Today we’d like to introduce you to Albert Corbett
Hi Albert, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, it all started when I was in high school. I was 17 at the time and I was doing a lot of hobbies during that time (I was truly hyper lol). I was into sports ( I was in the Football team and Track team) and was into different clubs and courses (drama club and NJROTC both because of my sister, Shawanda). Also, I got into martial arts as well (there was a mma gym that opened up during all this where I learned and worked there). I was subconsciously was searching for something but at the time I didn’t know what it was because I was just having fun.
One day, my high school best friend and I went to this dance studio (Robin Adams Performing Arts Center) to check out the tumbling class there and take some of their free classes. Though my best friend left afterwards, Mrs. Robin (the studio owner herself) gave me a year scholarship. (Forever grateful for that opportunity)
At first, I only did tumbling and hip hop, but later I got into other dance styles. Football and Track were fun, don’t get me wrong, and I love my coaches and learned so much from them but the more I took these dance classes, the more I realized I how I feel in love with it, that I can actually be myself. And the rest is history..
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t smooth, lol. I had a lot of growing up to do and my parents weren’t a fan of me choosing dance over everything else.
I’m grateful to have support from Mrs. Robin and from my siblings, Jarlisa and Shawanda. They made the decision easier.
From taking odd jobs, to moving from place to place, I’ve been through a few life experiences .
Took a lot classes from teachers, learn a lot of lessons, heard a lot of No’s but got some yes’s along the way. It’s a blessing to be able to do dance and to teach it too.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well, I teach dance, the style I teach is House Dance ( a club style dance originated in NYC). I teach in Austin bi-weekly at ShuffleHQ and teach pop up classes throughout the city.
I’m also apart of a dance crew that is based in San Antonio called NXG Dance Crew. We do a lot of performances, choreography, and teaching within the community of San Antonio, from public events/festivals, to teaching in studios and in private lessons.
I’m apart of a dance troupe called Organi City, Directed by Jonathan Pattiwael, which we also do performances and as well as teaching workshops as well.
Honestly, what I’m proud of is that I get to dance and teach dance. I wouldn’t thought that would be possible at times but I’m glad it did hahaha.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Well if you want to collab/work/support contact me or my crew’s IG page ( my IG: @al.b.groovin, Crew IG page: @_nxgdancecrew)
Follow Organi City IG page as well (@organi_city)
And follow the studio IG page where I frequently teach (@austinshufflehq)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @al.b.groovin
Image Credits
Jalen Sanders, Daniel Huerta, The Seismic Dance Event
