The New York Times recognizes Complexions Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director Desmond Richardson as “One of the great modern dancers of his time.“ Richardson is praised for his captivating and cutting-edge work in the dance field. I had the privilege of asking Richardson about his life dedication to dance.
When you were a young boy, you think you would be where you are today in your career?
When I was a young boy, I never thought I’d have the career I have today. Dancing has brought to me a wealth of experience and knowledge of the world, it’s exactly what I imagined it to be.
What inspires you to create new work?
What inspires me to create is my passion and how I view the world around me.
How do you recover from a bad day?
I recover from a bad day by breathing deep and realizing that I’m still standing, living and breathing and perhaps I may get another chance to explore and investigate this life a little bit more.
How would you define the word “success?”
I would define the word “success” as staying curious, on a continuous quest of exploration of myself.
What was a life-changing moment in your dance career?
Working with Michael Jackson.
What is one piece of advice you would give to young aspiring dancers?
Follow your passion. Be real, be honest and be in the moment so that your work reads across the foot lights.
You and Dwight Rhoden now offer a DVD, “Complexions Technique” in which dancers can receive Complexions training in their own homes. How has this product impacted you in the dance business, and what results have you seen after the DVD’s release?
Dwight and I have realized that it is certainly time to build a school and training ground for the next generation of formidable dancers.
What are your personal goals for the future and how to you set/achieve goals for yourself?
My goals for the future are immense, so to nail it down to one simple goal is daunting. I will tell you that a one man show for me is in the works and a lot of my energies are going toward that endeavor.
Click HERE to read a review of Complexions performance and master class in Philadelphia!
B.F.A. Dance
B.A. Journalism