Meet Anna Brown

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, how do you think about risk?
As a professional (and former competitive) dancer, risk for me would be not going “all in” and putting myself out there. Whether it’s an audition or after receiving a role, I always give 100% and I never dwell on “what it I don’t make it.” Some people say I should have a plan B in case I don’t achieve my goals. There is no plan B for this dancer which is why I have never been afraid of taking dance related risks. I have some goals but they may change as my career advances. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There are so many talented and accomplished dancers among us but I consider myself a fairly versatile dancer. At this point in my career, I am probably most proud my championship titles in latin ballroom and for my recent role as a Jet girl in LA opera’s West Side Story. Sharing the stage with incredibly talented dancers, singers, and actors was a tremendous opportunity and dancing to a live orchestra with sold out shows was decadent. We will be reprising this production next year at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Looking forward to that!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now that holidays are upon us, I would take my friend to the Americana or the Grove. There are really nice decorations, music, and places to enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee. All in all a fun place to hold body and soul together. I would also take my friend to Elephante in Santa Monica. It’s a nice restaurant with a roof top bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I started dancing at age four and learned valuable skills from every instructor I had. However, my progress took a big jump forward when I had the privilege of taking an intensive with Emmy award winner Al Blackstone when I was twelve. That was the start of a many year relationship wherein he created musical theater choreography for me to use for competitions. Working with Al and performing his work gave me a lot more confidence as a dancer but it also reminded me why I love dance. His work was lighthearted, whimsical, and playfulIy elegant. Everyone loved those routines. As a contrast to theater dance, I owe a huge thank you to all my latin and ballroom coaches, and my professional partner Andrey Tarasov. Together we achieved a world and three first place US National Latin Championship titles. I love the discipline and technique that is required for that dance sport. It’s intense and requires a lot of focus. Finally, it goes without saying that my family was, and is, a large part of my support. They encouraged me to pursue my passion.

Instagram: @annabrowndancer

Image Credits
Head shot with red nails: Paul Smith

Sitting on stool: Lee Gumbs

Leg tilt: Lee Gumbs

Ballroom photo: Lee Gumbs

Headshot with jean jacket: Ben Cope