ISAIAH RUSSELL-BAILEY-Isaiah plays Shaka in the Netflix hit series “Family Reunion”. It was just announced that “Family Reunion” was nominated for a 2020 NAACP Award. Isaiah has also appeared on shows such as “Raven’s Home”, “SWAT” and “Criminal Minds”. Isaiah’s newest project, a Netflix Original Film “We Can Be Heroes” releases later this year.
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Brittany just wrapped up a role in the upcoming Netflix Original Movie “We Can Be Heroes”. The film is set to release later this year. Brittany has previously appeared on shows such as 13 Reasons Why, “Family Reunion”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Fresh Off the Boat”, and many more. Brittany is also a professional dancer who has danced alongside Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Chris Brown, Meghan Trainor, and more. Instagram: @bperryrussell
Dance Mogul Exclusive Interview…
Dance Mogul: How are you holding up during the pandemic?
Brittany: I’m holding up pretty well! My family is healthy and well. I’m just taking it one day at a time. I’ve tried my best to stay busy and continue working.
Dance Mogul: What changes happened in your career and family life since the pandemic?
Brittany: Not much has changed. Although things have slowed down, fortunately, I was able to continue working during the pandemic. I will say this, I often move through life at a quick pace, but slowing down has given me a much deeper appreciation for being able to work and take care of my family.
Dance Mogul: How have the riots and protests affected you?
Brittany: I’ve always been an activist, but this year has forced me to step up and get more involved. I never saw myself speaking in front of thousands of people in support of BLM, but I truly felt called to action. Social injustice is not something we get to overlook, dismiss, or avoid. I’m a black woman and I have a black teenage son. We are reminded daily that we’re black and the injustices that being black comes with. Before George Floyd’s murder, I think I gave a lot of grace to people. I can no longer do that. Seeing what is going on in our country should motivate us all to educate ourselves and take action against systemic racism, hatred, and injustices that are prevalent in our society.
Dance Mogul: How important is family during these times?
Brittany: Having family during times like these is crucial. When the lockdown happened, I struggled with letting go of old expectations. Processing the new normal was tough for me. Having a family that I could talk to, lean on, and get love from during such a heartbreaking time was extremely important to my well-being.
Dance Mogul: Tell us about your latest artistic efforts to stay active and productive.
Brittany: My son and I both love to dance. We decided to get a TikTok account as something to do for fun when the lockdown happened. We never thought in a million years our post would reach so many people. One of our posts recently went viral because people were debating the relevance of Black Lives Matter. That was awesome to see because we firmly believe that right now, uncomfortable conversations need to be had.
Dance Mogul: What advice do you have for families that are trying to get into the Entertainment business?
Brittany: I think it is important to know who you are as a person and as an actor. Also, it’s important to have a hardworking team behind you. Your agent and manager get you the auditions, so it’s extremely important that you have great communication and they believe in you. Also, always work on your craft, build your brand, and expand your contact base. This business can be a lot of fun, but it takes relentless effort and a lot of hard work. Never give up, and you will eventually see the fruits of your labor.
Dance Mogul: Tell us about your dance history and some of the dancing you enjoy today via social media.
Brittany: I’ve been working in the dance industry for over 10 years. After training in Texas, I moved to Los Angeles and studied dance at The Edge Performing Arts Center. My dance career took off pretty quickly. My first jobs were with Jlo and Usher. When I look back on the opportunities I’ve had, I’m still in awe. I’ve worked with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Cardi B, Janelle Monae, and Chris Brown. Acting is a passion of mine, but there is nothing like being on stage as a dancer. I’m truly grateful I get to do both. TikTok has been an incredible outlet for us during the pandemic. I love coming up with choreography or creative concepts. It has also been a great way to spend time and connect with my son.
Dance Mogul: Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you on your journey this far?
Brittany: That’s an easy answer! I give all the glory to God. Without him, I truly would not be where I am today. He’s given me the strength and courage to keep going when times get tough. The support of my family has also played a major role in my success as an actor and dancer. It means the world to me that I have their support in everything that I do.
