Short Bio
Brian Harlan Brooks
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in Teaneck, N.J., Dance training at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre; Acting at William Esper Studios. Performing with Forces Of Nature, Philadanco, Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, Deeply Rooted Chicago Dance Theater, Donald Byrd/The Group, Williams/Henry Dance Theatre, Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance; In theatre: Vinnette Carol’s Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple first National Tour, One Third a Nation; In TV/Film Across the Universe: ‘Lifted’ a Fox searchlight film, Boardwalk Empire, Tormenting the Hen; Rehearsal director: Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Donald Byrd/The Group, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet (interim on tour). Teaching as a guest artist at multiple schools, colleges, and universities. Site Director at Ailey Camp, Missouri. Associate Artistic Director at Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance: Associate Choreographer for Motown the Musical on Broadway and all U.S. and U.K. tours and productions, choreographer re-stager for the U.K. tour. Associate choreographer on Born For This. Choreographer of First Noel at the Apollo. Co-director of One Harlem Night. Director of While I have the floor. Stage direct Jesus Christ Superstar promotional video Director/Choreographer of The Color Purple at 2022 season 2022, Director Choreographer Jelly’s Last Jam 2023 season CFRT. Currently resident director of Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations Tour, associate director of the Jesus Christ Superstar 50th anniversary tour. As part of Brian’s ongoing passion for seeing art change lives, he is also the director of Work Light Production’s Work Equity Action department and Director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Cape Fear Regional Theatre.
Resume'
FILM & TV
Jesus Christ Superstar Promo Video Choreography Re-stager / Stage director
Tormenting The Hen Markus
Across the Universe Principal Dancer
Boardwalk Empire 2 Episodes Principal Dancer
Lifted
THEATER
Jelly’s Last Jam CRFT 2023. Director/Choreographer
The Color Purple CRFT 2022 Director/Choreographer
Ain't Too Proud 1st National Tour Resident Director
Jesus Christ Superstar 50th Anniversary Tour Associate Director
While I have the Floor Director
First Noel Choreographer
One Harlem Night. Co-Director
Motown the Musical U/K tour Choreographer/ Re-stager & Show Consultant
Born For This Associate Choreographer
Motown the Musical West end Associate Choreographer
Motown the Musical National tours Associate Choreographer
Motown the Musical Broadway Associate Choreographer
One Third of a Nation Co-Star
The Color Purple First National Tour Dance Captain/Swing
Brown Butterfly Principal Dancer
Fangs Principal Dancer
Carmina Burana Guest Dancer
Your Arms Too Short to Box With God Principal Dancer
LIVE EVENTS
Black Tar Beach Party Feat. Nona Hendryx Choreographer
Joe’s Pup Vanguard Gala Choreographer
Capital Fourth Motown the Musical Choreography Re-stager
The Tony’s Motown the Musical Choreography Re-stager
Macy’s parade Motown the Musical Choreography Re-stager
DANCE COMPANIES
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Rehearsal Director
Donald Byrd/The Group Rehearsal Director / Dancer
Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance Associate A.D. / Dancer Choreographer
Deeply Rooted Chicago Dance Theatre Rehearsal Director
Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Co.) Principal Dancer
Williams/Henry Dance Theatre Guest Dancer
Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre Dancer
TEACHING
Excellence Community Schools. Teaching artist in residence
Ailey Extension Jazz/Contemporary instructor
Long Island University Adjunct Professor / Guest Choreographer
Ailey Camp NYC Modern Instructor
Ailey Camp KCMO Site Director
Santa Fe Community College Guest Artist
Anti-Racist Work
Work Light Productions Director Work. Equity. Action
Cape Fear Regional Theatre Director Diversity Equity & Inclusion
TRAINING
Acting Coach Scott Whitehurst
William Esper Studio
The Ailey School
The Dance Theatre of Harlem