Dominique Kelley on Choreographing for Mariah and the Power of Dance

Dominique Kelley is the model for Out's July/August Beauty column on glowing up skincare. Below, he shares some tips from his own regimen as well as highlights from his work as a prominent choreographer.

What is your routine for healthy skin?
My healthy skin routine always revolves around exfoliation and a top-notch cleanser. I thoroughly enjoy charcoal masks that can be applied on dry skin or wet skin to completely clean my skin. Next is a spray toner to wake up the skin and make me feel like a celebrity (who wouldn't want that?). Also, water, no coffee, genetics, clear sunscreen, and genuinely being happy help combat the effects of skin damage and premature aging.

What first sparked your love of choreography?
My love for choreography started when I was around 10 years of age. I remember making up dances for my neighbors and cousins to perform at family events. I would also re-choreograph my dance solos on the spot. Sorry to my former dance teachers!

Which project are you particularly proud of?
I'm particularly proud of two projects. One was the all-Black musical theater version of Oklahoma! at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. It was transcendent, groundbreaking, and something I hope gets legs again so the whole world will be able to see the magic we created as a company. The other project was choreographing for Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special for Apple TV. Apart from her being a living icon, this special warmed hearts all around the world during one of the bleakest moments in history, dahling.

In your opinion, what is the power of dance to move the needle for equality?
The power of dance is ever present because of social media, dancers seen as superstars, and [consequentally the] cultural paradigm shifts. From seeing our favorite celebs dancing with a same-gender partner on reality TV, to Black
TikTok creators getting recognized for their influence, to watching people who are differently abled and neurodivergent shining in dance atmospheres, [we see] the power of dance and visibility. @domkelley

DOMINIQUE is wearing SAVAGE X FENTY Carnival Mesh Tank in Black Caviar Savage X Briefs in Make in Matcha Green. SAVAGE X FENTY Available Savagex.com and Savage X Retail stores

Talent DOMINIQUE KELLEY @domkelley for @cleartalentgroup domkelley.com
Creative Director BEN WARD @_benjaminward_
Photographer ANGELA KOHLER @angelakohler angelaandithyle.com for @agencyarts
Grooming GIA HARRIS @missgiamakeup

This article is part of Out's July/August 2022 issue, now on newsstands. Support queer media and subscribe -- or download the issue through Amazon, Kindle, Nook, or Apple News.

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