In the Studio with Dawnyelle Butler
Dawnyelle Butler is a dancer, model, playwright, author. and choreographer from Baltimore, MD. Her professional resume is lengthy, including both a BFA in Jazz & Theatre Dance and a MA in Leadership & Teaching as well as international dance tours, acting roles and more. Dawnyelle is also the owner of “Welcome To The Dawn Productions,” which helps aspiring artists develop their talent in visual and performing arts. But, to her dance students here at CAC, she’s just Ms. Dawnyelle, who gives it her all to teach and inspire every single one of them! Here’s Dawnyelle talking about her background, journey and current work:
On discovering & pursing dance: At a very young age, I began imitating every dance move I saw on the television screen and my mother would wake me up to perform Michael Jackson routines for her friends at 2am. One day she surprised me with tickets for us to see The Nutcracker. When the show was over, I pulled my mother close and whispered in her ear “Mommy I want to dance like that”…. And the rest is history.
During my senior year of high school, I made the decision to audition for The University of The Arts in Philadelphia. I desperately needed a change in my life. Now it was time to be fearless and just go for it!
Ms. Dawnyelle with a group of students
On creating her production company: I have always visualized myself having this huge 30th birthday celebration where I would feature every element of the arts… so when the time came I did just that. The evening started with a variety show that featured new up and coming artists as well as professionals. When the night was over my stage manager and good friend Ronnie whispered to me” Dawnyelle you have to keep doing this.” At that time, no one else in Baltimore was doing what I was doing for Artist. That was the birth of my production company “Welcome to The Dawn Productions.”
Dawnyelle leading an adult improv class at CAC
On finding inspiration: Life experiences are what inspire me the most. I am currently writing part 3 to my play “Good Girls Never Tell!” editing my second book of poetry and hosting my radio show “The Dawn Experience”.
On being called to teaching: The year I began teaching performing arts to Special Education Students, I realized even more my calling to help others in the performing arts. The look on all of the parents faces as they watched their children sing and dance to songs from Westside Story. Not a dry eye in the HOUSE!
Advice to an aspiring artist: Make sure you have a consistent income coming in to help you maintain your goals. The days of living as a starving artist are OVER! If someone tells you “NO” it is ok… do not take it personal. That job or gig just was not meant for you. Keep Pushing Forward!
Follow Dawnyelle on Instagram and Facebook, or visit her website.
