Dancer Amber Pickens drops a coloring book celebrating Black History
Exclusive interview with the multi-faceted creative
"I am so proud to be included in Amber’s coloring book. It is very important that young black and brown girls see images of themselves that they can celebrate.” These are words from the illustrious icon Debbie Allen herself. Allen can be found amongst other iconic black dancers on the pages of "Blooming in Motion", a coloring book by dancer, choreographer and artist Amber Barbee Pickens. The book celebrates Black History through the performing art of dance, with original illustrations of great black dancers like Alvin Ailey and Eartha Kitt. The book is available for purchase now, but if you're lucky, you can get your hands on one for free from our giveaway collaboration on our Instagram.Thanks to a generous few copies gifted by Amber, we were able to get our hands on Blooming in Motion and check it out for ourselves. Both the quality of the book, and the meticulous care for each and every dancer featured stands out to us. This black owned coloring book offers an opportunity to read up on some amazing names in black dance throughout the years.
Along with launching her book, Amber Barbee Pickens is carving out a name for herself in the world of dance and choreography as well. She's a Julliard Graduate who's graced the stages of Broadway and the pages of Vogue and she just made her choreography directing debut for the film "Passing" which is coming to Netflix soon. Her commitment to dance came in the summer of her fourth grade year, at a Debbie Allen Dance Academy Intensive. Blooming in Motion is a full circle moment for her, and an opportunity to inspire the next generation as well.
1. Your book Blooming in Motion is a great source of cultural pride and representation! Looking back, when was the first time you were able to see someone who looked like you in your field? How did that inspire you?
Coloring has many health benefits! Many adults, especially during this time of quarantine, have started coloring for creativity, meditation, and reduced anxiety.
2. What was the process like creating your book? What were the steps that you took after the initial inspiration?
This process was definitely tedious yet fulfilling. I researched information on each dancer, searched for their inspirational quotes, and found exciting poses. I started sketching with pencil, then traced with marker, and finally made small adjustments online to make sure it was clean. I spent time researching flowers as well that would accompany each dancer best.
3. You've emphasized to us that this book is for all ages. For adults, what are some of the pluses with getting a coloring book like Blooming in Motion for themselves?
Coloring has many health benefits! Many adults, especially during this time of quarantine, have started coloring for creativity, meditation, and reduced anxiety. Just like meditation, coloring also allows us to switch off our brains from other thoughts and focus only on the moment, helping to alleviate free-floating anxiety. While focusing on the present, we’re able to achieve mindfulness and increase positive thoughts. Blooming in Motion also can be particularly effective for people who aren't comfortable with more creatively expressive forms of art. This gives them an affordable way to express their inner artist and relax.
4. What's next for you? What should we expect out of Amber Pickens for the rest of the year?
I just made my choreographic debut for the feature film, Passing. Written by Nella Larsen in the 1929, Passing explores racial identity, racism, and white privilege. It was dope to work with artists I've looked up to over the years and also cast dancers I respect and admire! Passing is coming to Netflix soon!
Support this positive movement and the black artist leading it! Purchase Blooming in Motion here.