Today we’d like to introduce you to Devereaux Stone.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I was starting in Buffalo, New York, at 13, with Buffalo’s Finest Drill Team. I quickly became captain, then later advisor. I also founded my High School Drill Team at the Buffalo Arts Academy for Visual & Performing Arts and Buffalo’s 1st all-boy Drill Team, Hiz Perfektion, & Flawless Victory. I moved operations to Austin, Texas, to work with AISD in 2011. w/With the ACE/21st Century Program, Devereaux became highly in demand and quickly began expanding the style of Buffalo Fancy Drill to multiple age groups. Now, as a contracted service provider, there are more opportunities for House of Devereaux Stone w/ musicals, reality shows, all-new Afterschool Programming in NY, & the recent embrace from the Austin LGBTQ performance community; we’re busier than ever. So much is happening! We’re just getting started. *catches breath*
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road could have been smoother. I am just grateful to do what I love for a living. I focus on that part. It’s not easy for any of us. I’ve learned that your ability to prosper threatens people sometimes. I’ve met resistance and opposition at times. The main obstacle has been learning to market the art form in a new place. Also, learning how to structure all of this into a business has been interesting because I’m the first. The blueprint is being laid, and many people are counting on me.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
We provide quality youth dance and drill class/performance services in Buffalo, NY/Austin, TX. I specialize in stage etiquette & education. We’re known for our disruptive yet highly entertaining form of step dancing & performance services. What differentiates us from the competition is that there is no competition. Where I’m from, this sport is very popular. I was able to rise to the top in my city. I became known for a signature style & esthetic that we’ve amplified for mainstream consumption. I’m most proud of my ability to engineer & communicate drill culture to those who’ve never seen it.
Are any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Books:
-Black Privilege X Charlemagne Tha God Sing To Me X L.A. Reid
-Wendy’s Got The Heat X Wendy Williams
Pods: R&B Money Podcast
I could go on & on, but I like to delve into personal accounts of people who’ve been the first to do what they’ve done. How they laid a blueprint for others to follow fascinates me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/drillGAWD
- Instagram: instagram.com/drillGAWD
- Facebook: facebook.com/TheDrillChannel
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/devereauxstone
- Twitter: twitter.com/drillGAWD
- Youtube: youtube.com/DevereauxStone
Image Credits
Headshots: Tika Cook (Tika Creations)
