Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Campbell
Hi Brianna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Bio: Brianna Campbell, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, is currently choreographing, teaching, and creating works of art through movement and film. Campbell is a 2019 Dance major graduate of Charleston County School of The Arts. “Through Campbell’s unwavering commitment and authentic artistry she is a wonder to watch. Fluid and dynamic, still and vibrant, her movement is almost preternaturally expressive. This is a young woman who is aware of the power of intentionality, who possesses a deep reverence for nuance and a raw gift for channeling authentic emotion into dance. Her sense of humility seems to rise from a deep well of compassion for the human experience, attributes that are indispensable in the progress of an aspiring dancer. At her core, Brianna is an artist who is, quite simply, present” (Yusha Soranzo).
Her past works include “Doorway Effect” – exploration of the mental block in the brain when stepping through a doorway, “Cave of Hands” – inspired by the connections humans have to nature and all its elements, and “The Teller” – full length theatrical contemporary show – an anthology based story. Brianna currently runs her own production company – “Zenki Productions LLC” established in 2019 and is the current director of Miami’s newest non-profit professional contemporary company “STYX The Company” established in 2022. STYX The Company travels to Charleston once a year to perform full-length works.
Background: I have always had an obsession with filming dance. The way the angle of the camera can change the entire perspective and understanding of what’s in the frame is intriguing. It blows my mind that one little switch can alter one’s view and opinion. I believe I can suggest one to feel a specific way through movement and perspective. In most live performances, we are limited to projecting out into the audience. However with film the options seem to be countless.
Live performances were being postponed and canceled for years during the multiple waves of covid. During this time I had developed a passion for creating dance concept videos/films. In the absence and difficulties posed of live shows at this time I pushed myself to create films and art that everyone can watch from the comfort and safety of their own spaces. I have the need and desire to share my work with the world and spread the idea of reconnecting with our roots from which we emerged on our beautiful planet. I believe it imperative that we revisit and maintain our connection with nature before it becomes a distant memory.
Zenki Productions Statement: We are all creators at heart. At Zenki Productions, we are always striving for greatness and looking to take the next step in the creative film & dance industry. We are risk takers, always searching for new paths and stories to tell through movement and film. We believe that no idea is too big, and every artist deserves to have their voice heard. At a time when social media is such key principal in the dance industry, we want to revolutionize it and build a community among creators, not competition. Zenki is a place for all artists that are eager and hungry to create.
STYX The Company Statement: STYX The Company is a collective of professional movers who have dedicated their craft to both concert and commercial styles of dance. The foundation of this company lies in contemporary and ballet. The goal of STYX The Company is to bring together artists who are passionate about their craft, eager to train with others, and want to invite people into their space with authenticity and vulnerability. STYX will build community among South Florida through open company classes, open auditions to be in films with STYX members, and end of year concerts to showcase the growth and exploration of the company.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No it was not a smooth road. Like any person taking that first big step, it takes guts and confidence. I was supposed to move to LA to professionally dance, but Covid stomped on those dreams. My view shifted to directing and choreographing. Thankfully, I had people to look up to who also carved their own paths. Both of my parents had started their own businesses and made it successfully. The struggles I first encountered was finding support and people who trusted me. Not many people see dance as being something that is “profitable” or “investable”. It’s an art form – it is something that should be supported for the simple fact that it is something that we can all connect to on the basic level of being human. Applying for artistic grants at the age 16 was simply out of the question. I turned to gofundme to help produce my first show financially. For my concept films it started out with my phone, a gimbal, and whatever friends I had around me who were willing to commit to my vision. I realized after about 6 months of doing this, it was time to expand my artistic limits. My next big hurdle was making a name for myself in Miami and starting over with finding people who would commit to my vision and trust me. The current struggle as an artist right now, is no surprise…funding. Funding for the arts, and specifically dance gets cut down each year. We receive majority of our funding through in-kind donations and hosting fundraising benefits.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional dancer, choreographer, teacher, and director. I teach dance to ages 5 to 18 during the week at a dance studio. I danced for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and currently travel around the country performing and teaching masterclasses. I have an extensive list of all the professional performances I have been apart and companies I have worked for…however, I am primarily known for my choreography. What sets me apart from other choreographers is my musicality, isolation-work, and fast paced movement. I am also very sure of what I want and always am trying to push myself and pursue new collaborations within my art form of dance. My most successful film entitled “MOLT” is about shedding the layers of past interactions with people and how sometimes you might need the help of someone else to peel those layers back to reveal the rawest form of yourself. It received awards at multiple film festivals. I am most proud of my most recent work “The Teller”. I am a contemporary dancer and choreographer but I wanted to explore the art of storytelling through this style of dance which really isn’t done.
The Teller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXO7NWShuqk
MOLT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0harTL-TbeU
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I have to pay my respects to everyone who supported my creativity along the way – My dance teachers at Charleston County School of The Arts and at Creative Edge Dance Center. They saw something different in me from the start and never reprimanded me for being different. They both would give me unique opportunities to choreograph which I am extremely thankful for to this day or I probably would have never taken that first leap of faith to create my own opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zenkipro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styxthecompany?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenki.productions?_rdr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@STYXTheCompany
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@zenkiproductions9931
