Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tyrell Rolle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tyrell, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

Here’s a polished version of your
“My parents made sure to invest in my future by sending me to places like New York, San Francisco, and other cities to further my performing arts education. Even though money was sometimes an issue, they never let that stop them from fulfilling their commitment to my success. Their dedication and sacrifices have played a huge role in shaping the opportunities I’ve had.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

**About Tyrell Rolle and Studio 305: The Rolle Project**

Founded in 2016, *Studio 305: Home of the Rolle Project* is a beacon for aspiring dancers, offering specialized training, unparalleled performance opportunities, and direct connections to the professional dance world. Under the leadership of Tyrell Rolle, this organization is committed to nurturing the next generation of performers, artists, and innovators through a curriculum designed to foster both technical excellence and personal growth.

**The Mission & Vision**
Our mission is to enrich the mind, body, and spirit through dance. We aim to inspire the community with dance education, offering opportunities in a welcoming space that values diversity and creativity. As the “home of the dancer without judgment,” we embrace everyone, regardless of size, race, or gender. Through dance, we instill values like self-esteem, teamwork, and focus, giving youth a constructive “exit” from life’s challenges.

**About Tyrell Rolle**
Tyrell Rolle, a native of Liberty City, Miami, has built a career fueled by passion and perseverance. Trained at prestigious institutions like The Ailey School and Dance Theatre of Harlem, Tyrell has performed globally with renowned companies like Ailey II, Philadanco, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre, as well as on Broadway and with Cirque du Soleil. His extensive resume includes choreographing for stars like Mariah Carey, J-Lo, and Trina, along with high-profile events like the B2K Millennium Tour and Snapchat’s Spectacles campaign.

Despite facing challenges growing up in an underserved community, Tyrell’s journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of the arts. Mentored by dance legends like Judith Jamison, Tyrell is now dedicated to providing opportunities for youth facing similar struggles.

**The Rolle Project**
Housed in Studio 305, The Rolle Project bridges community partnerships and professional excellence, collaborating with organizations like Cirque du Soleil to support its mission. The project emphasizes accessible, high-quality dance education, empowering students with skills and experiences that can shape their futures.

**What Sets Us Apart**
From choreographing full-length productions (*The Red Swan Ballet*, *Alice Finds Wonderland*) to teaching at institutions like UNLV and serving as a Nevada Arts Council teaching artist, Tyrell’s work reflects an unwavering commitment to innovation and inclusion in the arts. Studio 305 is more than a training ground; it’s a hub for mentorship, creativity, and community transformation.

**Looking Ahead**
Tyrell’s vision includes expanding *The Rolle Project* globally and establishing an accredited school for dancers post-high school. By combining his rich experiences and his passion for teaching, Tyrell hopes to continue inspiring and uplifting dancers of all backgrounds.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Here’s a thoughtful response that shares your journey while emphasizing resilience and the impact of your work:

—

**A Journey of Resilience**

Running Studio 305 for the past 10 years has been both a rewarding and challenging experience. One of the greatest hurdles has been sustaining the studio as a part-time instructor while managing the financial demands of offering high-quality dance education. Many families in our community face financial difficulties, and ensuring that students can access dance training, regardless of their circumstances, has been a constant focus of my mission.

There have been times when enrollment was low simply because families couldn’t afford tuition, and as a nonprofit, securing sponsorships has been difficult in a competitive funding landscape. It’s particularly hard when sponsorships and resources are often allocated to larger, more established organizations. Yet, despite these challenges, I’ve remained committed to ensuring that every child who walks through our doors has an opportunity to participate.

Resilience, for me, has meant finding creative ways to make it work. Whether it’s organizing fundraisers, partnering with local businesses, or reaching out to donors who believe in our vision, I’ve learned the importance of persistence and adaptability. Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they perform for the first time or watching a young dancer grow in confidence and skill reminds me why I do this work.

I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about staying true to your purpose, even when the road is difficult. Studio 305 has become a safe space for so many young people, a place where they can grow, express themselves, and discover their potential. That’s what makes every challenge worth it.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Absolutely, there are many resources I wish I had known about earlier in my journey. For example, I’ve since learned that cities often offer grant funding to nonprofits, which would have been invaluable during the early stages of building my organization. Additionally, partnering with the city to secure access to low-cost or gifted buildings could have given me the opportunity to expand our programs and provide even more resources for the community.

I also wish I had known earlier about the potential to reach out to independent sponsors or companies that offer support through tax write-offs. Building relationships with local businesses and corporate sponsors could have provided additional funding and opportunities to support more students. These collaborations not only help sustain programs but also create a broader impact within the community by ensuring that every child has access to the arts, regardless of their circumstances.

Knowing about these resources sooner would have allowed me to better support the kids I work with, offering them safe, enriching spaces to grow both in school and at home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rolleproject.org
• Instagram: tyrell2lit & @305dancestudio
• Facebook: tyrellRolle
• Linkedin: tyrellrolle
• Twitter: tyrellrockstarr
• Youtube: tyrellrolle

Image Credits

shaquida vergo
Andrew Mays