We recently connected with Janai Allen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Janai, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Growing up in Queens, NY, I navigated a landscape where opportunities for young artists were scarce, and the support needed to nurture our dreams was often lacking. I encountered numerous teachers using harsh words and raised voices, aiming to make examples but leaving us feeling disheartened and disempowered. These experiences shaped my journey and ignited a deep-seated desire to create something transformative—a space where young artists could thrive both creatively and personally.

From a young age, I felt a calling to make a positive impact—to create a safe haven where young artists could blossom and develop their talents amid encouragement and support. I recognized that an artist’s journey encompasses far more than just skills—it delves into the realms of mental and emotional well-being, shaping us as individuals first and foremost.

This discovery led to the birth of Movement With Purpose, a company dedicated to meeting students where they are and infusing the arts with social-emotional learning concepts. The goal was clear—to provide inner-city youth with a vital outlet for expression and growth, addressing their desired needs.

Rare Diamonds And Gems Dance Company emerged from my company, Movement With Purpose, as my heartfelt desire to cultivate a supportive environment where young artists could explore their identities and receive the guidance they needed to thrive. RDG goes beyond dance technique; it offers a comprehensive suite of support services, from resume building and yearly headshots to workshops on mental and physical well-being and portfolio development. It also informs our young artist of opportunities, conferences, and events to enhance their career and achievements.

The foundation of these companies was rooted in the values of sisterhood and brotherhood, embodying the camaraderie and support that I longed for during my journey as an artist. The mission was clear: to equip pre-professional dancers with the tools they needed to succeed and foster a community where love and support were abundant.

We created a nurturing environment where our company dancers could thrive by assembling a remarkable team of teachers and leaders who shared this mission and vision. Our model is simple yet profound: “Shine bright like the diamond you are, always Move With Purpose.” We believe in empowering each individual to reach their fullest potential, both on and off the stage.

This belief drives me forward and propels us to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of young artists and empowering them to shine brightly as they journey forward.

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

Janai Allen’s journey into the world of dance and arts began at a young age in Queens, NY. Growing up in an inner-city environment with her parents and brother, Janai discovered her passion for dance at the age of five when she started taking classes at a small local dance studio.

Despite falling in love with dance and its ability to serve as a hidden language for self-expression, Janai struggled to find a supportive and nurturing environment within the arts. She recognized that dance provided her a unique platform to convey her thoughts and emotions without uttering a word, empowering her to create stories and convey expressions through movement.

Her quest for a safe and encouraging space to explore her talent led her to try different studios and programs, but the search seemed impossible. However, upon entering High School, Janai’s path took a significant turn when she was accepted into the Humanities And Arts school despite its limited resources due to low funding. Here, she joined the school’s esteemed dance and gymnastics teams, known for nurturing young talent. Her dance teacher, recognizing Janai’s potential, became a mentor, guiding her toward new achievements and higher limits.

The turning point in Janai’s journey came when her dance teacher took her and a select group of elite dancers on a field trip to the Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan. This experience opened her eyes to the vast possibilities and potential within the dance world, fueling her dedication to strive for more than her origins and skincolor.

Janai’s training journey included learning from renowned choreographers in the New York area and her experience in training and competing, where she garnered several awards and accolades. Her first taste of choreographing and directing came as the Artistic Director for the ZMK Dance Company’s halftime show at Madison Square Garden during a NY Liberty WNBA game. This experience further ignited her passion for the creative aspects of dance.

Driven by her desire to empower young dancers and foster a positive learning environment, Janai pursued a degree in business, combining her artistic skills with a solid foundation in management and leadership. Her teaching experiences across various schools and studios allowed her to refine her craft and impact the lives of countless students.

Among her many achievements, Janai considers her relocation to Fort Worth, TX, with her husband and two beautiful kids ,while establishing Movement With Purpose Creative Arts her most significant milestones. In just six years, her program has touched the lives of hundreds of children across 20 school sites, leading to the creation of two additional divisions: Rare Diamonds Dance Company and RDG Praise Dance Ministry, both recognized for their excellence and several award-winning.

Janai’s guiding motto, “empowering our youth one step at a time while shining like the diamond you are,” epitomizes her unwavering commitment to uplifting young minds and shaping the future of dance and arts education.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The primary sources of building new young artists in my studio, Rare Diamonds And Gems Dance Company, are our mother company, Movement With Purpose (MWP), and word of mouth. Many of our Elite dancers have been with us for years, starting their journey at one of our school site locations under the umbrella of MWP. For those who didn’t start with us at our sites, word of mouth plays a significant role, with others sharing their positive experiences and testimonials about our company. Additionally, social media serves as a platform to showcase our offerings and attract new talent.

One of the key factors that attract parents and young artists to our company is our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We take pride in offering a welcoming and supportive space for a diverse group of young artists, creating environments where they can thrive and express themselves freely. This representation resonates with parents and artists alike, drawing them to our studio and contributing to our growth and success.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Growing up in Queens, New York, I learned early on the value of hard work and self-reliance. It was common to face challenges alone and to rely solely on my own determination and capabilities. Trusting others didn’t come easily, and I often found myself navigating hardships independently.

However, my perspective shifted when I began building my business in Fort Worth. I realized that trying to build alone was much more challenging compared to collaborating and partnering with others. The power of teamwork became apparent as it allowed us to reach a broader audience and execute projects on a larger scale.

The key lesson I learned was not just about teaming up with anyone but finding the right people who share the same values and mission. Collaborating with individuals whose strengths complemented my weaknesses, and vice versa, created invaluable synergy and added tremendous value to our endeavors.

Breaking down the barriers of understanding and opening up to collaboration led to the creation of amazing projects, events, and opportunities. This realization has been one of the most significant factors contributing to my success thus far.

Contact Info:

• Website: rdgdancecompany.com
• Instagram: rdgdancecoomp and wearemovementwithpurpose
• Facebook: RareDiamonds And Gems And Movement With Purpose
• Youtube: Rare Diamonds And Gems Dance Company & Movement With Purpose

Image Credits
media by moss