Corrin Mitchell

Dancer Testimony

My name is Richard James also known as Rich James. 

I’ve been dancing professionally for twelve years but my dance journey began a few years before that in the gritty streets and underground clubs of NYC.  My preferred style of dance to do is Afro House. I enjoy dancing to house music because I’m able to easily mesh all of my dance styles and influences into one and also expand my movement quality to all of the different beats and rhythms within the music.

Dance has helped me get through many tough times because when I’m not able to explain my feelings or put them into words I can let it out on the dance floor. Covid has slowed down my work in the professional world but has helped me tremendously tap back into my creative space. Give me the right lighting and the right mix, I can easily get into my zone.

On the day that I took my photos I felt a bit tired, but there was something about seeing the lights being set up and hearing my song blasting through the speaker that gave me the energy to move and feel like the creative that I am. The message I wanted to show in my photos is freedom. Freedom of expression, to do what you feel.

Dancer Testimony

My good friend Emily Fyfe passed away suddenly in her sleep three days before this shoot. Thank you @byaib for letting me show how I really felt instead of asking me to perform/pose for the camera. It was inexplicably healing. Also Emily was a proud survivor  of a severe Eating Disorder. In moments in this shoot where I knew these pants were not “flattering me” instead of adjusting I let them be and let my body show it is then I’m on my period-Imperfect. But alive and healthy.