If you've ever been to the Arthur Murray Superama, you know.
There's a moment, and it happens to just about everyone, when you're watching the professional competition, grooving to the music, maybe even singing the song to yourself...
... and then it hits you.
"I think they're singing this song live!"
That's exactly how Brent Mills likes it. Like any great DJ, he wants to get you to move, to sing, and to not notice the mastery behind it all. Referring to him as a DJ would be like calling Steph Curry a "basketball player". He is, but he's so much more.
Brent Mills is future of ballroom dance music, and he's just getting started.
Brent Mills: The Ballroom Dancing Music Man
AML: Where did Brent Mills the Ballroom Dance Musician begin?
BRENT: It all began with creating music for a TV special for the Manhattan Dancesport Championships. From there Gary McDonald, the organizer, suggested that I supply music for the competition... since I had just retired from professional dancing.
AML: Not many people know that you were a professional ballroom dancer. Can you give everyone a little back story on your dance career?
BRENT: I started when I was 14. I had a drama teacher who was a former ballroom champion…that’s where it began! I took ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom. I danced on the world ranked, undefeated, Latin dance team, and competed in Blackpool. I completed my BFA in Composite Dance. After BYU, I auditioned for the musical Stomp and made the Canadian Touring company. Also won the US Amateur Cabaret Championship 2 times. Became a US Theater Arts/Cabaret open finalist and 9 Dance Finalist, went into music, and here I am. Is that enough?
AML: Tell us about your music background.
BRENT: I have a degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. From there, I moved to Utah and graduated with a BFA in Dance from BYU, and I was hired as a dance musician for the modern and ballet departments. I then went on to play for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, among others.
AML: Berklee College of Music? Isn't that where Quincy Jones went to school?
BRENT: Yes, and so did John Mayer, Melissa Ethridge, Donald Fagan of Steely Dan, Bruce Hornsby, Branford Marsalis, and Howard Shore (wrote the theme for Lord of the Rings).
AML: Everyone who loves Ballroom Dance Music has a copy, has heard, or danced to your song Water Music. What's the story behind that track?
BRENT: Man! That was my very first song that I published. I made that song in my living room. It was for a Teaching Video that never got off the ground (hopefully not because of the music). Seriously, I didn't even know that people still listened to that song.
AML: How did you get started doing music at all the Dance-O-Ramas®?
BRENT: Tom Murdock hired me in 2000, and we've been working together ever since.
AML: What's one thing that keeps you up at night when it comes to doing a Dance-O-Rama® gig?
BRENT: Playing live music for the competition! It shakes my very soul.
AML: At the Arthur Murray Superama you play live ballroom dance music with a band. How did that all come about?
BRENT: I was doing this for a few other events, but was always limited to those that didn't want to do the full package, as in, a full band - with all the trimmings! Arthur Murray was willing to take the risk and make it happen the way it really should happen. Tom and Tara are always brainstorming about how they can make the energy better, and have more excitement. I just follow their lead and supply all their musical ideas.
AML: Who are some people that have been (pun slightly intended) "instrumental" in your career?
BRENT: Oh that's a good one! John Kimmins gave me my first Bronze Ballroom Exam, and he was the emcee when I won my first United States Amateur Championship. Tom Murdock was one of my very first dance coaches. Both were very supportive. Those gentlemen are some of my earliest memories of the ballroom community. Lee and Linda Wakefield were also a major influence in the direction I followed. I've been very lucky to have been taken in my so many awesome people.
AML: What's your next big Ballroom Music project?
BRENT: I have two projects rolling out and they are huge! First one - I'm creating a new CD Series called "The Ladies of Ballroom". We are creating original arrangements of popular songs for American Rhythm and American Smooth. Think of it like Post-Modern Jukebox, but this will be more like Post-Modern Ballroom. We will take the proceeds of the sales and donate to the Fordney Foundation to raise money for Youth and Junior Dance Competitors, and teams, around the country.
The second project is a new music software system for dance studios and teachers. It will provide better music organization for teachers, students, and studio owners. We will feed the software with new music on a weekly basis and we are also rolling out an app so you can use this technology on your smart phone as well. We want to be the iTunes for dancers. It's a work in process, but I'm very excited for all of this.
AML: What's the best part of your job?
BRENT: The best part of this job is playing a song and seeing all of the dancers singing to the music. That makes my day.
Final Thought
It's rare these days to find someone that is equal parts humble and talented. When you live in an era where business people seem to be competing for the greatest LinkedIn profile, it's refreshing to see that Brent's music, dance, and business accomplishments seem to stay in his pocket, hidden behind a smile, and backed by a music track that he probably recorded.
Additional Notes:
- "MusicMills" is the working title of the new music software program. It's on track for completion in May 2016
- The mobile app for BallroomPlaylist should also be available this summer.
- Note: If you're interested in hiring Brent for an event, plan 8-12 months in advance. However, he has a network of DJ's using his playlists that can be booked more short notice.
- For more information, visit his website: www.ballroomplaylist.com or follow Brent on Twitter: @ballroomlist
