We recently connected with Bradley Rapier and have shared our conversation below.
Bradley, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
We’ve all experienced moments of being singled out. What we do with those moments and what we learn from them makes all the difference.
Born and raised in Canada in a city known for oil, rodeos and ranching, I grew up as the only kid in my neighborhood rocking a sweet Afro amidst a sea of feathered haircuts. Saturday mornings you might find me learning a couple Motown steps from my older sister or listening to jazz music with my dad while the rest of the week I was immersed in a culture of rock ’n roll and country.
Through a wild series of events I became a founding member of Streetscape, Canada’s premiere street dancing group. My pursuit of the art form took me to New York and over to Los Angeles which became my home for 27 years. There I was around more people with similar looks as mine but my Canadian accent and mannerism’s singled me out. From upper middle class surroundings to inner city jams and from garage get-downs to top tier productions I was continuously adapting to changing multi-faceted groups of people each with their own set of customs and creeds.
So what did I learn in terms of being effective and successful?
First, I believe it’s crucial for all people to step into who they’re designed to be and then bring that authentic expression into the CIRCLE, in the context of relationships, community and the marketplace. It’s why I developed Groove Theory™. Early on I had attempted to be what I thought others wanted or what I thought I should be. I was focused on what I was trying to do rather than how I was designed.
The great shift was understanding the importance of knowing who I was and being comfortable in my own skin while not being defined by it. This allowed me to stop trying to prove my worth and simply offer what I have in a spirit of welcoming others into my world. With the focus off of myself I was free to be even more curious about others which led to healthier interactions, stronger relationships and many inspiring and mutually beneficial collaborations. The categories we place one another in are never as interesting as the stories behind them. When you bring this awareness into the room you’ll find that your effectiveness and success has a lasting impact greater than any exterior factor or label.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a host at heart. Founder of Groove Theory™, GROOVE Mindset™, and The Groovaloos™, I love gathering people together in cool interactive settings, activating and guiding them to step in the CIRCLE and get in the GROOVE. It’s beautiful to watch the atmosphere change as unique personalities and abilities are shared and woven together in creative new ways. In that regard I call myself a FREEstyle Activator, a GROOVE Orchestrator and a Believer in the Greater.
From Canada to today, I’m still amazed by my journey. I amassed 30+ years in street dance culture, storytelling and talent development and was able to pioneer a movement in Los Angeles that launched countless artists and positively impacted the landscape for hip hop dance in culture and media. This led me to perform, choreograph and orchestrate complex multi-layered productions at the highest levels in the industry from L.A.’s television and commercial world to New York’s Broadway stages while instructing and lecturing internationally at universities and conferences.
Now based in Austin, Texas, I’m driven to offer solutions and break people free from the one-dimensional, fear-based, assembly line mentality that has gripped our culture and robbed many of creativity, purpose and community. I actively speak on Groove Theory™ and continue to orchestrate, choreograph and produce. I love to merge my background with powerful analogies from street dance culture to present unique experiences that invite others into the world of GROOVE. Where perspectives are challenged and we are motivated to re-examine old patterns in order to reach new levels of collaborative ability, creative freedom and grounding. Through a variety of platforms we guide others on a pathway of exploration and discovery towards a GROOVE Mindset™ that I believe affects all areas of life.
We’re collaborating with a number of great communities here in Austin. Last year partnering with Wilco Workspaces we launched School of Groove Residencies and presented GROOVE Night with incredible response. School of Groove is where we work with teams of all sizes, guiding them through trainings to creatively address areas where they feel limited, insecure, disconnected or stuck. With different approaches for different types of groups, each residency has its own distinct flavor. GROOVE Night brings these different groups together for an exploration of FREEstyle and street dance culture wrapped within a community gathering of music and movement.
