Today we’d like to introduce you to Bre Lyle.
Hi Bre, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I did my first gig as a background dancer at a little venue in New York City when I was 14 years old. I was immediately in love with everything about creating live shows and the magical feeling both the artists and audience feel during and after the production. When I was about 16/17, I had the opportunity to audition for a touring show. I ended up getting a spot as a dancer and acrobat, and the experience changed my life. The production was called “Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson” and was endorsed by Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson. Michael’s long-time dancer/choreographer, Lavelle Smith Jr., also worked on the production, and I had the insane once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from him in the studio/on tour. (I grew up being known as the “weird Michael Jackson girl” and was bullied for doing MJ dance tributes in the school talent shows. So, skipping class to go work with his choreographer was pretty surreal.) I tried to soak in every bit of knowledge from that experience and still apply his advice to every piece of choreography I get to work on today.
When I was 18, I drove across the country from New Jersey, where I grew up, and moved to Los Angeles. I got there just in time to start rehearsals for a month-and-a-half-long residency show called “Ghoulmaster’s Haunted Playhouse,” created by Pete Carter at The Hudson Theater in Hollywood. Since living in LA, I’ve gotten to work in productions with artists like A$AP Rocky, Stephen Schwartz, The Weeknd, Idina Menzel, Paula Abdul, Jaden Hossler, The Plot In You, Twisted Sister, & more. I still jump at any opportunity to pay homage to MJ, and my favorite experience was putting together a major production tribute show at The Rose Bowl Stadium for the 4th of July. Knowing The Rose Bowl was the same venue where Michael Jackson performed his legendary Super Bowl Halftime Show, I knew I had to knock every detail out of the park. I loved working on every production detail, including choreographing the show, prop building, lighting, and hand-making costumes. We were lucky enough to have the musicians from the iconic 80’s band “Berlin” led by Christopher Olivas and Michael Jackson’s long-time sound engineer, Michael Prince, join us in putting on this once-in-a-lifetime show.
My favorite art to work on still continues to be live shows. My focus right now is on continuing to perform as my spooky alter ego, “Selene Serene, The Queen Of Halloween.” The show consists of original spooky pop/rock live music, grand illusion magic, choreography, aerial acrobatics, and a cast of incredible undead dancers. My biggest inspirations for the show are Elvira, Michael Jackson (of course), Siegfried & Roy, Ghoulmaster, and Pee Wee Herman. I have been performing numbers from the show at Midsummer Scream Horror Convention for a couple years now and have had a heartwarmingly great response. My goal for the show is to have it run seasonally somewhere like Universal Studios or Knotts Berry Farm. Halloween is my favorite holiday and has always felt like the most welcoming time of year for the creatives and outcasts. For me, It’s the perfect opportunity to create a show that speaks to those who love all things creepy, kooky, magical, and spooky.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have experienced so many struggles along the way, but it has always been worth it. I made up a mantra that I tell myself when things are feeling darkest. “When life deals you a bad hand of cards, you can still do a magic trick.” I truly live by that. Right before my first tour audition, I had dislocated my arm and gotten surgery. I decided to give it my best effort anyway despite my injury. I took off my cast, danced/tumbled with one arm, and hoped for the best. I think it’s always worth it to push through the challenges that seem unconquerable. I have also dealt with my fair share of general mistreatment in the industry and have grown a thicker skin because of it. As Jinxx Monsoon would say, “It’s water off a duck’s back!”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love working on so many forms of art. I work as a choreographer, dancer, acrobat, aerialist, creative director, and magician’s assistant for grand illusion magic. I also take modeling jobs for music videos, brands, and shows when cool opportunities come by. Some of my favorite recent modeling jobs have been presenting awards for The Metal Hall Of Fame the past 2 years and having a featured role in A$AP Rocky’s “Shittin Me” music video.
I’m most passionate about creating live shows for artists, tributes, and my own productions. My main focus right now is working on my “Selene Serene, The Queen of Halloween” show. I’m constantly writing new music, creating more numbers, building new props, and working on adding new elements every year. I know when being asked what you’re most proud of, it would be expected to list your biggest shows and celebrity credits. For me, creating my own shows and music has been the most fulfilling experience of my life.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I love working and collaborating with artists, shows, events, etc., and can be contacted anytime by email at [email protected]. You can also contact or support my art through Instagram @bre_jacksonn and @selene.serene. You can follow my Spotify under my artist name “Selene Serene” and stream my spooky pop/rock single “Summon Me”! Also, there’s an extra special place in my heart for anyone who adds me to their favorite Halloween playlist. I am extremely grateful for any and all support; it genuinely means so much to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bre_jacksonn/ https://www.instagram.com/selene.serene/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bre.lyle?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/76rvgbH1eMrD8plQZMui5Z?si=mei1yNUPRQqAK6LGkif7Xw
Image Credits
Aerial Silks
