October 2019 Featured Artist
Dancer, Choreographer & Teacher
Brianna Mercado
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Brianna Mercado is a professional dance artist, teacher, choreographer, and speaker based in New York City.
Her journey is a study in contrasts – having experienced the deepest challenges and the greatest rewards. Brianna survived life-threatening bone cancer at the age of 15, then went on to receive a full-ride scholarship to UC Berkeley. After graduation, she pulled up California roots for a move to the Big Apple and ignited a career as a professional dancer, only to find out shortly afterward that a second aggressive cancer had invaded her body at the age of 22. Brianna lives by her own credo as she lifts the spirit of the world: Go big, regardless. Brianna spreads her love and passion for life through movement, teaching and public speaking. As an advocate and spokesperson for cancer research and prevention, she believes there must be a better and less toxic way to treat and cure cancer. She is currently on a mission called “Project Get To Zero,” where her goal is to completely cure her cancer without the use of conventional therapies. It involves a total lifestyle and diet change, and so far, she is thrilled to announce that it has been working! Brianna’s performance credits include: TEDx, Isn’t It Romantic, MUNY’s Jesus Christ Superstar, MUNY’s Aida, Fuerza Bruta: Wayra, & a PHISH concert performance. She is represented by McDonald/Selznick Associates Talent Agency and teaches weekly dance classes at Peridance Capezio Center in Manhattan. |
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Myrna Beth Haskell, executive editor, spoke with Brianna about her dancing, her choreographic style, and her infectious, positive attitude despite being diagnosed with cancer twice.
You have been diagnosed with cancer twice. You were diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma* in 2006 and, after surviving a difficult battle, you were cancer free for several years. In 2013, a mass on your thyroid was discovered. Could you explain the second diagnosis and what your health status is now?
I was diagnosed the second time after graduating from college. [Brianna had moved to New York City to pursue a professional dance career. She noticed a lump on her neck, and an MRI later confirmed a mass on her thyroid.] It was Christmas Eve when I found out that I had cancer again. It was a type of thyroid cancer.** It was treated with radioactive iodine at first. [Brianna wound up having both sides of her thyroid removed.]
I was being monitored every six months to check for recurrence. I just recently found out that my cancer markers have increased again.
Oh no. I’m so sorry to hear that. When did you find this out?
About 10 days ago.
*Ewing sarcoma a rare type of cancer that occurs in bones or in the soft tissue around the bones. This cancer most often begins in the long bones of the pelvis, legs or arms, but it can occur in any bone.
**Brianna's thyroid cancer has been diagnosed as "poorly differentiated thyroid cancer." [Resistant to conventional therapy, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism]
You have been diagnosed with cancer twice. You were diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma* in 2006 and, after surviving a difficult battle, you were cancer free for several years. In 2013, a mass on your thyroid was discovered. Could you explain the second diagnosis and what your health status is now?
I was diagnosed the second time after graduating from college. [Brianna had moved to New York City to pursue a professional dance career. She noticed a lump on her neck, and an MRI later confirmed a mass on her thyroid.] It was Christmas Eve when I found out that I had cancer again. It was a type of thyroid cancer.** It was treated with radioactive iodine at first. [Brianna wound up having both sides of her thyroid removed.]
I was being monitored every six months to check for recurrence. I just recently found out that my cancer markers have increased again.
Oh no. I’m so sorry to hear that. When did you find this out?
About 10 days ago.
*Ewing sarcoma a rare type of cancer that occurs in bones or in the soft tissue around the bones. This cancer most often begins in the long bones of the pelvis, legs or arms, but it can occur in any bone.
**Brianna's thyroid cancer has been diagnosed as "poorly differentiated thyroid cancer." [Resistant to conventional therapy, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism]
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How are you feeling?
My physical energy level is great right now. But I’m just generally feeling tired of constantly fighting this disease. It’s mentally exhausting. Has your dancing helped you to remain optimistic? It’s so ironic. The day I found out that my cancer markers had increased was the day I left for Milwaukee. I am out here for two months performing in West Side Story.* The rehearsal process is a blessing because dance is my release. I’m not much of a talker…I’m good at compartmentalizing my emotions. Dancing is the way I express myself. It’s a kind of love I give to my body…an awareness. When I dance, I feel at one with my body. I try not to think that I want ‘kill’ the cancer. It’s better to deal with the cancer in a peaceful way by focusing on the positives you can bring to your life. I am trying to live in a stress-free and healthy environment. That’s what I’m focused on. |
*The Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s production of West Side Story runs through October 27, 2019.
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In a 2014 TEDx Talk, you explained, “You can’t let your fears and doubts prevent you from living the life you want to live. Life is too short to live cautiously...I am choosing to dance.” Please elaborate.
