The Art of Translation: Decoding Tarynn Bryant's Vision Through Dance
Tarynn Bryant isn't just a dancer; she's a force. As a choreographer and creative director, she weaves movement into breathtaking narratives, captivating audiences with her unique blend of artistry and vision. From commanding stages to shaping the creative direction of dynamic projects, Tarynn's passion for dance transcends performance, becoming a powerful language of expression. In this Creative Spotlight Interview, we delve into the mind of this multi-talented artist, exploring her journey, inspirations, and the driving force behind her captivating work.
Let's get right into this Q&A and see what Tarynn has to share!
Finding Inspiration
You wear many hats - dancer, choreographer, and creative director. Where do you find inspiration for your multifaceted approach to movement and storytelling?
My inspiration comes from a mix of experiences, emotions, and the world around me. As a dancer, I’m constantly observing the ways people move and express themselves, and that helps me craft unique storytelling through choreography. I draw a lot from personal experiences, which allows me to bring authenticity into my work. Also, being a creative director gives me the freedom to experiment with different ideas and mediums, merging movement with visual storytelling. I love exploring the connections between music, visual art, and raw emotion, creating something that feels real and relatable for anyone watching.
From Dancer to Director
What was the turning point in your career that led you from performing to creating the choreography itself?
The turning point for me was after a life-changing car accident. Having a strong background in cheerleading and gymnastics, I became acutely aware of how my body moved differently after the accident. It was a humbling realization, but it also ignited a new path. I found myself drawn to the creative side of movement—directing, choreographing, and storytelling from a place I hadn’t explored before. I wanted to keep my passion alive in any way possible, even though there were moments when I questioned if I still belonged in this world. That experience pushed me to embrace choreography as not just a way to stay involved, but as a purpose in itself. Now, I'm focused on creating work that inspires and moves people, while still finding ways to stay in front of the camera. It’s a balance, but both roles bring out different sides of my artistry, and I wouldn’t want to lose either.
Collaboration is Key
As a creative director, how do you foster collaboration between dancers, musicians, and other artists to bring your vision to life?
As a creative director, I start by clearly communicating my vision to ensure everyone is on the same page and excited about the project. I foster open communication and encourage all artists to share their ideas and feedback, creating a space where everyone feels valued. I also make sure to leverage the unique strengths of each dancer, musician, and artist, which allows us to create something truly unique. I facilitate collaboration through workshops and rehearsals, guiding the process but remaining open to new ideas and perspectives. Above all,I strive to maintain an environment rooted in trust and respect. I want everyone to feel safe and supported, knowing that their contributions matter. This creates a foundation for a free flow of creativity and innovation, allowing us to push boundaries together. For me, creative directing is about more than just leading; it’s about nurturing a space where everyone feels empowered to bring their best to the project. This approach not only enhances the final work but also makes the creative journey itself deeply rewarding for everyone involved.
Beyond the Steps
Your choreography often feels like it conveys a deeper message. How do you use movement to tell a story that transcends the physical?
I see movement as a language—a way to express things that words can’t always capture. When I choreograph, I think about the emotions, intentions, and energy behind each step. I start by grounding myself in the story I want to tell, whether it’s about resilience, vulnerability, love, or struggle. I then focus on translating those feelings into movement, using dynamics, gestures, and pauses to create moments that resonate on a deeper level.
For me, choreography is about more than just technique; it's about the raw, authentic expression of human experience. I might use fluid, sweeping motions to convey freedom, or sharp, broken movements to represent pain or conflict. Each piece is a reflection of something real, so I encourage dancers to connect with their own emotions and bring their personal stories into their performance. This allows the movement to go beyond the physical—it becomes a shared experience that audiences can feel and interpret in their own way.
In the end, I want my choreography to touch people, to make them feel something meaningful. It’s not just about what the body can do but about how it can communicate the intangible. When I see the audience connect to a piece, I know we’ve achieved something that goes beyond the stage.
Pushing Boundaries
What are some of the biggest creative risks you’ve taken in your work, and how did they pay off?
One of the biggest creative risks I've taken recently is putting myself out there by reaching out to different companies, artists, and individuals to get genuine feedback on my work. I wanted to see how people react to it and to understand where I could improve. I recently shot a video that was a huge leap for me—it’s a longer, more refined piece that moves beyond the quick, second-long clips I’ve shared in the past. This particular vision has been on my heart since 2023, and I’ve spent a lot of time refining it to perfection. It hasn’t been released yet, but I’m hopeful that my audience, new audiences, and the artist involved will connect with it.
It’s nerve-wracking to put something out there and just hope people respond well, but I believe so strongly in myself and in my work that I knew it was time to take this leap. I took this risk with no hesitation because I’m committed to pushing my creative boundaries. Whether it’s received as I hope or not, the process itself has been rewarding and has helped me grow as an artist.
Finding Your Voice
What advice would you give to aspiring dancers and choreographers who are still developing their unique artistic style?
My advice is simple: do everything, no matter what anyone says. People will always have opinions, and once you realize that, it becomes almost laughable. If you feel called to be a creator, take time to sit with yourself—and with God or whatever higher power you believe in—and truly tap into what drives you. Ask yourself: What is it about this passion that makes you come alive?
