It is truly an honor to sit down and discuss such an incredibly beautiful artform with you today. I'd love to know what drew you into dance, what inspired you to pursue it?

Im honored to be here! Thank you. 

Dance drew me in at a very young age. At first it was just an activity my parents gave me to socialize and get out some of that kid energy, but it came somewhat naturally to me. My parents are both creative so I enjoyed the creative and physical challenge of dance. 

When did you know you wanted to be a dancer? When did you begin to train for such an incredibly demanding art form?

I didn’t really know I would become a professional dancer until after I graduated high school and auditioned for a professional dance program. But when I was about 11 I started taking dance more seriously and went to the studio everyday after school to train. I chose the commercial dance route rather than the ballet company route. (Commercial dance includes many different styles of dance) Until the professional program, I didn’t realize how many different opportunities were available to dancers other than company work. 

Dance, especially ballet, has a reputation for being incredibly demanding both physically and mentally. The experience we perceive in the audience is of ease and grace, but that is the product of so much stamina and athleticism. What is your training regimen like and how do you make it all look so incredibly effortless on stage?

Honestly when I was younger I didn’t like ballet because it was so hard! But the better I became, the more I loved it. It’s also my favorite style to watch because I can appreciate the the work that was put in to make it look so beautiful. Dancers do make everything look so easy, I think that’s why people sometimes don’t consider dancers athletes. We train our bodies and minds so much that we can learn choreography one day and perform it for thousands of people the next day and make it look like we’ve been rehearsing that particular routine for months. The human body is so incredible, and it’s so fun and interesting testing boundaries and inventing new ways to tell a story with your body.

What is it about dance that inspires you?

I think dancers are so amazing because we can move our bodies to tell stories and show emotion. I was shy growing up and it was an amazing outlet for me to be able to express myself without words. Dance, whether you’re watching or dancing yourself, can make you laugh and cry and cringe and feel so many things.

Historically, fashion and dance have always shared a close relationship, why do you think that is? What about fashion moves you? 

Fashion in costumes is incredibly important. Designers help get dancers into character or highlight the silhouette in a way that elevates a dance. Even in rehearsals, if I’m not wearing the right clothes, my day is thrown off. Dance and fashion are both art forms that are about highlighting peoples unique features, so they go hand in hand.

What are your favorite ballets of all time? Which ballets inspired you to pursue dance?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite ballet. I feel I’m drawn more to the way individual dancer executes the ballet or variation. The minimal nuances a dancer brings to the choreography is what makes it art. What’s moving to someone may not be to another, and the individual dancer is who makes that connection with the audience member.

It is such a pleasure to sit down with you and discuss one of my absolute favorite art forms with one  of my favorite people! I know that you are currently working on launching a music and arts festival in Bermuda, which is so incredibly inspiring and daunting all at the same time. I would love to know more about this project. What inspired you? How has your experience been so far? 

In a way, this project is inspired by my own life and how I came to exist. My mom, an independent singer and her brother, legendary NY DJ, Ken “Spider” Webb, were traveling to Bermuda to promote Cup Match. While she was there, she met my father, a Bermudian born, US Air Force Firefighter and EMT; the rest is history. 

Growing up, I watched just how hard my Mom, and other artists like her, worked to pursue their careers as professional musicians, yearning to maintain their artistic integrity in an industry that often requires you to have none at all. 

Any independent musician knows that the glamour of the stage masks long hours of intense work, challenging finances and the constant hunt for the next gig or big break. I know these struggles well as they were common in my household. However, these struggles never drowned out the beauty of my mom’s voice and her love of her craft. 

It is my mission to celebrate these artists, to give them a large-scale platform through a musical and artistic festival that celebrates and honors the beauty of my father’s homeland, Bermuda. 

As for the experience thus far, it has been, exactly as you said…DAUNTING. Creating something of the magnitude that I envision, is an incredibly huge undertaking, but as my Poppy says, “If your vision doesn’t scare you, it isn’t big enough”. And this TERRIFIES me.

Can you tell us a little about the location? Bermuda is truly a beautiful place, but what about Bermuda felt right to you to host a cultural event like this?

Bermuda is a sub-tropical island that sits right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and in my opinion, it is literal perfection…”The Crown Jewel”, “another world”. 

My first time visiting Bermuda was in 2018 when my Dad passed away. My Dad and I had a very complex relationship, but one thing that was always apparent to me throughout his life was his deep love for Bermuda and his pride in being Bermudian. Although he lived most of his life in the states, he spent a great deal of time in Bermuda with our family and requested to be buried there. 

