Before there were influencers, Donald Byrd was busy influencing art and culture through his countless contributions in Dance. As an established force on both coasts with Seattle now his home, the iconic choreographer shares stories, insights and deep feelings that are the culmination of an artist's life well lived. In this honest conversation with high school senior Gavin M., the legend articulates the significance of an Artist in 2025. He also debunks Drug use and addiction from a years-long struggle that he successfully overcame. He discusses Blackness in America, and how Black people are alchemists that turn pain and oppression into gold. And together they explore the ways that we can achieve more balance, growth and compassion through work on Self. Donald Byrd has been the Artistic Director of Spectrum Dance Theater since December 2002. Formerly, he was Artistic Director of Donald Byrd/The Group, a critically acclaimed contemporary dance company, founded in Los Angeles and later based in New York, that toured both nationally and internationally. His career has been long and complex, and his choreographic and theatrical interests are broad. The New York Times describes him as “a choreographer with multiple personalities ... an unabashed eclectic.” He received a Tony-nomination for his choreography for The Color Purple and a Bessie Award for The Minstrel Show. Co-presented by 4Culture, Coping 101's Artist Mental Health Stories amplify voices from King County's cultural sector to empower individual artists, uplift the creative community and destigmatize mental health from a teen's perspective. No matter our age or background we all face challenges, and there are many healthy ways to find balance. Get started with more episodes and resources hosted at c895.org/coping101

• more about Donald Byrd: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Byrd_(choreographer)
• more about Spectrum Dance Theater
• 4Culture - 4culture.org