Dexter Carr: From Miami to the Spotlight – A Dance Journey of Innovation & Stardom
Miami Native Dancer and Choreographer Dexter Carr Discusses His Role in Hulu’s Reality Series ‘Playground,’ Life in the Dance Industry, and Inspiring the Next Generation of Dancers
Miami native dancer and choreographer, Dexter Carr, has become a name to know in the industry, attributed to his dynamic performances and versatile style. His innovative choreography and energetic presence have made him a sought-after talent in the dance industry, and his reign as one of the best is far from over.
Carr is known for his impressive performances from Broadway appearances in “Bring It On: The Musical” and “In The Heights” to choreographing Nikki Minaj’s most recent tour, as well as choreographing and dancing for many other industry titans such as Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Megan Thee Stallion.
He also plays a vital role in Hulu’s “Playground”, a new reality series that takes viewers exclusively behind the scenes into the vibrant world of the famous Los Angeles dance studio, Playground, founded by Pussycat Dolls creator, Robin Antin.
In addition to his performance career, Carr is also involved in teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers through his online platform OUTLET and as tour director of the KĀOS Aftermath Summer Tour.
Dance industry king Dexter Carr speaks with Miami Living about his part in “Playground”, life in the dance world, and starting a career in the city of Miami.
Miami Living: When did you start dancing? Can you pinpoint a moment when you realized dancing was something you wanted to do for the rest of your life?
I started dancing at 16 years old and after I booked my first job with Chris Brown (the “KISS KISS” music video), I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Miami Living: Did you have any instructors in particular that motivated you to get to where you are now?
The instructors who motivated me the most were Tawanna Hall, Sheryl Murakami, Jamilia Hall, Aushi Oskarsdottir, George Jones and Richard Rosen (my theater teacher). They have believed in me since day one, never judged me, allowed me to go through my ups and downs but were always in my corner.
Miami Living: What was your favorite style of dance growing up, and why? Is it still your favorite style now?
Musical theater was my favorite style and actually still is. It’s evolved into a completely different genre than what it used to be. I also love it because it’s a different way of expression than your typical dance routine.
Miami Living: During your career as a dancer, what is the biggest challenge you’ve had to face? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face in my career is realizing that not everybody is going to be in your corner. Even while being someone considered a “popular dancer”, I still deal with haters, negativity, etc. But I’m a harsher critic of myself than anybody ever could be, so I take it with a grain of salt, learn from it, and move on.
Miami Living: How was being in huge Broadway shows such as “In the Heights”, and “Bring It On: The Musical”, a change of pace for you? How did this experience add more to your skillset as a dancer?
I got to work with the best in the business during my first go on Broadway, which was a blessing, but also scary! HA! You don’t want to mess up, and you wanna make sure you’re doing your job well, but they created such a safe and amazing environment so we all felt so loved. I had an amazing time working with the team.
Miami Living: You recently worked with Nicki Minaj, choreographing her most recent tour. What was it like choreographing a tour for such a big name in the industry, and how was your experience working with her?
I am a HUGE Nicki fan, so this was a dream come true for me. I also really felt like she gave this album her all, so I was honored to be a part of what her fans would see on the road. It’s an amazing show and I’m so happy I got to be a part of the creative process.
Miami Living: You’ve worked with and choreographed for other industry titans such as Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Megan Thee Stallion, Missy Elliott, Katy Perry, Kelly Rowland, Billy Porter, and Tinashe. Do you have any memorable experiences or learning moments from those encounters?
ONE THOUSAND PERCENT! One time I was choreographing a video for Tinashe and I planned all this crazy choreography with formation changes and transitions. I showed it to her, and she was like “nahhh”, so I literally had to create a whole new vision in rehearsal. It actually ended up working out perfectly and I love the project.
Miami Living: Describe to us your favorite piece of choreography. Who was it for, and what makes it special?
It’s actually a dance of mine that went viral, it was to Ariana Grande’s “West Side”. I love it because it makes people feel so good when they do it. That’s all I ever want, somebody to look at my stuff or do my stuff and smile or feel something.
Miami Living: Can you tell us about the KĀOS Aftermath Summer Tour? How did you become involved with KĀOS, and how did you assume the role of tour director?
I became involved with KĀOS first as a faculty member, and have now transitioned into the director position after multiple years with the company. It’s truly my baby, we’ve done so many tweaks to make it perfect and we’re still doing more.
Miami Living: What kind of dancers would benefit from attending your conventions?
Any dancer that wants to find their star quality; as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, director, WHATEVER. We want you to be the best at whatever you decide to be.
Miami Living: Walk us through the thought process of the creation of your online platform OUTLET. What inspired it, and what’s the purpose behind it?
I started it during the pandemic, because of course there were no dance classes to take. My partner Kalen also said we should create something that would bring together all of the people around the world who can’t make it to Playground [a dance studio in Los Angeles]. Let’s give them a community to be a part of. Since then we’ve grown into masterclasses over zoom, tutorials, podcasts, and more.
Miami Living: How do you feel OUTLET has brought you closer to the dance community?
I’ve actually met so many subscribers just from them coming up to me and telling me they’ve been doing my classes for years. To me that’s so important because they feel safe and vulnerable enough to train with me in the comfort of their own home, and support my brand.
It’s amazing! We didn’t know we’d be creating something so big when we started, we just wanted a space where we could kick it and dance and film some dope content. What it’s evolved into is far beyond our wildest dreams.
Miami Living: On the reality show “Playground” you are known as “The MVP”. How do you feel you’ve earned this nickname on the show?
Because I deal with all the crazies! Haha nah, I’ve put my time in at the studio and I don’t even think of it as a job, it’s my second home and the people there are my second family. Whatever they need or whatever the studio needs, I’m there.
Miami Living: Working so closely with other dancers on a regular basis, it’s inevitable that a hefty amount of drama takes place. How do you feel about working in an environment that cultivates such a roller coaster of emotions?
I’ve never been scared of a little confrontation, ha! Dancers are humans too, we have emotions, likes, dislikes, but the most important thing is that we exercise respect for each other and the studio...so just keep it cute ;) Haha.
Miami Living: Can you tell us about any specific challenges on the show, and how you overcame them?
My biggest challenge was feeling like my entire life was going to be documented. That was very hard for me at first because I’m a super private person, but after a while you forget they’re on.
Miami Living: What has been your most memorable experience on the show? How do you feel playing such a vital role on “Playground” has improved your skills within your career?
Most memorable moment was for sure the Meg Thee Stallion episode. It was so incredible that she was down to be a producer and support us on the show.
Miami Living: Growing up in Miami, how did the city influence and inspire your dancing?
CULTURE! Culture, culture, culture! Nobody has the sauce like Miami does. Miami is the reason I am the performer I am today. It also gave me the fight and spice to not let anybody take advantage of you.
Miami Living: Do you feel beginning your dancing career in a big city like Miami affected the success you have today?
Absolutely, imagine If I was born literally ANYWHERE else?!
Miami Living: As a Miami native, what are your favorite local spots?
Pollo Tropical, and I will die on that hill haha!
Miami Living: What do you see in store for your future? Do you have any major goals you intend to accomplish? Does Miami play any part in these plans?
I would love to get back to NYC and choreograph a Broadway show.
You can watch “Playground” on Hulu, and continue to watch Dexter’s journey unfold by following him on Instagram @dextercarr.