We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deidra Terrell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Deidra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
I believe my parents brought balance. My mother (Ora)was spiritual and set rules and stood on them. My dad (Donald) was fun but he didn’t allow us to go against our mothers teachings. This type of parenting created a healthy balance and allows me to navigate the world of dance and mentorship with a sound mind and a loving heart. I can remember like yesterday watching them interact and parent me and my two sisters. It was such a beautiful experience being their child and eventhough my dad is no longer with us, We always reflect on the memories of his presence. Grateful to still have my mother here and she still brings me balance with her wisdom.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Innovation Dance Company of Memphis, TN began in a one-bedroom apartment in Frayser.
Looking around, I saw that there was a lack of activity for the young men and women.
I walked and drove around the neighborhood asking the parents if they would allow their children to be a part of this community dance and mentorship organization. 21 years later we are stronger than ever. I am so happy to say that I have added to my staff two former dancers of mine who’s names are Prince Ali and Kaylen Thomas.
Innovation Dance Company of Memphis, TN has participated in numerous events all over the Mid south including the southern heritage classic parade, The Midsouth Fair Dance competition, The Annual Memphis Juneteenth festival as well as the grand opening of the new Amazon Factory Frayser location, The Whitehaven, Beale street, and Frayser Christmas parades. We like to keep the youth busy because it keeps them safe, happy, and focused. We are excited because we now include college tours and theater visits to motivate them to expand their horizons.
This organization’s motto is promoting self-esteem, sisterhood, and brotherhood through the art of dance.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I remember so many people telling me that I should just let my dance company go. There were times when I almost listened to those nay sayers. Having a dance company is not easy. I can remember my team members being coerced and lured onto more popular teams and how it made the other team members feel. Inside I was crushed because I had built such a bond with those kids. Family and friends would notice that I was heavily affected by their absence but I had to keep going. I implemented a saying to the team and it goes “no matter what, Innovation will still go on”. That saying is still used today and this company is still going strong. I also teach my dance kids that “Not every person that gets in the car with you will reach the destination” I shared that wisdom with an up and coming dance team as well. At the end of the day, consistency is key and if you believe in it you must put in the work no matter how hard times get.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe what helped build my brand was daring to be different. Here at Innovation Dance Company of Memphis TN, we don’t follow trends, we set standards. My staff and I teach, guide, and mentor them so that they can succeed in whatever part of the dance world they decide to persue whether it’s gymnastics, lyrical, Jazz, pom, hip hop, or Broadway. Either way, every child deserves a fair chance at a quality dance education, and exposure.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/eforce12_4u?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnovationDanceofMemphisTn?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@innovationdancecompanyofme5786
- Other: We are always in need of things that will help us make their dance experience greater. To donate to this organization via Cashapp follow the information below https://cash.app/$2PAYIDC
Image Credits
Deidra Terrell, Saundra States, Shamya Johnson, Prince Ali, TyJier Terrell and Braylin Givens,