Experience the Resurrection While Seeing
Artistic Excellence
Camden, NJ In the vibrant city of Camden, a beacon of faith and artistic expression shines brightly through the captivating performances of the Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre. Led by the dynamic duo of Takreeya Hawkins and Omar-Frederick Pratt, this dance company weaves together the powerful messages of gospel music with the graceful movements of dance. With roots embedded in the local community, both Hawkins and Pratt draw upon their upbringing in church and their professional training to create performances that resonate with audiences. From their production, “The Resurrection,” to their ongoing commitment to showcasing local talent and spreading the message of hope, Camden Contemporary Dance Theater stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.
Collins:
Who is Takreeya Hawkins?
Hawkins:
Takreeya Hawkins is an ambitious woman of God, born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. She loves dance and enjoys touching people’s lives through it. She is also a homebody who cherishes being herself and embracing all that God has poured into her. Following the passing of my mother, I’ve learned to appreciate life’s moments and strive for positivity in every aspect. Peace holds significant importance to me, and I gravitate towards anything positive, joyful, or loving. Whether teaching dance or working as a substitute teacher, I find fulfillment in leaving a positive and lasting impact on others.
Collins:
Who is Omar-Frederick Pratt?
Pratt:
Omar-Frederick Pratt is a native of Camden, New Jersey, who graduated from Creative Arts High School, majoring in dance. I continued my education at the University of the Arts, focusing on ballet performance. I became a minister of music at Parkside United Methodist at a young age and later served in similar roles at various churches, developing a deep love for music and dance early in life. I believe in using my talents to glorify God and reach people beyond the church walls. I’m passionate about community involvement and giving back, currently working at Creative Arts as an educator. Witnessing the passion of young students of color in the arts and education bring me immense fulfillment.
Collins:
Okay, now both of you have a strong entrepreneurial spirit within your respective areas of discipline. Freddy, you’re not only a gospel recording artist but also lead a gospel group called Devotion. Takreeya, you are a minister of the gospel and also hold popularity in the praise dance scene. Let’s delve into that a bit. What motivated you to pursue these areas of discipline?
Hawkins:
Regarding my journey to becoming a minister, it started within my church community. Growing up, there were moments when I struggled to grasp the teachings, but it all changed when I heard Atiba Rose, my youth pastor, break down the scriptures in a way that resonated deeply with me. I aspired to do the same and gradually found myself involved in Sunday school teaching and leading Bible study sessions. It felt like a natural progression, although I was initially hesitant due to feeling unqualified. However, once I embraced the calling, I realized that God would equip me for the task. It was a scary leap of faith, but witnessing the impact of my sermons on both young and old within the community reassured me that I was fulfilling my purpose.
As for praise dancing, it was a profound experience from the start. Unlike traditional performances where the focus is on perfection or pleasing the audience, I felt the Spirit moving through me when I praise danced. Whether it’s at weddings, funerals, or other events, I am eager to serve and use this platform to reach souls with God’s message.
Collins:
So, as both of you know, and Freddy, we’ll come back to you shortly, but I have to mention that 40 years ago, 50 pounds ago, I too was a dancer.
Pratt:
I remember you mentioning that at our show.
Collins:
I’ve observed numerous praise dancers over the years, and watching you both, I can discern the professional techniques stemming from your dance backgrounds. How gratifying is it to blend your professional training into the praise movements?
Hawkins:
It’s a beautiful synergy, bringing them both together. It feels like offering God our absolute best. It’s not just about improvising movements; it’s about incorporating everything I’ve learned. I spent two years at the University of the Arts, similar to Freddy. So, having all that knowledge poured into my ministry of dance is incredibly gratifying. The combination of spirit and technique elevates it, making it stand out as a complete package.
Collins:
Absolutely. Omar, could you tell us about Devotion? What inspired you to take it to the next level and establish Devotion?
Pratt:
Similar to Takreeya’s experience, I grew up in church, struggling at times to fully grasp the message from our pastor, Reverend Woods; It wasn’t that he didn’t teach clearly, I was just young. However, I discovered my deep connection to God through music. I realized that when God’s word came through song, it would instantly resonate with me. Before Devotion, we were the Parkside Youth Choir. When the opportunity arose for me to lead, despite my initial fear at age 14, I accepted. Transitioning from the choir to Devotion, I began writing songs. Initially, I hid my authorship out of fear of rejection, but witnessing the impact of my compositions on others encouraged me to embrace this new calling in songwriting. It took some time before I felt compelled to record, but eventually, the urging of the spirit led me to realize the broader reach my music could have. Witnessing firsthand the reactions of people to our songs and understanding that I’m merely a vessel for God’s message reaffirms my faith and purpose in music ministry.
