About the Director
“The discipline and hard work of a creative life is a constant reminder not only of our imperfection, but also of the joy in overcoming obstacles…”
– Jamel Gaines
Jamel Gaines, Founder of Creative Outlet and Artistic Director of it’s Company, Dance Theatre of Brooklyn, started dancing under the direction of Diane and Adrian Brown, when he was ten years old.
His choreographic career began while he was a student at Purchase University Conservatory of Dance. There he received the Harry Belafonte and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center Scholarships in Dance, prior to graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance.
As a young artist he was a member of JUBILATION! Dance Company. Under the tutelage of the company’s Artistic Director Kevin Jeff, Gaines was able to develop his skills as a professional artist and his own style as a choreographer.
Over the past 14 years, he has choreographed and staged over 35 repertory and concert productions for The Actors Theater Workshop, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, The Martha Graham School, La Guardia Performing Arts School, Julliard School, Purchase University, DanceAfrica and The Seattle Theatre Group.
He has taught and choreographed dance for productions in Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Spain, Germany, Canada, The American Black Film Festival, IABD, “Black Nativity”, for which he won an Obie Award. Gaines’ “He Got Up” and “The Maafa Suite” are performed annually at St. Paul’s Community Baptist Church, in Brooklyn. As an arts educator he is known for his nurturing approach in teaching students what might be termed, the “Gaines’ technique.”
In 2004 Jamel appeared on Public Television’s “American Talent” in which he was presented The Teacher Recognition Award, during the Presidential Scholars in the Arts Committee at The Kennedy Center, and has been featured in Essence Magazine, The New York Times and The Daily News.
Jamel Gaines is dedicated to asserting the prominence of the arts in America and committed to promoting the significance of dance seen through the lens of the African American experience, as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present and boldly reaching into the future.
“Dance Theatre of Brooklyn oscillates between sacred and secular, ballet and street — bridging, not blurring the distinctions…” The Village Voice �