The moment my feet touched Bermuda’s soil, something within me instantly clicked. I felt my ancestral roots intensely and I fell deeply in love with the island. In the past 4 years, I have learned so much about Bermuda’s rich culture, which is rooted from a blend of African, Caribbean, and British influences. It is truly unique and with Bermuda’s reputation for paramount hospitality, it is absolutely the perfect place to hold a music festival. 

Bermuda was once a premier destination for music festivals, but due to a lack of funding and a lot of “red tape,” these events were sadly scaled back. while there are still some smaller scale festivals, there hasn’t been a large-scale festival in quite some time. I hope to change that.

What do you hope to accomplish by bringing this incredible cultural celebration of art to Bermuda?

Ok, so let’s address the big pink elephant in the room, shall we? When most people think of Bermuda, they automatically think of the Bermuda Triangle.I can’t tell you how many people have asked me about this over the past couple of years! (laughs) But Bermuda is so much more than myths and stories. 

While it is inarguably breathtaking from every angle, Bermuda’s charm and allure are what make it truly unique. Not to mention that Bermudians are some of the most generous and genuine people you will ever meet. You literally have to experience it in order to understand it and my hope is that the lure of a music festival showcasing exceptional talent will sway visitors to experience Bermuda for themselves. 

One of my primary objectives for this festival, beyond showcasing the AMAZING local Bermudian talent is to boost tourism and most importantly, help pour money back into the community directly. Bermuda’s local economy has been hit exceptionally hard over the last two years due to the ongoing pandemic and the fact that their second largest industry is actually tourism. During the pandemic, travel to Bermuda has been heavily restricted and was even fully banned at one point. This has resulted in many local Bermudians loosing their livelihoods and struggling to make ends meet. My hope with this music festival is that it would not only provide exposure to Bermudian artists and culture, but that it would also help to boost sales for Bermudian businesses and provide Bermudians with employment opportunities in areas such as construction, sound engineering, security and beyond.

What is it about music that inspires you, and do you believe in the power of music to unite and heal communities?

Music has and always will be a part of the fabric of my being, having quite literally saved my life and lifted me up when I was at my lowest. Music is a spiritual experience. It has the power to change your mood, the energy and ambiance in the room and even has healing and soothing powers as well. 

Music is therapeutic and therefore, I wholeheartedly believe that it has the power to unite and heal communities. Music is the only universal language and therefore, it is one of the only ways to bridge gaps that divide us. 

Historically, music and fashion have always shared a close relationship. What do you think it is about fashion that compliments music? What do you love about fashion?

Music and fashion are art forms that are highly evocative and expressive. They are both highly emotive, external experiences, that when combined create a natural force that moves us all in some way. We experience the same sensations hearing our favorite songs as we do when we wear our favorite piece of clothing. Designers like Gaultier, Mugler, Moschino, Pyer Moss, Rick Owens and Versace know this so well and you can see the influence of music in their work both subtly and overtly 

What I love most about fashion is that it is intricate and transformative. Just like music, It has the ability to change your mood, to shift your physical presence and express you internal beliefs and thoughts. I can’t think of anything more empowering.

You come from a family of musicians, what was that like growing up? Can you share any of your stories?

Growing up was incredibly unique! My childhood was filled with high highs and low lows, but my Mother taught me to always look on the bright side and instilled in me her mantra “necessity is the mother of invention.” 

I always like to share the story of of my first words. They were actually “Hot! Hot! Hot!”, lyrics from “Solid as a Rock” by Ashford & Simpson. This might tell you just how much my Mom played that song!

I have memories of groups and singers like Ray, Goodman & Brown, The Whispers, Skyy and Earth, Wind & Fire passing through my uncle’s house to his music studio.

Memories of my Mom working in studio with a plethora of artists and producers, too many to name, who are now considered musical giants! At the time, I had no idea how monumental these experiences would prove to be. They are among my favorite memories.

During our photoshoot, you had this beautiful moment of pure joy on your face while holding your mother’s guitar. I’d love to know more about what you were thinking at that moment, and how your family has inspired you.

My family IS my inspiration and this festival is in their honor. They are my driving force, my backbone, my strength and my saving grace. I am because they are.

The moment that you saw captured with my Mother’s guitar were the memories of her songwriting and finding song chords. Those were the moments when she seemed most at peace and most inspired. I remember just how hard she worked and saved for that beautiful guitar and every time I hold it, I am reminded of the beauty and serenity of those moments.

Music was her safe space and became mine as well.

I’d love to know what advice you would have for someone looking to take on a project like this... to celebrate their culture and communities by bringing art to them... what guidance would you offer this person? 

