” Art found me”
— J. Shannon Filmore, Artist & Dancer
J. Shannon Filmore is one of the choreographers and performers highlighted in the 2022 OhioDance Festival, an annual statewide celebration of dance through performances, films, demonstrations and discussions, taking place Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m.
Jane: You are co-director and co-founder of Tru Kingdom Mega Dance Crew Inc., an all styles dance crew in Columbus. Can you let us know something about this group?
Shannon: Tru Kingdom Mega Dance Crew (TK), was formed in 2016, we started with a need to bring dancers together in Columbus. We brought in members of different crews with different styles to work under one roof. We help each other train, provide opportunities for work and to build a foundation. TK is an African inspired dance group; hip hop is the main style of movement, integrating jazz, afro fusion, contemporary and ballet.
Jane: How did you decide dance was your art form?
Shannon: Art found me. In my youth I did martial arts, and have a fourth degree black belt. I went to Fort Hayes High School. I was gifted and talented in music, I composed and wrote pieces, and played sax and flute. Through dance I can move with my body, and express myself in a different way. When I moved into professional dance at 18, I started to participate in battles and dance on stage. As dancers we are given a story, but we don’t always know how to tell that story. Through my choreography, I am now telling my story.
Jane: Who inspires you?
Shannon: I have had some great mentors and teachers, like Gamal Brown. His unique modern style inspired my own exploration of movement. Shelley Stewart and Lawrence Lemon were also among my first mentors. I now dance and choreograph for Xclaim Dance. The founder of Xclaim, Mariah French, has given me many opportunities in dance. A recent collaboration is with BHB, a Columbus hip hop artist. BHB helped set me on my path to teach, and become a mentor to others.
Jane: Is there any particular place that boosts your imagination?
Shannon: Home inspires me, but I love to get away. My favorite place on vacation is to go to the beach. I like to sit in the sand and feel the heat. My birthday is March 2; I am a Pisces – I love water, it makes me feel calm. I need to rest and take that breather, and then I am able to create, and take on new projects. Mental health is real, a self-check is important for sanity.
Jane: What’s the best thing about the Columbus art scene right now?
Shannon: The biggest and best about the Columbus art scene is the potential for growth. I love working with other artists and building collaborations. It is necessary to make sure the roots are strong, to keep branching out, bring back to the well and create more work in Columbus.
Jane: Tell us what the future holds for you and your art form?
Shannon: One goal is to put together a full production show in the next few years. I want to continue to build relationships with artists, exchange artistry and work together.
The 2022 OhioDance Festival, April 29 — May 1, is an annual statewide celebration of dance through performances, films, demonstrations and discussions. Check out the schedule at ohiodance.org/festival/schedule. Tickets can be purchased at ohiodance.org/festival/registration.
Columbus Makes Art Presents is a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council – supporting and advancing the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. The column is a project of the Art Makes Columbus campaign, telling the inspiring stories of the people and organizations who create Columbus art. Learn more about local artists, organizations, public art and events at ColumbusMakesArt.com.