Artist Spotlight: Leon Cobb
“…it brings me honor and fulfilment to be a part of that”
Hi! And, welcome to our artist spotlights ! This is a place where we will introduce the RudduR Dance artists and shine a light on them!
Last but not least, this is Leon Cobb!
Why We’re Excited?
“I first encountered his talent during his time at New World School of the Arts in Miami, and it's been inspiring to watch him develop into the remarkable artist he is today. His contributions to our company have been invaluable.”
Full Interview with Leon
What inspired you to become a dancer?
Ever since I can remember, dance and performing have been a part of my life. With minimal exposure at church, apart of the kids ministry praise dance team, to the neighborhood hip-hop group performing in the local festivals and even with the misfortune of growing up in a broken home where both of my parents were incarcerated, brother and sister in the foster care system; dance was my escape and outlet. Using every overwhelming negative feelings of abandonment and abuse from my life motivated me to work hard to create a positive future for my life. Realizing at a very young age that no one was going to take care of me better than myself.
Studying videos of the Olympics and teaching myself acrobatics and gymnastics in the park field was the foundation of my strength and courage to believe that anything is possible with the power within me. Honing my raw talent and following my passion for movement whether it be working on executing elite tumbling skills, attending recreational/community programs and events or moving simply for the joy that it brings led me to my high schools dance program beginning of my sophomore year at the age of 17 years old. After only 5-6 months of training I auditioned for the Ailey school’s six week summer intensive professional division and was accepted. All sponsored by my high school and with that first achievement I knew that I was meant to be dancer.
What drew you to the WITNESS project, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performance?
I believe that black voices and black stories need to be heard and WITNESS represents the black experience and what it means to be black, it brings me honor and fulfilment to be a part of that. I hope that the audience leave with sense of understanding and compassion so that real change can happen.
Can you share a memorable moment from your dance career?
One memorable moment from my dance career would have to be when I booked my first European tour after graduating college where I’ve seen many of the world’s wonders.
Can you share a moment during rehearsals for WITNESS that was particularly impactful for you?
One moment that was really impactful for me in rehearsals was experiencing what it really felt like emotionally to go thru each part of WITNESS as a black man portraying a slave during the trans Atlantic slave trade.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am really looking forward to taking WITNESS on the road to different cities and countries, sharing RudduR Dance’s mission and experiencing how it will impact society.
What does performing at The Apollo Theater mean to you as an artist?
To be given the opportunity to perform at The Apollo is an opportunity of a lifetime. I remember as a young boy watching amateur nights at the Apollo and I would always imagine what I would do if given the opportunity to perform at the Apollo and now my dreams have come to a reality.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy playing video games on my PS5 in my free time. I like fighting and first person shooter games.
As always, thank you for your interest in RudduR Dance! If you are interested in getting to know Leon better, we invite you to explore his website bio. If you feel compelled, please consider supporting Leon through our Adopt an Artist Program, which helps provide resources and opportunities for talented artists like him. Your support makes a significant difference in fostering creativity and supporting the arts community.
Again, thank you for joining us today! Keep an eye out for the next interview on our website, or subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page. Until next time!
If you can, please, donate to RudduR Dance and help us better the world through dance! Any amount helps!