Meet Devin Marquis | Choreographer/Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devin Marquis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up i always knew that i wanted to be a Choreographer/Dancer, It’s something about listening to some music and really being able to let loose and let your body do the talking feels so freeing. Some days are harder than others but a quick 5…6…7…8 will definitely lift your spirits. Pursuing an artistic/creative career is my way of letting my inner child know “we can do it” regardless on the challenges that i have had to face. I know I’m not the first person with this dream and i won’t be the last so eventually i plan to create a space where other dancers or creatives can come to evolve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a self taught Hip-Hop Dancer, i used to watch a lot of music videos and dance videos from artist like Ciara, Chris Brown, Aaliyah, Brian Puspos, and Willdabeast. I feel like me just being a ball of light is what sets me apart from others. I don’t believe in going into a space thats supposed to lift you up with a negative attitude; it defeats the purpose. In my experience you have to let your body process your emotions through the movement. I also would say that i love to use my imagination; if i can imagine it’s possible then it’s possible. Which is also useful when it comes to my choreography process. Getting to become the person that i am today was a lot of work; physically
, emotionally, and mentally. Whenever i felt like i was gonna give up….Class , whenever i thought i wasn’t good enough….Class, whenever i felt like i was on top of the world…Class. Moral of the story going to class and working on your craft is how you can get the ball rolling because you never know who’s watching and even if they aren’t watching you’re still progressing. A baby step is still a step

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I usually like to go to either The Rockwell or The Power Plant; the music is pretty fire and there’s tons of dancer and other artists that will gather for bmore club dance sessions. Both clubs are a real good time. But if I’m being honest i usually spend my time either at work or rehearsal

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Omg ! Where do i begin…First i owe everything to my mother she is my number one supporter. She has sacrificed so much for me and my siblings. Honestly she’s my hero; whatever i need she always manages to come through for me even when times got hard she always found a way. Then there’s my friends…without them i would honestly be depressed, alone, and just all around lost. They make me feel like i can do anything and they support me and the best part is that i can be authentically me when i am with them completely judgement free. Now i can’t forget about the dance community in Baltimore; there is so much talent here and i feel like more people are starting to realize it. I have met/worked with some amazing artists/choreographers which in turn helped me grow and i am forever grateful for having those experiences.

Instagram: Itsofficially_marquis