Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Dume.
Ricky Dume (Miami, FL) is a native of Miami and graduate of New World School of the Arts, earning a B.F.A in dance. “I always had a passion for dancing and didn’t know what to do with it!” After graduating from North Miami Highschool, he then pursued his interest by undergoing intense dance training. In time he was admitted into New World School of arts where he studied under the direction of some of the top teachers and choreographers of our time, including Peter London, Robert Battle, Daniel Lewis, Gerard Ebitz, Darshawn Buller and Jose Limon. He’s trained at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance in New York and North Carolina Dance Theater under full scholarships. Mr. Dume has taught dance in the community for many years now, guest teaching at local dance studios, companies, high schools and elementary schools. He has also traveled across America touring with premier dance companies such as The Atlanta Dance Connection, Miami Contemporary and the Peter London Global Dance Theater. Mr. Dume has volunteered as the artistic Director of TravelDance Company for the past four years and has produced and directed five concerts in his years there. Since then Mr. Dume has ventured off to open his own dance company, RickyDanco. During the school year he oversees the magnet dance, theater and music programs at Charles R. Drew Center for the Visual and Performing Arts and currently serves as the dance instructor for the program. He also is the director of the Miami Jackson Touch of Gold Danceline.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Growing up in a traditional Caribbean house hold, being a “man”, and the word DANCE. Was not part of my parent’s formula. And Of course, the stereotypes that came along with being a male associated with “ballet” and “tights”. I had great parents, but Transitioning into the dance world requires work, time, dedication and I didn’t have the support I would have liked to. I also started late… some say too late. But I did it! It was really hard for me to catch up to people who been on their toes and kicking that leg up since the age of six… I had NO technical or professional teachers or training so I learned what I could from my friends.
Please tell us about the company.
Knowing the transformational power of self-expression, it is the firm belief that “all students have something to offer” With this Same vision I, Ricardo Dume started RickyDanco. RickyDanco dance company serves as an outlet for today’s younger generation. Many of these students come for extracurricular, some because they like to dance and some come to Escape reality’s harsh circumstances. Regardless of reason, RickyDanco opens doors and opportunities for society’s youth to reach beyond limits of today’s norm.
The work of RickyDanco has been recognized by many in the community! So much so that I was offered a place of residence for my work. I now direct the Dance, Theatre and Band Magnet Programs at Charles R. Drew Center for the Visual & Performing Arts. Highlights include being honored as a “Miami-Dade County Public School Teacher Who Impacts Through Service” by the Association of Haitian Educators of Dade. It has been three years since the start of RickyDanco and from what started out with 15 students has transformed into a group of almost 80 amazingly talented student artists of the community. With this same vision I provided countless of scholarship opportunities for more than 25 of my current students. These students have gone on to leave behind the stifling circumstances of their home, community, and environment… to lead as examples in their communities! Examples such as… being the Lead Dancer in Netflix Docu-Series, FULL Dance scholarships to top performing arts universities, to being accepted into top performing arts schools in Dade county. The mentorship doesn’t end there. Due to the transformational power of Dance, RickyDanco maintains these relationships, using mentorship as a springboard to sustain the creative and personal development of these students. In the past two years we’ve been able to send our graduating seniors with our RickyDanco Scholarship Grant which provides them with a box filled with supplies, toiletries, food, room furnishings and a monetary scholarship to help them start their journeys off to college. We are currently moving to year five.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I really thank the heavy hitters of our dance community who built the foundation and did it before me. Special teachers and mentors include Mr. Jabari Hughes, Traci Young, Shannon Haynes, Allyne Gartrell, Peter London – some of Miami’s BEST to train students of color. My friends also played a big role. I was late in a game every one around me was playing so my friends helped and taught me as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.rickydanco.com
- Phone: 7862677511
- Email: Info.rickydanco@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rickydanco
Image Credit:
Diego Morales
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