Art & Life with Gbari Gilliam

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gbari Gilliam.

Gbari Gilliam, aka “GQ” is an artist that grew up in Berkeley, CA. He began dancing in the Bay Area with West African, Hiphop, and modern dance. He later moved to Los Angeles in 2012 when he was accepted into UCLA as a dance major. Where expanded his movement vocabulary and he met his mentors Jackie Lopez and Leigh Foaad, who are also the co-Artistic directors of Versa-Style Dance Company. Gbari is currently apart of Versa-Style Dance Company and teaches and tours with the company. Gbari joined Versa-Style Dance company while he was a student at UCLA. And after graduation became a full-time artist. Teaching at different High Schools and Middle schools across Los Angeles area, performing street dance theatre with Versa-Style Dance Company, Dancing in various music videos and shows within the dance industry, choreographing his own art through video and on stage, and participating in Freestyle Battles around the nation. Gbari participates in multiple facets of the dance world, industry, theatre, and freestyle and loves each.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
The work that I create is centered around hiphop and other street dance forms such as a house, whacking, locking, etc. I use these dance forms to not only convey messages about race, gender, and self-identity but also to promote the positivity that can come from Hip-Hop culture as well. I actively participate in the Hip-Hop freestyle world in Los Angeles, and I am inspired by the creativity of my peers and also the life and struggles my community experiences. With this inspiration, I try to bring these stories to life through video, or on stage.

Every time I present my art, I want the audience/viewer to put themselves into the piece. To listen and take in the message, to feel something, or to leave thinking differently. Every piece of art I make has a deeper meaning behind it. Whether it be about self-love and self-acceptance, or a reminder to just have fun, there is always something more behind it, and I leave it to the viewer to find their story within my art.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
My best advice to an artist is to learn your craft. Learn every aspect of your craft. Always be a student of your craft, and you will be surprised at the possibilities. Once we decide that we have learned all that we can, that is when our art becomes stale and stagnant. Take classes, collaborate with others, travel, watch other artists work, push the boundaries of what is possible. Art is an endless journey!!

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
People can support my work through my Instagram account (@gbaridenzel) and Youtube channel.

. I participate in different showcases in California. Whenever I perform, I promote it on my Instagram account.

I also post videos, from Freestyle performances, and choreography on my Instagram and YouTube accounts. If you follow or subscribe to either of those platforms, that would be a perfect way to support.

To support, you can also come take one of the Open Level classes that I teach in Los Angeles, I am a substitute at different studios in the North Hollywood Area, such as EXPG LA and Movement Lifestyle and also host classes with House dance crew, “SyntheSoul” at studios in Los Angeles.

The best way to support is to follow, attend, and share my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.movement-agency.com/talent/gbari-gilliam
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @gbaridenzel
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPzOsBPuBwO7ykFI4Wt0mnw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credit:
George Simian, Vince Trupsin

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.