Like many Black Americans, I was conditioned to be at my creative best at the lowest of times, an art form we learn to master at a young age. There are going to be a lot of people that tell you that you can’t. There will be people who tell you that it’s impossible. There will be people that begin the journey with you and then disappoint you in the process. There will be moments that you will doubt yourself. There will be moments when you will want to give up.

Take a breath. Don’t listen to those people. Don’t listen to the voices in your head. Don’t give up. Trust yourself, stay the course and do your research. If you can envision it, you can execute it. Build the table yourself.

Can you share some of the musicians and songs that have changed your life? The music that transformed you the second you first heard it. 

WELL.... I am what you might call a “vocal connoisseur,” so dynamic vocalists are my listening preference. First and foremost, my Mother’s voice is my favorite voice of all time. But Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Donny Hathaway, Melonie Daniels, Kim Burrell, Lalah Hathaway, Amel Larrieux, Jazmine Sullivan, and Sade all top my list along with a host of others.

As far as songs that have been transformative, Billie Holiday’s “God Bless The Child” is a song that I live my life in line with. Sade has been my muse since childhood and their entire catalogue and artistry continue to inspire me daily.  Miles Davis’ “Bitches’ Brew” composition is genius. Absolute genius. Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You” is transcendent. Clark Terry & Amel Larrieux’s interpretation of “Sophisticated Lady” literally tantalizes the ears. George Benson’s “You Don’t Know What Love Is” is a song that I knew word-for-word by the time I was 7-years-old. Rachelle Ferrell’s interpretation of “Bye Bye Blackbird” goes against all vocal possibility. Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands” is Black story-telling at it’s best and reminds me of my best friend, my Nana. Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “War” never fails to stir and incite me. It is as relevant today as it was then.  Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s In Need of Love Today” is literal prayer.  The Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” is a reminder of how cheeky falling in love can feel. While Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In the Rain” is what finding joy in heartbreak sounds like. The break and transition in that song gets me every single time. John Bonham was a gift. And Erykah Badu’s  “Green Eyes” is a musical journey that was far ahead of it’s time….I could literally go on, but we would be here all day! (laughs)

Your latest project is a thriller, (we are huge fans of the genre) what is it about this type of story that drew you in?

Yes, it is a thriller/slasher, and I love this genre too!

Our film, Initiation (formerly titled, Dembanger) was set to premiere at SxSW festival, but was canceled due to the pandemic. So our team had to wait a full calendar year to come together and see it once it was released in theaters. The slasher genre is so special, and our director/creator, John Berardo, really instilled in all of us a sincere understanding and appreciation of what a film like this can do. Slashers can comment on social topics, flip gender stereotypes, make you laugh, keep you guessing, and engage you to explore your own judgements and fears.

It is a heightened genre that provides the perfect playground to take risks and transform.

What types of stories draw you in, what stories do you want to tell?

I am drawn to people, so if there is a story that allows me to see and learn from someone's raw, authentic human experience- no matter the genre- I'll watch it or want to play a part in telling it.

Additionally, I truly love and respect writers- and there are so many that have a unique choreography of words within their work. So, again, no matter the genre I will watch a film just to engage with the rhythm and poetry of the writing.

In turn, I attempt to pursue authenticity with each character, each genre and story; to find the rhythm and timing that serves the story and character best. All that being said, the film genres that I am currently drawn to and pursuing are Sci-Fi, Historical/Biographical, and Romantic Comedies.

I love that you are so drawn to story telling as a big part of fashion is actually story telling; to reflect and repurpose the social conversation of the moment and give it back to people. Do you see any similarities or intersections with fashion and your work?

I am in awe of fashion designers and costume designers! They are artful, detailed and insightful storytellers. Fashion designers not only have to be present and meet people where they are, but also be thinkers who look to the future and foresee the hopes and necessities of people.

Costume designers have to peer into the hearts and minds of people and characters. They have to be incredible listeners and visionaries. In our own lives, there are times when we consciously dress ourselves, as a way of stating who we are and what we stand for. Then there are these really interesting times when we unconsciously / instinctively dress ourselves, illuminating how we feel on the inside before we can clarify it into words. it's one of the details- this juxtaposition- that I think about when meeting a character in a story: how and when they *consciously* or *unconsciously* clothe their bodies. There's a great deal of information there. There's also a great deal of opportunity for a filmmaker to visually tell the story with clothing, as well as communicate a personal opinion on a cultural/social topic, just as fashion designers do.

How has fashion impacted your life? Do you find it helps you express yourself and your journey?

