Getting to Know Brett Bell - NACHMO Boston Interviews

By Nicole Harris

Photo by An Original Photography

January just might be our favorite month of the year here at Monkeyhouse. NACHMO (National Choreography Month) takes place every January and we are honored to host NACHMO Boston with Brenna Banister and Alive Dance Collective. Learn more about NACHMO Boston here and keep an eye out for info about how you can see the work created as part of NACHMO Boston!

Between now and the performance in February we will be sharing interviews with the 30+ choreographers who are taking the NACHMO Challenge with us this year! First up is Brett Bell, who is back with us for his second NACHMO in 2022!

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Nicole Harris: We are so excited to have you back for NACHMO again this year! What are you hoping to build now that we’re (hopefully) looking at live performance once again?
​Brett Bell: I am hoping to build a beautiful piece for the stage. My dancers are so talented and I’m thrilled to have them.

​N: What did you learn from your NACHMO experience in 2021?
BB: I learned from last years experience that editing is IMPERATIVE. Editing movement, ideas, layout, costume, lighting, music etc. Everything comes from the consistency of the editing process.
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N: You do a lot of teaching all over the Boston area. What draws you to education? What do you hope your students take away from your classes?
BB: Education is life, there is more to teaching just movement. I hope my students take away a sense of discipline and the importance of repetition. These are important life lessons that will keep you moving in the right direction.

N: What else are you working on these days? Can people see your work any time soon?
BB: I’m working on building my youtube channel in the hopes of my work will get out there for people to see. I would love to have more opportunities to create with other artists and build a decent repertoire. I’m also closely working with Jeryl Palaña on a new project she is developing which I am excited to be a part of.