Where Are They Now? GARRETT MARKS

One of the best things about covering the performing arts in Nashville is getting to know the plethora of young people who flock to Music City to further their educations, to pursue their dreams and to express themselves creatively in whatever discipline they choose. They join a vibrant community of performing artists to make themselves known, of course, but perhaps more importantly to gain the support of other like-minded individuals. But perhaps more to the point the choices they make are designed to help them discover who they are, both as individuals and as artists.

Case in point: Today's subject of Where Are They Now?, our regular feature in which we catch-up with those people who once called Nashville home but who are now reaching for their dreams all over the creative world. Dancer Garrett Marks first came to Nashville in 2009 to study at Belmont University and, in the process, became Belmont's first student to earn a BFA in Dance, creating his own line of study when one barely seemed to exist on a campus filled to the brim with talented young people.

"I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University in 2013 with dual degrees: a BFA in Dance and a BS in Entertainment Industry Studies," Marks explains. "When I graduated I was pretty directionless and l, in fitting with my indecisive nature, decided to pursue all my passions at once. I started auditioning for dancing and singing roles. I started doing a lot of graphic design work as a survival job (that I've now developed into a business). I began to design and sew clothing for people and developed a relatively successful bow tie line [that] I sell online.

"When I was in third grade I wrote for a homework assignment, 'When I grow up I want to be Renaissance Man; and I continue to use that as a sort of vision statement for my life and how I approach this industry."

To find out more about Garrett Marks, his life both then and now, and the enthusiasm with which he faces every aspect of life, just read on...

What brought you to Nashville in the first place? I came to Nashville as a freshman at Belmont University in 2009.

How did your time in Music City prepare you for where you are now in your career arc? At Belmont I received a BS in Entertainment Industry Studies and was Belmont's first BFA in Dance. I was lucky enough to study a multitude of dance styles as well as skills in production, marketing, branding... And my obligatory year of college math. But my time in Nashville also forced me to think outside the box.

What's your most vivid memory of your time in the Volunteer State? In 2013, as a college senior, I was lucky enough to become Belmont's first Dance major. As a part of the Honors program I was able to write my own curriculum and tailor a program to me. I distinctly remember the morning I met with my thesis committee in the Wilson Music Building and the paperwork was officially signed. I spilled my latte on my jeans that morning. However, that isn't that out of the ordinary for me.

Who were some of the people in Nashville/Tennessee who had a lasting impact on your and/or your career? Debbie Belue tops the list. She is one of the most incredible people I've encountered as a dancer, as well as just as a human being. Without her I wouldn't be half the dancer I am today. The whole Dance and Musical Theatre department shaped me as a performer and deserve so much more recognition than they often get. Also having amazing artists in Nashville gave me constant source of inspiration. I worked with an amazing singer, John Flanagan, as a freshman who taught me about embracing being different. Sadie Bo Harris and Jon Upleger constantly inspired me to be more graceful each time I saw them perform. The incomparable Jake Speck taught me about carving your own way in the market.

What advice would you give to someone taking their first steps to becoming a part of the theater scene here? If it doesn't exist yet, make it. Venues are plentiful. Talent is boundless. Audiences are always ready to see something new. The only limit is your own imagination and drive.

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