Do you remember Childish Gambino’s “This Is America.” The song’s music video went viral across social media news-feeds, newspapers and TVs worldwide
It also introduced the world to a new creative visionary, the music video’s choreographer, Sherrie Silver. Silver is a creative director, dancer and actress originally from Rwanda, East Africa, on ”a mission to educate the world about African cultures through the art of dance.”
As the film’s dance director, she incorporated 10 traditional dances of the African diaspora, like the shoot and the South African Gwara Gwara, and many have credited her contribution as one of the music video’s most critical elements.
Aside from choreographing “This Is America,” though, Silver is an accomplished creative entrepreneur, and her journey began far before this video dropped.
Here are a five things you should know about Silver and her career:
1.) Silver got her start on Youtube.
Before she had the attention of millions, Silver got her start recording dance videos on her phone and uploading them to Youtube. Despite growing up without access to the financial resources necessary to get her vision off of the ground, she has used her platform to create a sustainable dance career for herself while providing opportunities for her community. Her Youtube channel now has more than 255,000 subscribers.
2.) She’s a dedicated advocate and activist.
Silver’s background in community-building and servant leadership is wide. Last year, she paid for 200 Rwandan citizens’ healthcare, and she regularly hosts large community events and then donates those proceeds to various causes. On her own, she rents out a home in Rwanda to shelter displaced and disadvantaged children, and she has also started several professional development programs for under-served women.
3.) In her day-to-day, she’s teaching classes.
Silver travels the world to bring African dance to the public. She’s regularly popping up at festivals, collaborating with cultural institutions and hosting small group sessions.
Sherrie Silver and one of her recent dance classes INSTAGRAM.COM/SHERRIESILVER
4.) She was actually recruited for “This Is America,” on recommendation from Childish Gambino’s manager’s niece.
In a recent interview with Forbes contributor Marley Coyne, Silver shared that she came onto the project, because “his manager’s niece found me. She used to watch my videos, so she showed it to him. Then, [his manager] showed it to Donald [Childish Gambino], and then apparently, Donald was like, ‘Let’s book her.’”
5.) Her work is a testament to celebrating African dance and giving others the opportunities to learn.
She has even created a tutorial for those looking to learn the moves in “This is America.” She promised to release it once the music video hit 100 million views. You can watch it below.
Read from source Forbes
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