Artist Spotlight: Mikaela Brandon
“I feel a deep responsibility to the achievement of equity either in this lifetime or in that of our children”
Hi! And, welcome to our artist spotlights on the Road to the A ( we can´t tell you what the A stands for yet). This is a place where we will introduce the RudduR Dance artists who are getting ready to perform WITNESS this fall.
It is with great pleasure that we can introduce you to Mikaela Brandon. This will be Mikaela´s first performance with RudduR Dance, and we couldn´t be more excited to have her.
Why We’re Excited?
Mikaela brings here entire being to her craft. Body, brain, soul. She’s a wonderful talent who is super generous in the process.
Please enjoy the first interview of this series!
Full Interview with Mikaela
What inspired you to become a dancer?
I was inspired to dance because of how good it felt when I was younger. I recall feeling endlessly free to express my truest self. From a very early age, dance became my safest home.
How does the mission of RudduR Dance, particularly its focus on addressing racial inequities, resonate with you personally as an artist?
The mission of RudduR Dance resonates with me because I consider myself a multiracial human being. I have had my share of painful and traumatic experiences as a Black woman and therefore, I am extremely passionate about socioeconomic restoration. I studied social justice in college and was introduced to concepts and theories that sparked my interest and I’ve worked within organizations with very similar missions. I believe that all beings were created equal before systems of oppression took root in our society. I believe that our struggle and turmoil is directly linked to our freedom and emancipation. Our story is one of triumph and as long as I live, I will continue to fight for our irrevocable birthrights of joy, peace, and prosperity. Art–and especially dance–provide a space and platform for our voices to be heard and for the truth to be told. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be a part of projects–such as this one–that showcase our history.
Can you share a memorable moment from your dance career?
When I was younger, I had an audition for the hip hop team at my dance studio. I remember crying and feeling so nervous and unworthy. My mom, friends, and studio directors were there to both comfort and reassure me that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. This memory stands out to me because it was an example of an experience where I doubted and questioned my own power and my own capabilities as a dancer. I had no reason to though because my talent was undeniable. These moments serve to remind me that I am human first and that self-doubt will most likely always show up in my career in one way or another. I have a better understanding now that being a performing artist (especially a dancer) is an extremely vulnerable and therefore courageous thing to do. Moving forward in my career, I now choose to embrace this fact with a clear mind and whole heart.
Can you share a moment during rehearsals for WITNESS that was particularly impactful for you?
The first time that we ran the very beginning of the work, I felt deeply impacted. We enter onstage wearing our chains and are rolling across the floor with one another in an effort to embody what it was like for our ancestors during enslavement and forced displacement. To be given the opportunity to embody this–in tandem with the chosen musical score–made it real. I was able to tap into the feeling and the struggle as much as I could and I could instantly feel the harshness and the cruelty of what was done to our people. To witness my colleagues in a bound reality stirred anger in me and I look forward to channeling this sacred rage throughout the work.
As someone who is contributing to a piece about envisioning a future of equity and hope, how do you see your role in shaping this narrative through your dance?
As a multiracial artist, I feel that I have a foot in multiple words. Therefore, I feel a deep responsibility to the achievement of equity either in this lifetime or in that of our children. I believe that we must create a mutual understanding of what has occurred throughout history and what continues to occur in the present day. I feel that my perspective on issues of race is a valuable one because I possess a passionate longing for equity and an awareness of many perspectives. It isn’t so much equity as it is restoration, and I believe in the kind of community care that services the physical artmaking industry.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am most looking forward to being challenged throughout this process. Being a part of this project forces me to prioritize self-care and to truly be honest about my experiences. The work is technical, athletic, and emotionally charged and I deeply appreciate the blend of physicality and theatrics. It is unlike anything that I have participated in before and I am excited at the prospect of becoming a new and improved version of myself as a performing artist.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, improvisation, spending time in nature, writing, singing, and much more. I seek out alternate forms of creation when I am not dancing (and before I know it, I find myself dancing). I enjoy spending time with my family and close friends. It is an integral part of my personal practice to meditate, do yoga, and breathe consciously. Lastly, I was introduced to the house and techno music scene in 2021 and fell in love. I enjoy dancing in social settings and connecting with like-hearted strangers that soon become friends and soul family. I would say that I am an extroverted introvert.
Thank you for reading the first interview of this new series! If you are interested in getting to know Mikaela better, we invite you to explore her Instagram page and website bio to learn more about her inspiring work. If you feel compelled, please consider supporting Mikaela through our Adopt an Artist Program, which helps provide resources and opportunities for talented artists like her. 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!