Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bridget L. Moore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Bridget L. with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I’ve come to understand that 90% of our achievements as artists come from discipline, with the remaining 10% being attributed to talent. My triumphs are a testament to resilience and self-motivation, which is quite necessary in this field. It’s similar to becoming your own enthusiastic advocate and consistently nurturing your creativity.
As an entrepreneur in the Arts, having a strong work ethic helps to materialize the vision of B. MOORE DANCE, despite any challenges that may arise. My dedication and diligence are the driving forces behind transforming aspirations into tangible accomplishments.
Throughout my personal journey, I have realized that pursuing artistic excellence requires a constant dedication to refining my skills and pushing the boundaries of creativity. My work ethic has been strengthened by my unwavering dedication, which has allowed me to overcome obstacles and deliver results regardless of the circumstances.
It’s the relentless dedication to honing my craft and maintaining the fortitude to persevere that keeps me focused on the bigger picture and mission of B. MOORE DANCE.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Bridget L. Moore and I am deeply passionate about the arts community. I am a director, educator, arts advocate and dance practitioner, who specializes in making dances. My journey has taken me from serving as a visiting professor at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea, to being the Artistic Director of Joffrey Ballet School-Texas and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. I now serve as the Artistic-Executive Director of both B. MOORE DANCE and Flamenco Black Inc. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from The Ohio State University and a Master of Fine Arts from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.
As the Artistic-Executive Director of B. MOORE DANCE, I take great pride in shaping and leading the organization’s vision. My unwavering commitment to artistic excellence has guided B. MOORE DANCE through its 5th Season, shaping it into a prominent platform that fosters innovation in choreography and performance. This year, a noteworthy achievement for B. MOORE DANCE was the invitation to participate in the iconic American Dance Platform at The Joyce Theater in New York City. This prestigious opportunity not only allowed the company to showcase its talents but also featured a dedicated concert, presenting three contemporary works from our repertoire, all choreographed by me. This acknowledgment underscores the company’s artistic prowess and our innovative contributions to the wider dance community.
In addition to my role at B. MOORE DANCE, I recently established Flamenco Black Inc. as a non-profit organization on October 10th, 2023. Flamenco Black was established to honor the collaboration between artists and emphasize the importance of equity, fairness, and inclusion. The importance of this commitment lies in advocating for the recognition and preservation of Afro-Andalusian roots and its traditions in Flamenco, by dismantling barriers and promoting a more inclusive and progressive community within Flamenco and beyond.
Our aim is to recognize the contributions of diverse cultural influences and amplify the voices of black artists. We do this by celebrating the richness of the cultural heritage of both Flamenco and the African Diaspora, while advancing a more equitable and respectful artistic community. This holds significant importance in promoting awareness of Flamenco’s historical and cultural significance, particularly its connections to the African Diaspora. Through these efforts, Flamenco Black seeks to effect positive social change and honor the diverse cultural influences within the art form.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As an entrepreneurial leader in the arts and in running a professional dance company, I believe that the top three skills and qualities to possess are:
1. Artistic Vision and Creativity: I place a strong emphasis on having a clear artistic vision and an innovative approach to creativity. This involves the ability to conceptualize and articulate compelling artistic concepts, while also fostering an environment that nurtures and encourages creativity among the artists I get to work with.
2. Strategic Management and Business Acumen: Effective leadership in a professional dance company necessitates strategic management skills and business acumen, something that is not always taught to dancers. This includes proficiency in budgeting, financial management, fundraising, and resource allocation, as well as the ability to develop strategic plans for the company’s growth and sustainability.
3. Communication and Relationship Building: Exceptional communication skills are essential for an entrepreneurial leader in the arts, particularly in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders, collaborators, artists, and the broader community. Strong networking abilities and the capacity to foster positive relationships are pivotal for the success of any company.
These skills and qualities have been instrumental in navigating the multifaceted landscape of the arts industry and have played a crucial role in driving the artistic, operational, and development of my professional dance company.
My advice for anyone early in their journey as a entrepreneur would be as follows:
ARTISTIC VISION/CREATIVITY:
Actively seek inspiration from diverse sources and encourage experimentation.
Create a nurturing environment by organizing collaborative projects and workshops.
Regular attend performances and engage in ongoing learning and self-reflection.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS ACUMEN:
Seek mentorship and training in arts business management.
Engage in budgeting and fundraising to understand the business aspects of the organization.
Stay updated on industry trends and best practices through networking and relevant events.
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDING:
Hone communication skills through public speaking and active listening.
Invest time in building genuine relationships with artists and stakeholders.
Join professional associations and networking groups to expand your network.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Collaboration and partnership are integral to our mission at B. MOORE DANCE and Flamenco Black Inc. We place high value on purposeful collaborations that align with our commitment to promoting artistry, diversity, and community engagement. We welcome those who share our dedication to artistic excellence and cultural enrichment to join us in creating innovative and impactful artistic experiences.
We are actively seeking collaborations with dancers, choreographers, musicians, visual artists, arts educators, institutions and organizations that reflect our core values. The expertise, diverse perspectives, and creativity of potential collaborators are key to realizing our vision for enriching the arts and impacting the community.
If you are interested in collaborating with us or contributing as a volunteer or board member, we invite you to reach out. We are committed to fostering a culture of open dialogue, creative brainstorming, and mutual support to realize shared objectives. Your unique perspective and expertise can play a vital role in shaping our collective impact for both companies.
Please connect with us through our website www.bmooredace.org, social media platforms, or via email at info@bmooredance.org to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. We eagerly look forward to engaging with individuals who are dedicated to fostering creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence, who share our passion for making a positive contribution to the arts and the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.bmooredance.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.moore.dance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmooredance.org/
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Sharen Bradford-The Dancing Image Jenna Davis Brandon Tijerina Bridget L. Moore
