Cordell “Storm“ Purnell

Raised as one of 7 children by a single parent Cordell “ Storm “ Purnell grew up on the unforgiving streets of 90s Bed Stuy Brooklyn. As he grew his life moved in the direction of gang affiliation and teenage criminality until his girlfriend announced her pregnancy. Still only a teen, Storm moved with her to Pennsylvania in order to provide a better life for his unborn child.

It was in Pennsylvania that Storm discovered his love of dance. He formed a local team of dancers who began performing at neighborhood schools and local events. Inspired by the positivity which he discovered through dance, Storm returned to New York with the goal of improving his own community. Back in Brooklyn he met street dancers who were practicing Bruk Up and Flex. He learned from originators like Ghost and The Konqueror and rose to dominate battles including King Of The Streets, BattleFest and LOUD League.

The Infamous East coast vs West Coast battle brought Storm to the world stage. Having cemented his reputation as a Bruk Up and Flex champion Storm was able to establish himself as a mentor- discovering and teaching dancers who went on to tour with Madonna and win Dancing With The Stars.  Since his time in Pennsylvania Storm’s goal has always been to provide the youth with the guidance he did not have.

It was during a dance battle that Storm met his wife. They grew together and so did their family- eventually expanding to 12 children, all trained by their parents to follow in their footsteps as artists and performers. The Storm Family relocated to California to further their careers and education in the arts.

In California Storm enhanced his creative abilities through his discovery of acting and how it serves as a conduit for written emotions in the same way that dance serves as a conduit for musical emotions.

SUN is Storm’s first feature film and a testament to his incredible resilience in the face of overwhelming hardship

Guest of the meeting after the screening of „Sun”