people in this day of age it is still hard to come out and be your true self, and for me it was hard because I wasn’t ready to be out and be my true self. Every person has a different way of approaching and dealing with things and for me it was bottling it up and burying it deep down to where I tried to forget about it. See I always knew that I was attracted to the same sex growing up but I tried forcing myself to date and like a women because that’s what we are taught to love and think at a young age. I tried everything to not think or fantasized about a men but nothing worked for. I even went years of not dating anyone to try to work on myself and to get myself right to like the opposite sex. Until one day I met this incredible person who showed me always I can be myself and love myself and other’s. I was so afraid of losing my friends and family that I pretended to be something else rather then just being me. I was scared that I would lose people that I love if they really knew who I was that if they really loved me they wouldn’t have a people with me and who I chose to love. The difficult decision of coming out and being in tune with my sexuality and myself is what made me the man that I am today. I am a secure young black gay men who embraces himself and everyone else that is like me. I am happy, I am loved and I am ME.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Professional Dancer. I been in my field of work for the last ten years and it is honestly the best line of work that I ever been in. But as a male dancer there is a lot of ups and downs that comes with the gig. As a male dancer you will hear a lot of yes or no’s or your not tall enough, cute enough or even fit enough. For me I have develop a thick skin because there was a point in my life where ever audition I went to I was told no and it wasn’t based on my skill of dancing but because of my height, skin color and the way I looked. But I used that to drive myself to be bigger and better then the next person and by doing so I have had the chance of being in music videos, award shows, a Youtube Red Tv show Pilot and dance for the NBA. I was not easy because there is always somebody some where that is a little bit better then you or what the director or casting agent is looking for, but I never used that to get me down, I used that as a a force to push harder and leave everything out there on the dance floor. I learned through out my dance career that you can only be you. You can’t be somebody that your not because your not being true to yourself. The only way to book and leaving a lasting memory in someone’s mind is being yourself and shining bright. I want the world to know that I am a hustler, a go getter and someone who is driven to put a smile on people face because with out that drive and determination I would be dancing in the NBA field or being able to teach up and coming artist as well.. Now dancing the in the NBA field I am able to connect with fans on a personal level that I was not able to do before.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So whenever my out of states friends comes in to town I take them to many different places around Miami. First when they come I take them to Miami Beach because that is one of the main attraction down here in our beautiful city. Take them on Ocean Drive and Collins and just walk around sight seeing store shopping and just chilling. Then we head and relax at the beach soaking up that great sun an water. Then we head out a grab some food along the strip and drinks. At night I usually take them to the club like LIV, Club Space, Manor, Blackbird or other clubs in Wynnwod. Next day I show them around true Miami like Overtown, the City, Homestead and more. Miami is a bowl of surprises so you’ll find something interesting to do.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family without them I would not be where I am today. The time and commit that they spent with me at auditions and dance classes will always be cherish in my hearts. Thanks you guys so much and I love you all.

Instagram: itscalvinbrown

Twitter: Caltbrown_

Facebook: Calvin Brown

Youtube: Calvin Brown

Image Credits
Drew Dixion