I definitely, more often than not, am concious of how I wear clothing. Some days I'll wear the same piece I wore the day before, and other days I'll change 4 times. Fashion is a direct reflection of how I feel on the inside, how I prepare for the day and can even help me elevate myself mentally to the places I want to be as opposed to the places I feel I’m in.

I remember when I was 7 or 8 and feeling I'd outgrown certain cartoon t-shirts that just didn’t “feel like me” anymore and trading them in for my older sister’s leather jacket, which by the way, was way too big for me, but I still loved it. Even when I was 12 or so, I started to really hate the clothing in the girl’s sections, so I started to experiment and get clothes from the boy’s sections. I even wound up buying the same pair of pants as a guy friend of mine and we both showed up to school wearing them… it was pretty cool.

I've gone “shopping” in my Mother's and Grandmothers' closets many, many times… and occasionally, my brother's and father's and sister's closets too - thanks guys!

I love clothing that comes from another time and has a story pre-existent to me. Most of my favorite garments are vintage. And when I buy "new" today, it's because I connect with the mission of the designer, and there's something about their clothing that feels accessible and yet fresh.

What do you think it is about film that has the power to unite, educate and entertain all at the same time?

Perhaps films, just like an infamous play or novel or sonnet, are best when they ask questions. Everyone walking this earth has more questions than answers. Human existence is a big question mark: why are we here, what happens after, would you like fries with that? :)

We are all connected by the simplest of questions to the grandest of ones. The filmmakers and storytellers that, in my opinion, are most effective in reaching wider audiences or connecting with people, are those that ask more questions than trying to impress upon others their own beliefs.

No matter the genre, a character who is searching for answers, a character who takes us on that journey will always be more powerful than one who has all of the answers. When we are given more space feel our own feelings about a situation, the imprint of the story goes deeper. The stories that are most effective are ones that leave room for the audience to insert themselves ever so slightly into the situations. This, aired with the fact that film is a medium that can be watched on small and big screens worldwide (maybe even one day on Mars,) can transmit intimate, authentic, hilarious, devastating moments of the human experience to countless others who may not know about these kinds of stories, or experiences or emotions and help them to realized that they aren’t alone in their feelings, humor or questions.

What are your absolute favorite movies of all time?

Perhaps: Funny Girl, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Contact, All the President's Men, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Summertime, French Kiss, Dead Man Walking, The Bodyguard, An Angel at My Table, Rust & Bone, Scream, The Prize, Liar, Liar.

And I'll watch anything by Paul Thomas Anderson, Terrence Malick, Guillermo Del Toro, Quentin Tarantino. I also will watch any TV show where Aaron Sorkin is penning the scripts.

What is a movie that changed your life?

Got a few: Jurassic Park, Flight of the Navigator, Contact, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The "Before" series, Trois Couleurs: Bleu and Låt Den Rätte Komma In.

You have a film that is debuting, can you tell us anything about the piece?

Currently I have a proof of concept / 20min Short film, TRYING, that is a friendship break-up film, which has been invited to screen at film festivals. My Co-Creater, Susie Kemp, and I have been working on the feature film script adaptation as well, and are working on getting it produced.

The pandemic canceled many, many film festivals, which are incredible opportunities to connect and share with other storytellers and filmmakers. With festivals beginning to host in-person screenings again, we were recently able to participate and even took home the audience award for the Best Short ( a huge surprise we are so grateful for!)

The best part though was getting to speak directly with the audience after our screening. Getting to hear their stories, to see how the film impacted them… it was incredibly fulfilling and truly and honor to share and relate with one another in person.

What is your absolute favorite dish?

I suppose the answer to this always changing.  I believe in the strength of a thoughtful salad and place a lot of importance on its care and composition.  But I don’t think it gets more perfect than a really well done simple tomato pasta of any iteration. 

How has cooking empowered you to help your community and your family?

The simple answer is that in cooking food I am providing a simple human necessity.  During the pandemic shutdowns we saw that we could provide food to the people in our community that are food insecure or a regular basis.  Cooking allows me to provide what I do in my daily life to people who really need the assistance.

 How has having a family impacted your career, your life your cooking?

My family is the only reason that I have all three of those things.

Do you believe that food has the power to bring communities and individuals together?  How so?

Without a doubt.  For centuries that is and can be the one major social and behavior that people do come together to do, and this is true across almost all cultures.  Its something that we all share.

What do you have planned for the future?  Tell us about your next big adventure, both professionally and personally.

The professional and personal have a lot of crossover for me.  We have been very focused on the possibility of becoming involved in a small Inn.  Operating a project with rooms has long been a goal of mine so that is something I feel very excited about.  Personally the adventure of raising our son Henry has been the best one.  Seeing what he will do next is always exciting.