Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Savage
Carmen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I commenced my performance journey at age 6 as a competitive baton twirler, later joining a majorette team under Nicole Wells Bowen’s guidance, which deepened my engagement with baton twirling and introduced me to Hip Hop and Street Dance. By middle school, I was collaborating with peers to study and create choreography inspired by professional choreographers, performing at talent shows. At 12, I discovered Memphis Jookin, immersing myself in this dance style and the local community.
I attended a Performing Arts high school. I studied various dance styles in school and in my community including, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. though my true passion remains Memphis Jookin and Hip Hop. During this period, I met and trained with esteemed dancer Marico Flake (Dr. Rico), becoming actively involved in Memphis’s Street Dance and Hip Hop scene.
By 16, I was teaching choreography and private lessons, and in my senior year, I was honored as Miss Overton Splendor. I pursued further studies in Exercise Sports Science and Dance at the University of Memphis, while continuing to teach, train, and travel for dance.
In 2013, I won the Queen of Memphis Tournament, and in 2016, I was selected to be apart of the prestigious Monsters of Hip Hop cast. My career has afforded me opportunities to train and perform
with some of the most talented dancers and choreographers in the world! I’ve be fortunate to perform with the NBA, collaborate with music artists for videos and performances, documentary features, commercials, and teach across the United States. I remain dedicated to training, teaching, and choreographing.
Alright, 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?
My journey has not been without challenges. I have faced several obstacles, including limited training opportunities beyond high school in my community, balancing academic commitments with extensive travel, working multiple jobs to finance my training, and grappling with issues of confidence and self-esteem.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a movement artist, specializing in HipHop and emphasizing dance, choreography, and instructing. My teaching spans all ages, from 3-year-olds to seniors, and I am renowned for my freestyle, dancer training, and exceptional choreography. What distinguishes me is my relentless drive for success and my commitment to perpetual growth as a student of dance. I take particular pride in advancing my career while raising my beautiful daughter.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as the fulfillment of my God-given purpose. While external validation is gratifying, my focus is on achieving the goals I set for myself. I am dedicated to being a positive role model for my daughter, demonstrating that with big dreams and determination, anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: carmensavage
- Facebook: Carmen Savage
- Twitter: CarmenSavage
