Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarell Rochelle.
Hi Jarell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My professional dance career began when I was 16 years old at BBoy Hodown, my first major hip-hop dance event. It was everything—breaking battles, emcee’s trading bars, graffiti artists leaving their mark around the venue, DJs (Dj Jaze-Art Remote) spinning vinyl, and wisdom being dropped by some of the greatest dancers of the time; Boppin Andre, Akcy, Pharside, Press Play, 747, Moon, Pacman, Sifu and so many other Houston original poppers including myself. I was hooked. At first, I cared about one thing: battling. It was the rush, the energy, and the competition that fueled me. But over time, I began to see how every element of hip-hop—breaking, emceeing, DJing, graffiti, and the culture itself—was interconnected. That understanding didn’t come overnight, but now, in a position of leadership, I can’t deny how deeply those early experiences shaped everything I’ve done in my career thus far.
After years of competing, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to grow not only as a dancer but also as an artist educator. That’s what brought me to Sam Houston State University, where I majored in theatre and earned my B.F.A. in acting. During that time, I when wasn’t just focused on acting; I was in dance studios auditing classical forms—ballet, contemporary, and jazz—absorbing as much as I could. Watching Travis Wall use contemporary dance on So You Think You Can Dance- to tell deeply emotional stories inspired me to experiment with my own movement approach. That exploration led to something I didn’t even realize I was creating at first: my own style. I began blending popping and street dance with emotion-based storytelling, theater, and classical techniques. That’s how my style of Xpression was born—a way to channel emotions through movement using multiple styles. It became more than a style for me; it became a modality for healing and self-expression.
Eventually, that work paid off when I achieved one of my dreams: making it onto So You Think You Can Dance. That experience was a major milestone in my career and opened doors I never thought possible. From performing on national stages to acting in commercials for companies like Reliant Energy and Dell, I was able to share my art with wider audiences.) I also had opportunities to present my ideas on platforms like TEDx and PBS’s Blackademics, which helped me solidify my voice as both an artist, street dancer, and educator.
Today, I’m continuing that journey as an Associate Professor at Salem State University, where I direct the new Hip Hop program. My research focuses on using dance, particularly hip-hop, as a tool for healing, self-actualization, and community building. I want to create spaces where people can find their voices and work through life’s challenges through movement. Seeing the impact of this work has been incredible—from the more recently sold-out Hip Hop Symposium we just hosted to the excitement around my upcoming project, Xpress VIBE – which will be be its debute in Massachusetts.
Looking back, it’s wild to think how far I’ve come—from cyphers and battles to classrooms and stages. But to me, this journey has always been about more than personal success. It’s about honoring the culture that shaped me and creating spaces where others can find the same sense of belonging, purpose, and healing that hip hop has given me. Big things are popping, but I know this is just the beginning. I am just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—it’s been tough and hasn’t always been easy to navigate either. I think people sometimes have assumptions about what it takes to get to a place where you aren’t constantly replaying the same sad stories that once kept you low, depressed, devalued, or stuck feeling hopeless.
I’ve learned we as people like feeling comfort because it’s super easy to feel worthless (from a biological standpoint we hate change from an evolutionary perspective.) You do not have to try hard to be a crash out. It has never been easier to go on autopilot because you are just going with “the flow” as they say
But to change directions, you have to get HARD. Ive equally learned easy does not always mean BEST though and turning that corner every day…
…IT ISN’T EASY AND IT’S A DAILY PROCESS/FIGHT! Eating well, the discipline of the mind body, and soul, prayers, and moments of solitude with just you and your pain or Yeshua – reflection on wins, losses shortcomings, and areas of growth. The truth is, that moving past all that takes a lot of inner work and a willingness to grow, but even when you do, new challenges can surface in unexpected ways.
