We recently connected with Carmilla Bobmanuel and have shared our conversation below.

Carmilla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission is focused on the Growth and
Performance of our dancers.
Mission:

At HOMD we strive, to provide a culturally diverse, professional dance, and theatre education in a safe, non-judgmental space at an affordable rate. Our aim is to bridge the economical gap in fine arts and provide a family-like atmosphere that builds confidence, self-esteem, and encourages our students to get to know each other. We strongly believe in contributing to Minnesota in a positive healthy way by giving back to the community free dance fitness lessons for every fitness lesson purchased.

Vision:

Our vision is to become the largest culturally diverse dance and theatre company in the world, uniting all nations under one roof in Minnesota and educating our communities with natural inclusion. We believe that by normalizing ethnic diversity in the arts, we can solve the problem of diversity and inclusion within our community.

**The Story Behind My Mission**

Growing up as an African American girl in Minnesota’s dance and theatre community was more challenging than most people realize. For 99% of Black dancers, finding a place on stage—especially front and center—was rare. But I was determined to be part of the 1% that broke through. From a young age, I made it my mission to become undeniable. I pushed myself to master every style, perfect every movement, and bring my best to every performance. My drive wasn’t just about being good—it was about making it impossible for anyone to overlook my talent and dedication. I was blessed to have teachers who supported me, encouraged me, and gave me the freedom to be creative. Ironically, the only person who ever tried to hold me back was another Black woman—but that only strengthened my resolve.

At 15, I discovered my true calling as a choreographer when I was asked to create two pieces for our annual recital. Standing in front of my peers, I knew I had found my place. I built a name for myself in the community by staying fearless and adaptable. I knew early on that I wanted to create a space where all kids—Black, White, Asian, Mexican, African, Native American, Indian—could experience the same support and opportunity I had. I opened House of Modern Dance to give every child a chance to feel seen and valued, to learn from each other’s cultures, and to grow together in a non-judgmental, creative environment. Watching my dream come to life and seeing the impact on my students fills me with gratitude beyond measure.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Carmilla Peterson Bobmanuel, the founder and Artistic Director of House of Modern Dance (HOMD) and House Of Theatre, and dance has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Growing up as an African American girl in Minnesota’s dance and theatre community wasn’t easy—opportunities for Black dancers were limited, and racial disparities were hard to ignore. But I was determined to stand out and be undeniable. From a young age, I committed myself to mastering every dance style, developing my skills, and staying adaptable. At 15, I discovered my gift for choreography when I was asked to create two pieces for our annual recital. Standing in front of my peers and leading them with confidence, I knew I had found my purpose.

I founded House of Modern Dance and House Of Theatre to create the kind of inclusive, supportive environment I wished existed when I was growing up. At HOMD, we provide culturally diverse, professional dance and theatre education in a safe, non-judgmental space at an affordable rate. We offer a variety of classes, including ballet, hip-hop, modern, and theatre, giving students the opportunity to explore different styles while learning from each other’s cultures. We’re on a mission to bridge the economic gap in fine arts and build a family-like atmosphere where students gain confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.

What sets HOMD apart is our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We welcome students from all backgrounds and foster an environment where everyone feels seen and valued. We also give back to the community by offering free dance fitness lessons for every fitness class purchased—because I believe that success should be shared. I’m proud of the 98% retention rate we’ve achieved, which reflects the trust and loyalty of our students and their families. Seeing my students grow, thrive, and gain confidence on and off the stage is the most rewarding part of this journey. My goal is to continue expanding HOMD’s reach, building a space where creativity, diversity, and excellence are the standard.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, several books have had a significant impact on my management and entrepreneurial thinking:
“The Game of Life and How to Play It” by Florence Scovel Shinn** taught me the power of positive thinking, faith, and manifestation. Shinn’s message about aligning thoughts and actions with desired outcomes has guided me in building House of Modern Dance and House Of Theatre and overcoming challenges with confidence and strategic focus.

“The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene** sharpened my understanding of leadership and influence. Greene’s insights on strategy, negotiation, and human behavior have helped me navigate the business world with confidence. Learning how to balance authority and trust has been invaluable in managing both creative and business aspects of my dance company.

“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill** reinforced the importance of mindset and goal setting. Hill’s focus on persistence, visualization, and belief in oneself has shaped how I approach business growth and personal success. His lessons on developing a clear vision and working toward it with consistency have been key in driving my business forward.

These books have shaped my approach to business and leadership, helping me stay focused, motivated, and adaptable while growing my company.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the **”Big Fish in a Little Pond” mentality**—the belief that success is limited and that sharing knowledge or creative work would weaken my position. Growing up, I was taught to guard my talents and ideas because social media was new, and people were quick to copy others’ work. I was afraid that if I showcased my best choreography or creative ideas, competitors would steal them, leaving me at a disadvantage. This mindset held me back from fully expressing my creativity and reaching a larger audience.

Over time, I realized that there’s enough success for everyone. Competition isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity to raise the bar and inspire growth. I’ve learned that no one can replicate my unique vision, creativity, and execution. What I create comes from within, and while others may try to imitate, they can’t match the originality and authenticity of the source. Embracing abundance instead of scarcity has allowed me to confidently share my work, support others, and grow my business without fear.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.homdtheatre.com
• Instagram: @HOMD.HOT
• Facebook: @HOMD.HOT