Collins:
And you’re also incredibly talented on the piano and as a musician.
Pratt:
Thank you. Even before formally studying music, it was ingrained in me from growing up in church. As a church kid, I was always surrounded by music, whether it was Bible study, praise dance rehearsal, choir rehearsal, or Sunday school. Music was everywhere. Even at home, I would hear melodies in my head and rush to my little keyboard to recreate them. When I got a bit older, my parents enrolled me in Settlement School of Music, where I learned to read music and further developed my skills. But the foundation was laid in church.
Collins:
So, Omar, many gospel choirs are mass choirs, yet you’ve chosen to keep your group small and tight-knit. What led to this decision?
Pratt:
What I adore about our group is the intimacy and power we possess. While I appreciate the grandeur of mass choirs, there’s something special about a small group of powerhouses. When we sing, it feels like a room filled with voices, despite our compact size. Working in smaller groups allows for greater flexibility, considering everyone’s busy schedules. We can easily assemble a handful of singers for events without the conflicts that often arise with larger choirs. It was nice however, during our reunion concert last June, with around 40 members present, it struck me how impactful our group has been. Seeing them all together for the first time was a testament to the community we’ve built. Although I prefer smaller groups for logistical reasons, witnessing our collective strength as one cohesive unit was truly remarkable.
Collins:
They often say when you mix a cold front and a hot front, you get a powerful weather reaction: thunder and lightning. Omar Frederick Pratt & Takreeya Hawkins. How did you two find each other? How did this powerful collaboration come to fruition?
Hawkins:
Well, we initially crossed paths in the same jazz class at Halliday Dance Studio. Then, later in high school, we met again. Freddy was a year younger than me; he was in the class of ’09, while I was in ’08. Throughout high school, we danced in various productions and musicals. After college, where I attended U Arts after Freddy, we reunited while working at Dare 2 Dance. The idea of starting a dance company in Camden had been circulating for years among dancers from the area. However, it remained just an idea until Freddy took the initiative one year and said he’d do it. With the encouragement of Nyema Gillespie, we took the plunge and started Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre at Dare 2 Dance. It was open to anyone who had danced before or aspired to pursue a dance career but lacked opportunities locally. We kicked off right before the Covid shutdown in 2020, had two rehearsals, and then had to pause for months. We resumed in 2021 and held our first production with a group of about 12 dancers. Since then, it’s been an annual endeavor to keep it going.
Pratt:
Takreeya is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t take as much credit as she should because of her humility, but Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre wouldn’t exist without her. While I handle much of the choreography and show planning, Takreeya’s organizational skills are unparalleled. She can take my creative chaos and turn it into a clear vision. Her communication with the dancers is exceptional, keeping them motivated and on track. She handles numerous tasks, from scheduling rehearsals to ordering costumes, effortlessly. She ensures everyone is prepared and even arranges for videographers for our shows, a detail I might overlook. This division of labor allows me to focus on artistic aspects like choreography and show design. Our complementary strengths and mutual support make the company run smoothly, and I’m incredibly grateful for our partnership.
Collins:
So, a few years back, you debuted with “The Resurrection,” and it’s been a continuous hit since. Can you tell us more about “The Resurrection” and what the audience can expect?
Pratt:
“The Resurrection” is a production that chronicles the life of Jesus, from his baptism by John the Baptist to his crucifixion and resurrection. It’s an incredibly powerful show, featuring dynamic movement from the dancers, live singing by my music ministry Devotion, and compelling narration that guides the audience through the story. While many of us are familiar with the biblical accounts, seeing it visually depicted on stage offers a new perspective on Christ’s sacrifice. Every year we perform it, I feel immensely blessed to be a part of it, and my hope is that the audience feels the same. Our mission with “The Resurrection” extends beyond the church walls, aiming to reach people from all walks of life. Art has the power to meet people where they are, and through this production, we aim to spread the gospel in a meaningful and impactful way, inspiring those who may not know Christ to seek further understanding.
Collins:
You both have earned the respect of some significant figures in the industry, such as Halliday Dance and Dare 2 Dance, including the legendary Ben White Jr.; How does it feel when your peers come to support and encourage you?
Hawkins:
It’s incredibly fulfilling, especially considering the full circle journey we’ve experienced. Being students at Halliday Dance and participating in productions paying tribute to Mr. White, then later working at Dare 2 Dance with Nyemah, where we began our company—it’s all come together in a meaningful way. It’s important to note that we don’t view ourselves as competitors but as another group highlighting and celebrating the arts. “The Resurrection” isn’t just about dance; it incorporates music, narration, and more. When our peers show support and appreciation, it means everything to us. We believe in sharing these moments with as many people as possible, which is why we’ve invited Dare 2 Dance and Halliday Dance to be part of this year’s production. Together, as a dance community, we are stronger, and it’s all about spreading love and unity.