These days, I find it harder to connect even though I am connected. Call it something in the air or the nature of the industry-academic, artistic, or otherwise—but it’s draining when everything feels like a competition. It’s like there’s this unspoken measuring stick where people constantly gauge their success against yours, turning it into a pissing contest; as if worth is quantifiable in such a fickle measure as subjectivity in dance, art, or academia. To me, that’s no way to live. It’s a miserable existence, and I’ve learned that as my responsibilities and influence grow, it becomes an even bigger problem with other people.
The ironic part, though, is that I’ve realized this isn’t necessarily my problem to solve. I do not operate from a place of using power or influence as a tool to control, persuade, or manipulate others (as much as I can.) My focus is simple: to do my best and leave everything I have in the work and become an excellent collaborator with others. And yet, that mindset makes it harder to connect with others who define themselves by what they do. For me, what I do isn’t my identity—I know my relevance and value in this world exist regardless of my job, occupation, or title (Please understand it doesn’t make these things trivial in value but just that it’s not my world or life.) That attitude gives me a sense of freedom that most don’t seem to operate from, and honestly, it’s a freedom that doesn’t always sit well with others. I can’t be defined because who I am is constantly growing, changing, and evolving; this is just the Jarell you are seeing right now – who knows what I’ll be in five years, but I’m counting that I’ll be a more refined version of myself if I continue in this way.
At this point – I’m not desperate. I do not have a dangling carrot motivating me to keep running at full speed. As the saying goes, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” That is just not how I move, think, or am anymore. I want to win for my family for the sake of my people, the communities I represent, the schools, and the culture I love. I stay focused on my purpose and my work with my family and community, which, ironically, makes navigating certain spaces even lonelier due to values.
I’d rather walk that path authentically than trade my values to fit into a system I do not believe in. I have found people who think like me along the way. So, I have been connecting, but not as deeply as I desire.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in using hip-hop as a transformative tool to address mental health challenges, particularly in underserved communities. My work revolves around *Xpression*, a pedagogy I developed that channels emotions (primary emotions Paul Eckman) through hip-hop movement/culture to provide a safe, accessible, and cost-effective form of emotional and mental health support. What sets me apart is my ability to fuse the cultural richness of street dance with solutions to deeply rooted social and emotional equity issues. I’m most proud of how this work not only uplifts individuals but also amplifies the global impact of hip-hop as a language and tool for healing one’s self.
AND I AM THE CREATOR. Yes- that still blows my mind admittedly, because I never thought I would be here in a million years meaning, I was able to give back to Hip Hop, and that’s what I hope to do as a student of this global phenomenon.
Recently, I’ve had the privilege of presenting my research at my home University, Salem State, and other universities along the East Coast/south while also reaching young people through the public library system. This is incredibly exciting for me because it goes beyond theory—it’s about making a tangible difference in spaces where access to mental health tools is often limited or misunderstood. The purpose of my research has always been about disrupting barriers to access; to get the help into the hands of the people who need it most.
At a recent panel at Salem State, someone asked why I chose to take my research in this direction. The answer was simple: access. Too many folks, especially those in the street dance communities, lack opportunities to explore treatments for depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges we’ve experienced. This isn’t just a healthcare issue—it’s a social justice issue. Consider this as well: only 4% of psychologists in the United States are Black, and an even smaller percentage of them are Black males… When you combine that with the fact that therapy in Black and Brown communities is often stigmatized or inaccessible, it’s clear why so many people are either underserved or misunderstood in the context of the field.
Cultural understanding in therapy isn’t just helpful; it’s essential to heal. Cultural competency is being SEEN for who you are and what you could become. Plainly put, it’s hard to open up to someone who doesn’t understand your lived experiences, your language, or the troupes you constantly navigate daily being black or ethnic. That’s where a disconnect often happens in traditional mental health systems, turning people away or off from treatment altogether. Add in the reality that dance therapy—a proven intervention for reducing symptoms of depression and improving cognitive function—is largely dependent on having insurance, and the barriers just keep piling up after that.