It’s a choice that we all have. We can make every day count. Life is short, and we have no idea what is going to happen. This can be scary and make us feel vulnerable. Sometimes you just have to figure it out as you go along. I call it ‘choosing over deciding.’ Everyone is free to choose how they want to live their lives. |
"Cancer had nearly taken my life, but what it left me with was an opportunity to help people and to give back to those who had given me so much." ~ Brianna Mercado (TEDx Talk) |
If it scares you, do it! Don’t miss out on new experiences because you let fear get in the way. I’m singing the National Anthem today at a baseball game with fellow cast members of the West Side Story production. I don’t consider myself a singer, but I decided I’d go for it and contacted others to sing with me.
Tell me about BriPositive.
It’s my alter ego – kind of like my superhero self…even though sometimes she’s not there.
This started as an Instagram photo challenge when I was cancer free - my five year remission date. I shared 21 things to do to brighten your day and used #BriPositive. I tracked my health journey and how I was managing to stay positive. I continue to focus on the five P’s: power, purpose, positivity, persistence and perseverance. Brianna laughs. I guess 'possibility' could be a 6th.
I’d like to expand this – with “Get Well Survival Kits” and other resources. There are lots of ways I’d like to develop this empowering message.
So let’s talk about your dancing. How would you describe your choreography?
Tell me about BriPositive.
It’s my alter ego – kind of like my superhero self…even though sometimes she’s not there.
This started as an Instagram photo challenge when I was cancer free - my five year remission date. I shared 21 things to do to brighten your day and used #BriPositive. I tracked my health journey and how I was managing to stay positive. I continue to focus on the five P’s: power, purpose, positivity, persistence and perseverance. Brianna laughs. I guess 'possibility' could be a 6th.
I’d like to expand this – with “Get Well Survival Kits” and other resources. There are lots of ways I’d like to develop this empowering message.
So let’s talk about your dancing. How would you describe your choreography?
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I don’t dance to impress. I dance to express.
As to choreography…I use raw movement…it’s not contrived. There’s a presence and a purpose at the root of it. My dancing has to feel right and come from the heart. I love ‘improv’ [when a dancer spontaneously creates movement] or freestyle dance. Just as with music composition, there are overlays that empower the script. I blend styles - hip hop, isolation, contemporary – fusion dance. What is your teaching philosophy? It’s all about encouragement. I teach a lot of people who have never danced or haven’t danced for years. I encourage a sense of belonging and community in the room by starting with introductions. There’s an atmosphere of openness – we explore, learn and grow, and these magical relationships develop from this. |
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What is your most memorable performance?
I have a few. I’m very excited about performing in West Side Story. The TEDx Talk was another memorable performance. I had this fear of not feeling ready, but then it just came together. I also loved performing for Phish* in Atlantic City. While dancing on stage at the concert, I remember seeing the crowd and thinking, ‘I can’t believe my life right now.’ People were going crazy, and these glow sticks were being thrown up in the air.
*An American rock band founded at the University of Vermont, known for their musical improvisation and extended jams.
I have a few. I’m very excited about performing in West Side Story. The TEDx Talk was another memorable performance. I had this fear of not feeling ready, but then it just came together. I also loved performing for Phish* in Atlantic City. While dancing on stage at the concert, I remember seeing the crowd and thinking, ‘I can’t believe my life right now.’ People were going crazy, and these glow sticks were being thrown up in the air.
*An American rock band founded at the University of Vermont, known for their musical improvisation and extended jams.
For years I admired Bob Fosse’s work and, more recently, the work of Mandy Moore and Luther Brown. Do you have a favorite choreographer, and was there an early mentor who influenced your work?
Jon Rua* is someone I admire. He is a mentor, friend and the choreographer for the Milwaukee West Side Story production. It’s a new revival. The storytelling is gritty. I’m such a fan of his work. His choreography just feels right in my body.
Kelly Velasquez was a former dance teacher and mentor. She was there for me when she witnessed what I was going through after my first cancer diagnosis. She let me perform when I was bald and recovering…encouraging and supporting me as I looked into going to college.
*Jon Rua is an American actor, singer, and choreographer, best known for his roles in Broadway musicals such as Hamilton and In the Heights.
Where do you find sanctuary? (#WheresYourSanctuary)
I find sanctuary in open space – in open fields of grass or while looking out into the ocean or a giant lake. Any type of vast space is where I find my breath.
Jon Rua* is someone I admire. He is a mentor, friend and the choreographer for the Milwaukee West Side Story production. It’s a new revival. The storytelling is gritty. I’m such a fan of his work. His choreography just feels right in my body.
Kelly Velasquez was a former dance teacher and mentor. She was there for me when she witnessed what I was going through after my first cancer diagnosis. She let me perform when I was bald and recovering…encouraging and supporting me as I looked into going to college.
*Jon Rua is an American actor, singer, and choreographer, best known for his roles in Broadway musicals such as Hamilton and In the Heights.
Where do you find sanctuary? (#WheresYourSanctuary)
I find sanctuary in open space – in open fields of grass or while looking out into the ocean or a giant lake. Any type of vast space is where I find my breath.
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PERFORMANCES and PROJECTS:
West Side Story at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater Now through October 29, 2019 Project Get To Zero Ongoing plan to heal. Follow her progress. #BriPositive |