2023 is an exciting year. We are broadening our GROOVE Residencies, trainings, and experiences. Building on my passion for gatherings I will be hosting events for outside clients as well as our new projects. During SXSW here in Austin I hosted our first “Groove Talks Live at The Artist Table” event. It was an amazing night of conversation and activations that united and introduced the creative world of artists with those who support them. There will be more dynamic keynotes as I share GROOVE Mindset™ and my journey with as many as possible. Feel free to reach out to me on Linkedin or visit our website for information on GROOVE Activations, how to bring us into your circle, or to discuss how we might serve you in the areas of Hosting, Speaking, Choreography and Production.
Here are a few upcoming engagements!
April 27-29th, 2023 – Santa Barbara, CA.
I will be co-hosting and co-producing the Innovation Awards along with presenting GROOVE Activations at the EPIC International Summit. Rated among the Top Ten Most Innovative Conferences in the United States the gathering brings together thought-leaders, entrepreneurs and social innovators from around the world.
FIESTA (every 3rd Tuesday of the month)
One of Austin’s top monthly networking events, FIESTA stands for Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Start Ups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers. Excited to be a part of the hosting team for this great gathering.
May/June/July/August 2023 – Austin area & Online
I will be offering GROOVE Theory Experience Trainings and Workshops both virtually and in person. Stay tuned for info on these “GROOVE’S in Session” gatherings.
June 2023 – Nationwide
The feature film “World’s Best” is set to be released on Disney+. I am the choreographer of this cool story of a young math genius who vows to become the world’s best MC. Very excited about this release.
October 12th, 2023 – Austin, TX
I will be apart of DCX Conference. DCX stands for Develop yourself, Connect in community, and Experience transformation. Led by author Chris Meroff the theme of this year’s conference is “Fighting for Unity”.
We’re energized for this season as we continue to host gatherings, lead explorations, provide trainings and collaborate with the curious! Introducing new creative Groove Theory Experiences and letting others know they too can train to trust in the GROOVE!
“IT’S NOT THE MOVE, IT’S THE GROOVE”®
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. I like this acronym for FAIL – “First Attempt In Learning”. Look for opportunities to learn, test your ideas and then step in the circle. I’ve maintained a pro-active approach in life. I choose not to waste much time criticizing what isn’t working or what other people aren’t doing right. Learn what you can from them and your experiences and then, with relentless optimism, go put your concepts or alternatives out there and develop them, again and again.
2. It’s all about relationships. A great deal of the success I’ve had stems from the gatherings my wife and I started in Los Angeles over twenty five years ago. Those gatherings grew into a movement and helped create a community that I collaborate and celebrate with to this day. And there are countless other examples of being brought in for projects based on referrals by others due to my past relationships. Don’t be a Lone Wolf – Get in community and build authentic relationships.
3. I touched earlier on the need to step into all you are designed to be. Along with this is spending time examining your WHY. Knowing your why behind what you do will bring clarity to your vision and with vision comes focus. Merge your design with relationships, resources and a vision that supports your why.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We will continue to expand collaborations with those curious about GROOVE Mindset™, the development of GROOVE Talks Live events and presentations of our various Groove Theory™ Experiences. We welcome conversations on partnerships, sponsorships and co-production opportunities and the opportunity to bring GROOVE to projects in the form of Hosting, Speaking, Choreography or Creative Direction. We are allso looking to connect with those with entry points to discuss bringing GROOVE Mindset™, trainings, creative experiences and residencies into schools, creative spaces, corporations and post secondary institutions. And of course all those ready to get off the Edge of Imitation and step in the Circle!
Connect through Linkedin, IG @bradleyrapier or bradleyrapier.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bradleyrapier.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradleyrapier/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-rapier-38535b30/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BradleyRapier
Image Credits:
Jacob Jonas (first individual high jumping pic submitted with Groove Theory logo in bottom corner) Levi Walker (the two leaping pics against white backdrop wearing white rimmed glasses) Levi Walker (the headshot in the white dress shirt)
