Since training and dancing with DCDC from 2011 to 2015, Dorse Brown has continued fulfilling his dream and living his passion. His opportunities have included guest artist residencies at various universities and companies, and performance contracts with Royal Caribbean and with Cirque Dreams Productions on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Brown was selected for the Emerging Black Choreographers Incubator presented by Mojuba Dance Collective.
Most recently, Brown was part of the historic production of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which opened the Metropolitan Opera’s 2021-2022 season. He talked with us about his unforgettable experience, his gratitude for those who came before him, and his desire to put his best foot forward.
Can you tell us about your path to and experience being a part of this historic opera production?
“When I think about the path that led me to be a part of that amazing production, I realized it doesn’t start with me. I would not be able to do what I do on the Metropolitan Opera stage without the ones that came before me and the ones who were not given the chance. I am humbled when I think about the opportunity to be a part of the opera, when in the early 1900’s our people’s work was called uninteresting, amateurish, and not suitable for the Metropolitan Opera.
I would not have known about this opportunity without my artistic family, my circle. While stepping out on faith and submitting my audition video, I had no idea the history Fire Shut Up in My Bones carried. I almost didn’t accept the contract because I had so many unanswered questions. Where would I stay? Would my family be taken care of?
There’s something about being surrounded by an all-Black cast and telling the story of someone who’s still living and can receive their flowers. Being a part of the Fire production is an experience I will never forget; I couldn’t have aligned it any better if I tried. It was such a privilege to be surrounded by so many amazing Black artists, dancers, and creators. Fire was the Met’s first performance of an opera by a Black composer. Just let that sink in!”
How does the opera speak to African-American audiences and youth in particular? How did it speak to you?
“I think Fire speaks to the African-American experience, period. It touches on our experience in so many ways you can’t leave from seeing this production and not feel something. A little boy in the audience will see someone that looks like him, acting, singing, and being a part of telling these important stories. That makes a huge difference. I believe representation is important. You can tell by the audience it brought into the opera that we did something right—all walks of life, beliefs, and views. 'A Boy of Peculiar Grace' tugs on my heartstrings every time I hear it. The production made me more human, aware, and realize how important it is to tell our stories. How productions like this can save lives, help someone see that they are not alone. I’m just so grateful.”
What has been the audience's response to the stepping?
“Amazing! Picture having just finished stepping at the Met, laying your heart out on the stage, and you get a standing ovation that seems to go on forever! There’s no better feeling than doing something which has never been done and it being received better than you can imagine. I think people were realizing what just happened in the midst of clapping in agreeance with what they just saw. It’s amazing to see.”
Given the challenges of being a young Black male artist in a time of multiple societal crises, what self-care and renewal do you practice that allows you to bound onto the stages of Lincoln Center?
“I think being African-American is tough in these times alone, not to mention being an artist, a father, a husband, and raising an African-American son as well. What keeps me grounded is my faith, understanding that I pay homage to the ones that came before me by the way I carry myself and the work I do right now. My self-care involves my body, mind, and spirit. When I wake up, I try not to let my phone be the first thing I see. I align myself with a devotion and reflection time, something that calms my being before my day gets going. Every day I try to do something for my body, whether that’s a workout, stretch, soak, massage, something! Most importantly I try to inform myself on my history, so I know what has come before me, where I am in the present, and never forget that I have others coming after me. All those things I believe allow me to present a willing vessel, an open mind, and an open heart. I don’t take these opportunities for granted, and I want to present the best version of me.”