Meet Dexter Carr | Choreographer & Dancer

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

Hi Dexter, how do you think about risk?
I have always been a bit of a risk junkie, not in a gambling sort of way but just with important life decisions, which may be worse now that I think about it, ha. From a young age I always knew that I would move out of my hometown and head to a large city, either New York or LA. Since then I have continued to be the type to choose the riskier option, because the reward tends to be more fulfilling. Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who are you are today? I am from Miami, FL. Grew up in a pretty conservative home, and at this point in my life I’m very happy about that. The structure & discipline I experienced as a kid has helped me organize my adult life. Having lived in LA and New York, two extremely chaotic cities, not having a level head, a clear mind, and goals it’s very easy to get caught up in the wrong situations. Let’s just say, I’m happy my mama raised m right. What is the most important factor behind your success/ the success of your brand? I would have to say my individuality. I was so scared of being bullied in school that I basically blended in with everybody else just to avoid it. I had no individual style, no opinions, didn’t even like to speak outloud. Over the past 5 years I feel like I have really grown into myself, and what I believe in as an artist. I believe that everybody has a superpower, and its your job as an artist to figure out what that is and maximize it. Create your best self. What value or principle matters to you most? And why? Honesty. As an only child I didn’t have any brothers or sisters to experience childhood with. So I ended up doing what most only kids do, kickin’ it with your imaginary friends and making up stories. Well those stories ended up following me to school to talk to the other kids which became white lies, next thing I knew I was just telling the kids at school random things that weren’t true. For some reason that has ALWAYS bothered me that I got into that habit. So now, I make SURE to keep it 110%, always. Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance? Ive learned the art of working smarter not harder. I have goals that I want to accomplish and have narrowed down the ways I want to go about them. That helps my brain personally because I have time to think about the creative projects I just want to do for my self. There should definitely be a separation between the two. The energy exerted into each should also be different, not necessarily one harder than the other just different. This year has really shown me the importance of investing in yourself and your brand, so when it comes to that I will work 24/7, 365 days a week, because when it comes to your own brand, the grind never stops. What’s the end goal? What do you want to professionally by the end of your career? I want to be respected, successful and financially flexible & able to care for my family. I understand moneys not the end all be all, but at the same time I’ve put a lot of time, effort, and love into my craft and I would love to see if returned. Career wise, I would love to choreograph a broadway show, feature films & commercials, and possibly in the future direct them. Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career? I honestly had no choice. As cheesy as it sounds, it really did choose me. I started late as far as training goes but once I started I couldn’t stop. I wanted to go to class everyday, rehearse, train, freestyle, improv, tap, stretch, turn everything I was fixated on it. So once I got my first job opportunity which was Chris Browns “Kiss Kiss” video, I was able to be around some of the industries best and got so inspired. I had to have that feeling again and again and again.

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.
Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career? I honestly had no choice. As cheesy as it sounds, it really did choose me. I started late as far as training goes but once I started I couldn’t stop. I wanted to go to class everyday, rehearse, train, freestyle, improv, tap, stretch, turn everything I was fixated on it. So once I got my first job opportunity which was Chris Browns “Kiss Kiss” video, I was able to be around some of the industries best and got so inspired. I had to have that feeling again and again and again. What is the most important factor behind your success/ the success of your brand? I would have to say my individuality. I was so scared of being bullied in school that I basically blended in with everybody else just to avoid it. I had no individual style, no opinions, didn’t even like to speak outloud. Over the past 5 years I feel like I have really grown into myself, and what I believe in as an artist. I believe that everybody has a superpower, and its your job as an artist to figure out what that is and maximize it. Create your best self.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, id pick them up from the airport & take the scenic route home just so they can see all the dope views of downtown LA & surrounding areas. Id then take them around Melrose for some food & some good shopping and people watching (you see ALL types of characters on melrose). After that id take them to Pan pacific park on Beverly for some more people watching & laying out in the grass listening to music. That night we’d head to one of my favorite sushi spots (I have alot, ha) then head to a the outdoor patio bar for a late night drink at Laurel Tavern. Later in the week we’d hit all the beaches, Santa Monica, Will Rogers & Malibu & make sure to walk the promenade while we’re down there. And last but not least, we’d HAVE to go to Milk to get the Nutella milkshake.

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 would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. They’re everything to me. From a young age, they’ve made it their mission to instill good values in me & a great work ethic. They’ve taught me how to love, even just through watching their relationship with each other and the people around them. They’ve taught me about resilience and letting your past teach your future. I owe them everything I am today, and everything I become in the future.

Website: https://dextercarr.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dextercarr/