Arts & Entertainment
Jamel Gaines Built a Creative Outlet in Fort Greene
The dancer runs a school that nurtures budding artists.
In 1994 Jamel Gaines founded the Creative Dance Outlet Theater of Brooklyn, a vital artistic outlet in Fort Greene that showcases performance art while also providing young artists with the opportunity to combine elements of jazz, modern dance and ballet with African dance movement and rhythms.
A Brooklyn native, Gaines was introduced to his calling at an early age, receiving dance lessons at P.S. 123 in Queens. He said that dance not only gave him an outlet to express himself artistically — it was a great way to meet people, too.
“Other boys were doing it and it was considered cool, plus we got a chance to partner with other girls,” said Gaines. “You’re dancing, you’re singing, you’re acting and you get to be on stage.”
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With the help of various mentors along the way, Gaines pursued a career in choreography, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from Purchase University in 1987.
Gaines had made a name for himself in both modern jazz and African dance by the time he finished school. After graduating Gaines performed with the JUBILATION! Dance Company, a group of local professional dancers working under the tutelage of noted artistic director Kevin Jeff.
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After JUBILATION folded Gaines decided that it was time to open up his own dance school.
“I’m a student of arts and education, so I saw the need in the communiy for artists of color to really have a place to express themselves through great technique,” said Gaines.
Now in its 17th year of operation, the Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn provides a vehicle for artists in Fort Greene to nurture and showcase their work. The Creative Outlet does live presentations year-round, and while dance remains at the forefront, the Gaines encourages poetry, film and live music mixed with social and cultural issues to keep audiences entertained.
“Our goal is to be the main gatekeeper for artists — to cultivate them as artists,” said Gaines. “Television and film often miscasts or stereotypes artists of color, so we want to take those kids, give them opportunities and make them feel special at the same time.”
