5 Questions for Actor: CAMERON AUBLE-BRANIGAN & Danseur Documentary

by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor

Actor/Dancer Cameron Auble-Branigan and I met at the Sundance Institute Non-Fiction Filmmaker Session in Philly, where he invited me to the screening of Scott K. Gormley’s documentary DANSEUR, of which Auble-Branigan is one of the subjects.

This documentary explores the world of the male ballet dancer. We get to know several young dancers, what brought them to dancing and we are treated to some strong performances. However, the crux of Danseur shines a light on a damaging double standard. In a country that strives for gender equality, where young women are encouraged (especially by their parents) to cross the gender barrier and participate in male-dominated fields, why then, doesn’t this extend the other way around? Danseur reveals that nearly 96% of male ballet dancers stated that they faced physical or verbal attacks because of dance. Why does this disparity still exist?

The film had a screening at The Philadelphia Film Center last month, but it’s not intended for wide release. The filmmaker’s aim was to create a teachable film to be shown in schools and throughout the ballet industry.

I captured some excerpts of the post screening Q&A with the director who was inspired to make Danseur because of his son’s experience in ballet (my impromptu interview with Scott Gormley & Cameron is included in the video below) the panel consists of Pennsylvania Ballet staff and company members, moderated by PA Ballet Assoc. Dir. of Marketing Jonathan Stiles.
TRAILER:

POST SCREENING Q&A:

Now, let’s get to know Philly dancer turned actor CAMERON AUBLE-BRANIGAN through our 5 Questions Series

T&T: What led you away from dancing into acting?

Cameron Auble-Branigan: Several things made me transition from dancing to acting. First, I love the process of creating characters. It allows me to both shed light onto my own life and understand another person’s perspective.

Second, I had many injuries during my dancing career and I was looking into the future. I didn’t want to be crippled as an old man, unable to move due to injuries I sustained dancing.

Also, I was very upset at the lifestyle of many dancers and the maintenance needed to be a healthy and sustainable Ballet dancer. Many I know work about half the year during a season, making very little money. I understand that money isn’t everything, but dancers need better resources in order to perform at their best. I felt like many dance companies were unable to take care of their dancers in a way that was healthy and respectable.

Lastly, during the holidays last year my mother was diagnosed with cancer and now I am taking care of her. It forced me to reevaluate and to look at what I really wanted out of this one life. I also saw it as a sign that I need to be here in Philadelphia, close to my mother and my roots.

T&T: Have you had time to develop any superstitions or rituals before an audition or is it all still so new?

Cameron A-B: Here’s how I look at it, auditions and the circumstances of getting a job are out of your control. The things an actor can control is showing up on time, being prepared with your sides, have a FULLY fleshed out character, and be kind to everyone in and out of the room. Outside of that, getting the opportunity is out of your hands. So no, I wouldn’t say that I have any superstitions; instead, I concentrate on everything that I can control going into an audition room.

T&T: If you had the choice to be cast in the remake of any popular movie, what would it be? (answer can be an Indie, just nothing too obscure) & would you want to change anything about that character?

Cameron A-B: American Beauty is one of my favorites, so I would love to be able to play Ricky Fitts played by Wes Bentley. I believe that it was a great nuanced character and I’d like to give it more vulnerability and sensitivity.

Also, if ever they do a remake or a sequel of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, I’d want to play Ted. I think I’m a Keanu Reeves type and I’d love to give that character a shot.

T&T: Do you have any foodie or music (or both) related moments regarding a role, preparing for a role or after wrapping production?

Cameron A-B: If I’m preparing for a role, I tend to think of what the character would eat. I would take clues from the script to see how that character might eat. Same thing goes with music. What would my character listen to?

I remember when I was dancing, I would usually like to go out and order a huge hamburger with all the works after a big performance.

Although, as a general rule, I eat as healthy as I can. No fast food, as little processed food as possible, and keep everything balanced. I do love me some fried chicken and cookies, but you have to eat your vegetables too.

T&T: Give a shout out to those on your team who have been in your corner while you hit both highs and lows in your professions

Cameron A-B: My Mom would be first and most important. The lengths she went through to allow me to grow up into the person that I wanted to be is something I can never pay back. Being a single mother, she had many obstacles and setbacks, but she is a fighter and she raised me to be one too. I love her with everything.

I also have to thank my sister, my coach Drucie McDaniel, my agent, my friends, and to any person that gets joy and value out of my performances.

Website: cameronab.com

IG: @cam_a_b

Twitter: @CamABofficial

TikTok: @cameronab

Facebook: @CameronABOfficial

BIO – Cameron Auble-Branigan: Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I was always passionate in the arts and performing. I began my ballet training at the age of ten at the Metropolitan Ballet Academy. I have also studied at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, The Rock School, and the Juilliard School. I also participated in the San Francisco Ballet School’s year-round program training on a merit scholarship.

I have performed in some of the largest theaters in the United States including The Metropolitan Opera House, Academy of Music, The Joyce Theater, and the San Francisco War Memorial. During my ballet career, I performed with American Repertory Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and many other companies. I distinguished myself in works both in classical ballet and masters of contemporary dance.

Currently, I am pursuing a career as an actor, freelance guest artist, and teacher.

I have appeared in the documentary film, Danseur, which was released in late 2018 and is currently screening across the country. In 2010 I had the privilege to perform for Vice President Joseph Biden in the Wilmington Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.

In 2012, while attending the ballet program at Jacob’s Pillow I was awarded the Jacob’s Pillow Professional Advancement Award in Dance. In 2015, I received a degree in Psychology from Arcadia University.

I would like to thank my family and my close friends for their continued support.