That’s why *Xpression* is so important. It’s not just a solution—it’s a bridge. By rooting this pedagogy in the universal culture of hip-hop, I’m creating something that transcends traditional barriers. Hip-hop is already a global language; it’s how many people, especially young people, make sense of the world. By tapping into that, *Xpression* provides an inclusive, culturally relevant, and cost-effective way to address the mental health needs of black and brown babies first, then everyone else.
The beauty of this work is in its simplicity and its reach. The problem is clear: mental health systems often fail Black and Brown communities within the street dance space or never even get close to the community. But the solution lies in meeting people where they are—using a culture they already know and love to create healing spaces. This year I plan to release a training program for practitioners who want to become certified as well! Ultimately I know with *Xpression*, we’re not just addressing the gaps in care; we’re building a system that reflects the diversity, resilience, and creativity of the communities it serves. That’s why I’m so excited to keep growing this work—not just for the impact it’s having today but for the way it’s shaping how we view mental health and equity through the lens of hip-hop. IT’S THE NEW WAVE…Well, new to y’all… I’ve been at this since 2015 faithfully; now the world is finally ready to embrace it!
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is Yeshua HaMashiach, the Savior of this universe. I can’t think of anyone greater, yet so present, who has impacted my life more than the presence of God. He is so, so good.
To be transparent, this work I’ve been doing—whether in hip-hop, dance, or mental health—has roots in my own journey of healing. The biggest part of that healing was my faith in God. I used to carry depression, low self-confidence, and a false bravado that I clung to as a shield. One day, though, I had a real encounter with the true and living God. He spoke to my heart and said, “You know none of those things define you, right? If you lay them down and submit them to Me, I’ll transform them into tools for your life—not as your identity, but as instruments to lead others into My divine light.” That moment shifted everything for me. I gained freedom because my identity no longer depended on achievements, titles, or the validation of others. It became rooted in who I am to Him. In all of my weaknesses – obvious deficiencies – and strange peculiar ways – He loves me and YOU reading this and He died so that all of us could live and abundantly at that.
That realization changed how I approach life. Don’t get me wrong—I still aim for excellence in everything I do. I give my all as I find it hard to compartmentalize greatness and I WILL DESTROY IT. But I’ve learned that when your value is tied to fleeting things—a role, a lead, a battle, a position, recognition, or the praise of others—it only feels good…
until it doesn’t…
And what happens when you lose those things? Do you lose yourself? No, not if your foundation is in Christ.
Scripture says, “Whoever saves his life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” That truth is my anchor. My world, my identity, my purpose—they’re all to be found in Him. And because of that, they can never be taken away. It’s an unshakable, immovable foundation.
So if people ask, “How do you do it? What drives you? How did you pull that off?” My answer is simple: It’s God, blame me for the bad but the GOOD- JESUS. Whether someone chooses to acknowledge that is up to them, but I’m here to say there is no other name above all names. His love is everything to me. It’s the reason I continue to create, serve, and pour into my family, my community, and this work. That love has changed my life, and I hope everything I do reflects that love in the world.
Pricing:
- Gold Member: Bi weekly coach (3 month min) $195.00/monthly
- Silver Member: Weekly coaching (3 month minimum) $395/monthly
- Platinum Member: Weekly coaching call – Community Zoom Call (6 month min) $795/monthly
- This is basically for people who are looking to unlock their purpose and life paths through mentorship and coaching!
- Email about performing rates: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jarellrochelle
- Facebook: @jarell.rochelle
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-f-a-jarell-rochelle-54028514a/
- Twitter: @jarellrochelle
- Youtube: @jarellrochelle1
Image Credits
Marice Stallworth- MLK statue, The fight the fame green photo
Anthony Castro- tan suit photo- raccoon hat- Xpress VIBE shirt photo
Jessie Mcarthur-Green hat outside
Katoe Ngyuen- People outside of building photo