Meet Destiny Arlette | Film and Photo Conceptual Idealist & Choreographer

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

Hi Destiny, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The ability to remain genuine; sincerity. I think we should really count it a privilege when we get to learn someone honestly, at their own pace, while creating a space to hold it. Genuineness invites ease into the room and allows safe communion. I believe it’s a principle that holds no guards and as someone who is working on putting my own down — allowing vulnverability from myself and a hope for others to reciprocate — it is so appreciated. No hidden faces or fake personas, only authentic connection and growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Continuing to hone my niche I would say is the most exciting part of what I do, and the reason behind where I am professionally today. As an artist, my current practice lives as a coneptual idealist and choreographer for the multi-mediums of dance in photography and film. Originally, my goals were to find other artistic exposure for movers beyond the stage, with a focus of commercializing dance movement as a selling point for products on the screen. I stilll believe in that focus, but have developed a separate curiosity for abstract cinematic storytelling through dance movement, fashion, and unconventional ideas.

The difficulty is more in the discipline. However, with focus and a genuine interest in the multiple facets behind visual art [tied with my love for performance], the creation comes naturally. I simply stick to what my desires in creating are and lead from there. A key lesson I’ve been taking with me during this journey is to find what brings you passion and revisit it in multiple ways – as muse, as artistic director, as stylist, (etc.) – even taking a step back. Honor your breaks and rest periods, and during practice, seek enjoyment through every angle to improve, challenge yourself, and never grow bored.

I want the world to know that the arts are alive and I am immersed and making my way in it. If what I do sounds of interest to you, I look forward to our working together. Onward.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a Baltimorean, a few spots that immediately come to mind are located in Fells Point. Prima Dopo has amazing atmosphere with each room holding a different aesthetic as you turn the corners. Delicious Italian dishes and small plates live here, with finer dining being right across the cobblestoned streets at the Sagamore Pendry. There’s a beautiful garden that bridges you to a poolside bar; perfect for the warmer weather. I love more down-to-earth vibes for a bit of change, so I’d also recommend popping into The Sound Garden for cool knick knacks and records, and then later we could head to either The Rockwell or The Point for decent drinks, great music, with differing fun crowds to party with.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d dedicate it to The Most High; my mother, Vernadine Smith; Studio mentor, Adrienne Watson Carver; Dance coach, Lori Goodman; my mentor Asya Elbert, my dance sister, La-Chelle Dickenson and comrade, Theodore Alexander. I’d also include the instructors of Towson University’s Dance Department; a book gifted to me titled, “the art of the idea and how it can change your life,” by John Hunt;” and many other wonderful friends and colleagues who’ve supported me and kept me in their thoughts for opportunities.

Instagram: destinyarlette

Facebook: Destiny Arlette

Image Credits
Photos taken by: Kristian Whipple, Bill Gorman, WAVEY, and Steve Tsigaras, Kanji Takeno