Collins:
It’s remarkable to see that both of you prioritize showcasing local talent. Could you elaborate on the importance of featuring your peers and local talent?
Pratt:
It’s incredibly significant for me. As Takreeya mentioned earlier, many of us come from Creative Arts High School. However, when it comes to performing professionally or at a college level, we often have to venture into Philly or elsewhere. Having a platform right here in our community is crucial, allowing local talent to shine without having to travel far. While we welcome talent from everywhere, it’s particularly meaningful for those of us who call this area home. South Jersey doesn’t have the same abundance of dance opportunities as Philly does, so providing a local space for expression is invaluable. This accessibility can inspire others who may not have realized their passion for dance otherwise. Personally, I remember being in Lion Dance Theater’s junior company and aspiring to join the professional company one day. Now, I hope we can serve as that inspiration for the next generation of dancers.
Collins:
March 22nd and March 23rd are approaching, with performances at Camden High School. Can you provide details about these dates and how people can attend?
Hawkins:
On March 22nd and March 23rd, we’ll be performing at Camden High School. You can visit our Instagram page @Camden_Contemporary to purchase tickets online. Alternatively, tickets will be available at the door for $25, slightly more than the online price. Feel free to reach out to Freddy, myself, or any dance company member for assistance with ticket access. We’ve also distributed flyers with QR codes for easy sharing. Our opening night is on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a matinee performance on Saturday at 1 p.m., and an evening show at 6 p.m. We’re eagerly anticipating these shows and hope to see a packed house—looking forward to a sold-out event!
Collins:
Alright, and once again, this is the performance of “The Resurrection” by Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre. Tickets are priced at $20 online or in advance, and $25 at the door. For those interested in sponsorship opportunities, not only for the upcoming production on March 22nd and 23rd but also for supporting the dance company overall, how can they get in touch?
Hawkins:
They can reach out to us at [email protected]. We would greatly appreciate any donations or funds as we aim to compensate our dancers, singers, tech crew, and everyone involved. Recognizing the hard work of our team is essential to us, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their efforts.
Collins:
Is Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre currently a nonprofit or 501(c)(3)?
Pratt:
Currently, we are an LLC. However, we are in the process of transitioning to become a nonprofit organization, specifically a 501(c)(3). While we initially chose the LLC structure, we’ve realized that transitioning to a nonprofit status will better suit our goals in seeking grants and financial aid.
Collins:
Alright. And what’s next for Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre?
Pratt:
Following “The Resurrection,” we will hold auditions for our second season, typically around August. Additionally, we’ve been invited to participate in an exciting event—an initiative led by Lamar Baylor and Nyemah Gillespie, both alumni of Creative Arts High School. They’re organizing a dance conference here in Camden, New Jersey, with Misty Copeland slated as the keynote speaker. We’ve been asked to perform at this conference in mid-June. After that, we’ll begin preparations for our next season, including our annual February show, which combines Black history with a fundraising performance, followed by “The Resurrection” next Easter.
Collins:
The Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 readers weekly. And conclusion. What do you want to say to the readers of Anointed News Journal?
Hawkins:
I would like to express our deep appreciation for any support or resonance you may have felt with our message. If you’re connected to dance through personal experiences or know someone who is, please understand that attending or investing in any of our productions contributes to the ongoing legacy of spreading the gospel message and the art of dance, not only in Camden but also beyond. Your support in any form is truly valued, and we are sincerely grateful for it.
Pratt:
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us, whether by attending our past productions or offering any form of support. Your generosity means the world to us, and we do not take it for granted. We understand that you could have chosen to spend your time elsewhere, so your decision to support our talented dancers and singers fills us with immense gratitude. If you’re encountering us for the first time through this article, welcome! We’re thrilled at the prospect of meeting you at one of our shows soon. Our hope is that our performances will not only bless you but also inspire you to share the experience with others.
The Anointed News Journal supports the Camden Contemporary Dance Theatre. It has emerged as a standard of hope and artistic innovation, blending the spiritual richness of gospel music with the fluidity of contemporary dance. Led by these passionate visionaries Takreeya Hawkins and Omar-Frederick Pratt, the company’s commitment to showcasing local talent and spreading the message of faith resonates deeply with audiences. Furthermore, they are continuing to shape the cultural landscape of Camden.
By Chris Collins
You can get your tickets at: https://ccdt.ticketlocity.com/events/61517
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