For me, movement has always been a part of who I am. From what my family tells me, I came out of the womb bobbing my head, and I've always been the one dancing, whether at gymnastics, cheer, or track practices—usually unprovoked! I believe it’s essential to quiet your mind, meditate, and even read about accessing your subconscious because that’s where your unique style and voice live. This passion didn’t just come out of nowhere; it’s been with you since your first breath.
If you feel like no one is rooting for you, know that I am. Believe in yourself, trust the journey, and go be great! Developing your style takes courage and patience, but if you’re true to yourself, you’ll find your voice and make your mark in this world.
Fueling the Fire
What keeps you passionate about dance after all these years?
Dance is truly what keeps me alive, in the least dramatic way possible. As the late fashion icon Virgil Abloh once said, 'I’m doing it for my 17-year-old self.' I’m doing it for my 19-year-old self—the girl who knew she had what it took to be on stage but kept getting told no and knocked down, yet refused to give up. Dance is on my mind every day, and I take every chance I can to do it. Even when I’m not in the studio, it’s still a part of me; it’s my healthy escape.
Building a career as a dancer is a mental game, but dance has become so deeply ingrained in me that it’s like second nature, almost as automatic as driving. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s truly a part of who I am. I stay inspired not only by the classes I take and the choreographers I work with but also by the dancers I see on social media. They remind me that dance is a journey with no limits, showing us that the stage is only one of the many places we can go.
Memorable Moments
Can you share a specific performance or project that holds a special place in your memory? Why?
One of the most memorable projects for me was the very first one I released under the name “Meraki,” before I fully understood what the brand would evolve into — now known as Meraki Nexus on Instagram. This project holds a special place in my heart because I’ve always been surrounded by incredibly talented people who were held back by fear. I’ve always wanted to create a space where people feel empowered to pursue their passions, even if they’re scared.
For this project, I challenged a few friends to choose any song they felt connected to, and together we created a large-scale dance project. It was about taking that first step, building a supportive community, and creating something meaningful despite the unknown.
I’ll never forget how determined we were — rehearsing as early as 7 AM because we were all in our first or second year of college with busy schedules. We practiced wherever we could: in parks, at friends' houses, and in one rented studio. On the day of the shoot, we only needed one run-through because of how much heart and effort we’d already put in. That experience proved to me that, no matter the obstacles, with dedication and community, anything is possible.
Dream Collaboration
If you could collaborate with any artist (living or Passed on) on a new project, who would it be and why?
This is such a tough question — whew! I grew up watching music videos like they were TV series, completely captivated by the stories they told through movement and performance. The first music video that made me think, “I have to be there” was Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal. The iconic lean had me hooting and hollering, mesmerized by the possibilities of what the human body could achieve — something that resonated deeply due to my background in gymnastics and competitive cheerleading.
If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Michael Jackson. He’s one of the few artists I’ve truly done a deep dive into, and his creative genius was unparalleled. His ideas were uniquely his, and he brought them to life in ways that reshaped music and pop culture forever. Collaborating with someone whose work has left a mark on entire generations is exactly the kind of legacy I strive to create. When you think of MJ, at least five iconic, unmatched works instantly come to mind — that level of impact is legendary. As someone determined to leave a lasting mark, I can’t help but be inspired by him.
Of course, there are many artists today I’d love to work with, including Doechii, Latto,Brent Faiyaz, Leon Thomas,Uncle Waffles,Samaria,and so many more. I’m especially passionate about collaborating with up-and-coming artists and underdogs. We’re always hungry, ready to create magic, and driven to leave our mark on the world.
The Future of Dance
Where do you see the art form of dance evolving in the coming years? What excites you about the future?
I see dance evolving into deeper forms of personal expression and meaningful conversation. Dance, like all art, is a form of acting — a way of embodying emotions, stories, and experiences. Often in dance, you tap into feelings that may not reflect your present reality, but the act of channeling them is transformative. Once the music stops or the count ends, you return to your current state, but for those moments, you’ve lived something entirely new.
Dance is delicate and universal — something everyone can do, should do, and must do. It’s not just a physical exercise but a spiritual one, allowing for connection on multiple levels. I envision dance shifting away from performing for social media validation and moving toward expressing through movement. It’s about how you feel when you dance, whether performing choreographed steps or freestyling with raw emotion.
What excites me most about the future of dance is seeing more unfiltered, authentic expressions. I’m inspired by dancers who need to move, whose souls ache if they go a day without dancing. I look forward to seeing those artists share their stories, knowing their movement matters. Dance is, and always will be, a language of the heart — one that I hope more people feel empowered to speak.
Bonus: Anything you'd like your audience to know that we didn't cover? Any advice? Final words? Do everything you set your mind to no matter how long it takes. It truly all starts once you start.
Please make sure you follow my social media instagram.com/TarynnBryant & Brand Page instagram.com/MerakiNexus
Youtube Channel Tarynn Bryant-Hawkins and be on the lookout for my final project in my Larger than life Series!
AND THAT'S A WRAP!
Leave a comment