Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Bryant.
Hi Andrew , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began dancing in the 9th grade at Miami Northwestern Senior High School In Miami , Florida. Under the direction of Traci Young-Byron. She played the very important role in the foundation I needed to jumpstart my passion for dance. It was there she cultivated and instilled so many great attributes that I still exemplify to this day. Starting “late” compared to my counter parts I knew I had to work so much harder if I wanted to achieve great things in dance. Fast forward five years I was able to land many notable jobs such as being on a hit dance show on Lifetime television, a member of Ailey 2 the second company to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Additionally after matriculation I then landed my talents Philadelphias finest Philadanco! Ive spent the last two years being immersed in so much culture, history, and groundbreaking work. Not to mention surrounded by some extremely talented people I now get to call my friends. Living in Philadelphia has also jumpstarted another passion of mine, Coffee. My love for coffee grew so much since moving to Philadelphia. Places like Rival Bros, ReAnimator, and El Cafe has fueled my determination to start my own Coffee cart “The Dancin Bean”. I never start my day without a good cup of coffee. Embarrassed to say but in NYC when I was In school I used to be tardy all the time because I stopped to get my morning cold brew hahaha. I risked it all then to make sure I had my morning cup of Joe and I want everyone to fall in love with “The Dancin Bean” in the same way. In retrospect ,GOD , hardwork, dedication, and my undying love for dance and coffee has landed me to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anything has come easy to me on this journey. I had obstacles included Loosing special loved ones during the start and middle of my career really hit me hard. I remember loosing my grandfather a very strong father figure in my life just before I graduated from college. I remember being so far away trying to achieve this goal I had to make not only myself proud but to maybe justify the time I spent away from loved ones trying to dedicate myself to this art form. I remember wanting to give up but instead I used that to fuel the new journey that was coming up ahead. With his face in my mind every step of the way I pushed past all my fears because one of the biggest ones I had already came true which was loosing him. Once I graduated college and moved to NYC . Which we all know can be a very expensive task. I found myself tired working three jobs just be able to stay there and live out my dreams. Auditioning and hearing the word ‘NO” can also be a discouraging moment. A lot of dancers hear those words to some of their dream jobs. Ive had my fair share but they usually push me to work harder. To elevate my talents and to dive back into the work to improve myself and my artistry. So surviving grief, financial hardship, and many jabs at my morale and talents I can say that I have came out on the other side resilient.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I would love to think of myself now as a multidisciplinary artist. Im a dancer/choreographer , marketing strategist, content creator, and future entrepreneur. Ive had the honor of dancing in so many companies that have allowed me to tour the world to places like Germany, Italy,Austria,The United Kingdom, and even domestically in the US. Allowing me also cultivate and inspire the next generation of dancers through performances, outreach, and choreography. At work in my marketing field I help many clients with the roll out of new products and launches. When I tap into my content creator bag Ive had the honor to represent brands such as Abercrombie& Fitch, Organic Valley Farms, Pepsi, and even Raising Canes. Lastly, being the future owner of “The Dancin Bean” I am extremely excited to launch my new venture with this mobile coffee cart service. Specializing in Pop ups, and events. Im truly proud about everything I have done in my life and what’s ahead. I sometime think I need to write a book haha. I think my characteristics, experiences, and my undying love for achieving my goals sets me apart from others.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would love to share some of my favorite spots in Philly. Let’s start with some of my favorite place to eat. Irwins in the Bok Building is this great Italian restaurant with amazing fare and the best view out on the terrace. Zahav is up next tapping into an Israeli flare probably one of the hardest reservations to get in Philly. (Ive been six times 🙂 )We all know about Kalaya in Fishtown but some others are Elma I believe they have THE BEST cheesesteak in Philly. Pizzeria Beddia hands down has some of the best pizza in the city. If you haven’t had the hoagie room experience you are missing out. Up next is Future Days Brewery in Northern Liberties. Im friends with the owners and they are always brewing up some great things there. They have amazing events and this really sick pool table upstairs. Be sure to check them out and tell them Andrew& Rahul sent you. Lastly I just want to Shout out the lovely people at Rival bros in Brewerytown and Baby’s . And if you haven’t gone out an supported the arts be sure to check out Philadanco they always have shows and performances year round. If you’re feeling up to it stop by 9 North Preston and take a class.
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