Charleen #mixedmonday

This week's #mixedmonday is the fabulous Charleen Downer. 

Charleen is the founder of @freshdanceandarts. Having taught dance to young people and adults since 1999, it has been her long time dream to have her own dance studio, to continue to teach and grow and provide a beautiful space for other creatives to connect and express themselves.  

In December 2022, just after celebrating Fresh Dance & Arts Centre's 1 year anniversary, Charleen received the award for Winner of Best Display & Growth' from the amazing organisation 'YTKO' West of England.

How would you describe your ethnicity?

Dual Heritage. My mother is white British and my dad is Jamaican. My dad came to England when he was 3. I was born in Bristol and have lived here all my life.

Has your mixed-ness influenced your career in any way?

Definitely - my musical taste stems from black culture. I've always loved Hip-Hop and RnB from a very young age and enjoyed watching and learning the dance styles that went alongside the music.

Dance is my number one passion in life. I studied ballet, tap & modern from the age of 5-11. However, I was always excited and inspired by Hip-Hop and Break dance. One of my favourite films from a very young age was ‘Breakdance’. Prior to Fresh, I was in a street dance troupe from the age of 13-19. I have taught Dance in Bristol and Bath since the age of 19 to young people and adults.
 
My career expanded as a Choreographer when I taught in The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath in 2007-2010 and created dance pieces for Plays. One of which, ‘Max & Beth’ toured to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2009. In 2012 I was hired to dance for a club in China for 3 months. In 2018 my troop and I were in the film 'The Festival'; we played the part as the dancers on the main stage at the festival. It was a fantastic experience and opportunity. I get a huge buzz watching my choreography come to life and an even bigger buzz from performing. Dance to me is like breathing!

If you could describe your mixed identity in one word, what would it be?

Flavour

What is the best thing about being mixed heritage?

Enjoying the different cultures and traditions.