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Catherine Knierim

Laura Ellis

Advanced Dance and Performance

28 May 2021

Camille A. Brown’s Impact and Legacy

To have one’s work be called ‘great’ signifies that you have talent. To have one’s work

be called “unmatchable,” “electric,” and “stellar… gripping, rugged, and visceral,” by Theater

Pizzazz, the New York Times, and Dance Network respectively signifies that you are leaving

behind a powerful legacy.1 Camille A. Brown is known for being many things: a dancer, a

mentor, a company director, a choreographer, a production director, and most of all, someone

who gives their all to whatever they are creating. Her choreographic style combines both social

dance with various styles of technique, and though this is similar to other modern

choreographers, her unique choreography still stands out across all her pieces, especially in how

she uses both movement and musical composition to continue storytelling. Though her legacy

will be extensive, her biggest impacts on the dance world are her impacts on American theatre

and how she has opened doors and exceeded every expectation and limitation.

Having choreographed over fifty works, Camille’s pieces for various theater shows,

whether they are on Broadway, television, or other stages, demonstrate how notable her

influence has been in American theater performances. She has choreographed performances

ranging from comedy pieces such as Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous, to tragedies

like A Winter’s Tale, to pieces about modern issues in the Unites States like The Box: A Black

Comedy, which is about a father and son and their struggles within the prison system, to the well-

1
“Theatre- Camille A. Brown,” accessed May 20, 2021, http://www.camilleabrown.org/theater.
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known rock opera, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” 2 The diversity of topics of the

productions demonstrates the full extent of her choreographic abilities, how she is able create

unique choreography fitting for whatever the subject matter is and whatever emotion is called

for. Her ability to do this so well stems from using social dance, which she views as a way of

reflecting “the human experience,” and is therefore able to better connect to the audience.3 Her

work has been recognized by many; Camille was even nominated for a Tony for Best

Choreography in 2019 for her work in the musical Choir Boy. Her legacy expands beyond her

choreography in the world of theatre; she has also proved that no glass ceiling can hold her back.

In an interview, Camille said, ‘“it’s just so strange how women, black women, black

people, are placed in certain things… It’s about breaking through that and getting people to see

that we’re dimensional. Women are dimensional,”’4 and both she and her works have shown

exactly that. In an industry that for much of its history was predominantly made up of white

dancers and choreographers, it can be challenging to gain fame, especially as an African

American woman. Camille’s work ethic and choreographic abilities have made her stand apart

from other choreographers. Furthermore, her refusal to be defined by one thing, has showcased

her individuality and capabilities, explaining that, ‘“especially black choreographers, it’s easy for

them to get pigeon-holed. Like they only do ‘black shows,’ but I can do Mary Poppins.”’5 She

has inspired generations of past, current, and future performers and choreographers. Camille has

already accomplished so much, and the world is excited to witness what she does next.

2
“Theatre- Camille A. Brown.”
3
Risa Sarachan, “Choreographer Camille A. Brown: A Queens Girl Who Now Creates Dance Everywhere,”
Forbes, January 8, 2019, https://www.forbes.com/sites/risasarachan/2019/01/18/choreographer-camille-a-brown-a-
queens-girl-who-now-creates-dance-everywhere/?sh=215fdd09fa4c.
4
Ruthie Fierberg, “Camille A. Brown Is an Unstoppable New Voice in Broadway Dance—Here’s Why,” Playbill,
February 3, 2019, https://www.playbill.com/article/camille-a-brown-is-an-unstoppable-new-voice-in-broadway-
danceheres-why.
5
Ibid.
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