Meet Reegan Haynes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reegan Haynes.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I am originally from Washington, DC. I always had the dream to be in the entertainment industry. I love to dance and I always wanted to be a Choreographer. In fact, I was so young that, I didn’t know at the time I could have a career “making up dance routines.” I wanted to be it before I knew the title was Choreographer. I also wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives through what I created. I did not grow up dancing in a local dance studio. I learned dancing with friends at school, in the neighborhood, and choreographing in my room. Also, through rewinding VHS tapes of music videos and waiting sometimes hours by the radio for the DJ to play my song that I wanted to record. It was real… lol. The only audience I really had back then was the mirror. My motivation was that feeling that God gave me in my gut in my spirit that this is something that I am supposed to do. Like in Sister Act 2, when Whoopi’s character said, “If you wake up in the morning, and you can’t think of anything but singing first, then you supposed to be a singer girl!” I just knew I am supposed to dance and create.

Then in high school, I had this amazing dance teacher/mentor that signed me up for the most advanced class at a convention. That motivation kicked me into high gear and it was on from there! I wanted to study as many styles I could get my hands on. She really saw something in me and believed in me. To this day, I am so grateful for someone like that who believed in me so early on. Thank you, Ms. Hawkins!

I attended Howard University and got my BFA in Theatre Arts. #HU! Also, during my time at Howard, I started teaching dance at a local dance studio. I introduced “Hip Hop” dance to the studio and taught there for almost six years before I moved to LA. I also danced in a dance crew in Baltimore that really helped me grow as a dancer, choreographer, and performer. Rehearsing long hours and performing with other artists that also loved dance, educated and encouraged me to take my art to another level. Moving to LA in 2005 was a necessary transition and a move I had to make. I’m grateful to have taken that leap of faith. Getting to LA and learning the in’s and out’s of the industry is a journey in and of itself, but it is definitely worth it. Always research and know your craft and field. Howard University really helped prepare me for this industry. I will always be grateful for what that institution has provided for me to be prepared for this entertainment industry and life. The excellence my professors expected was standard. We had to know everything. Dance, acting, directing, production, and business classes was an everyday thing for me, and that knowledge really carried over for me when I fully committed to pursuing my career as a Choreographer/Creative Director for stage/tv/film, Artistic Director for my dance company, and Educator for fellow artists.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been ups and downs. It’s can be like a rollercoaster at times. You learn how to enjoy the thrills of the journey, and you understand that it’s your process that’s required to get you to where you want to go. Everyone is different and everyone’s path is different. What is required for you, may not be required for someone else, and vice versa. I have learned to focus and remember my original dream and mix it with the wisdom I gathered so far along this journey. I think people tend to struggle for things that are not really for them. It’s almost like letting your ego get caught up in what others say is the thing to do, and not focusing on what it is that you were meant to do. No one can do you or is here to fulfill the purpose you know you are here to do. So, you have to remember what was originally in your heart and pursue that. You’ll then notice that your struggle is not the struggle it once was, but more of pursuit and process that you can conquer.

Please tell us about RMHMovement – what should we know?
Well first, I consider myself a renaissance artist. I want to bring a revival to art, hoping people will re-evaluate and re-examine what art is and how it is supposed to impact people. I am a Creative Director, Choreographer, Artistic Director, and Educator. I am the owner of RMHMovement which specializes in choreography, production, artistic direction, and creative branding for stage/TV/film. Through my work, I aim to help people reach their full potential artistically, and want artists to thrive in this industry and life as well-rounded artists. I am also determined to create choreography that is specifically tailor-made and original for each project and story. I create choreography and teach dance styles from Hip Hop, Funk, AFRO FUZION™, social dances, partnering (various styles), and more.

As an educator, for almost 20 years, I have had the privilege to share my knowledge to educate and empower dancers; through judging, workshops and masterclasses internationally. Additionally, as a resident choreographer and instructor at studios in Washington, D.C., MD, and CA; including teaching for the past 6 years at the renowned Debbie Reynolds Legacy Studios in North Hollywood, CA. Determined to spread the knowledge of culture in art, I created AFRO FUZION™ dance classes, choreography and technique (est. 2013) (African dance base with hip hop, modern and contemporary dance styles influences) which brings a solid awareness of the cultural influences of dance, dancers’ lines, placement, power and control. Thus, building a solid dance and performance foundation for commercial and concert dancers. It empowers artists to go beyond industry trends, understanding the cultures of traditional African dance styles, and find the soul of their own dance. You can check out my website to learn more (www.RMHMovement.com).

Along my journey have been blessed to work with artists and organizations such as Terron Brooks, Shaunté Usual, Shakira, Disney, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD), African Focus’s African Dance Competition LA (ADCLA), and more. I am also the Founder and Artistic Director of my nonprofit organization RMHMovement Dance Roots Company. Definitely stay tuned for what’s in store for this nonprofit with the impact it will make on our community, and the education and opportunity it will provide to our local upcoming and professional artists (www.RMHMovementDanceRoots.com). To see people grow and Win, and to know I helped them is something I am grateful and proud of.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Humility is very important. It creates genuine care for others who you are aiming to reach in your work and patience with other people who are in the process of attaining their own success. You remember the process, the help along the way, and that your purpose is bigger than you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.RMHMovement.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @rmhmovement

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