We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Martel Rudd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Martel , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Growing up I’ve always wanted to be a performing artist. Dance has always been a natural talent and passion of mine. Leaving my hometown to embark on this journey of turning my passion into a full time career was faith lead. I had no training or studio experience but I knew I had the talent so I leaped. I’m so glad I did. After many auditions, countless of nos, a few yes’s, and booking gigs here or there or once a year, I finally got that one big yes that opened many doors. After 7 years of the journey, I finally booked an audition that would make me a full time Performing Artist. For the past 2 years I’ve been living in Las Vegas working on the strip at Wynn Resorsts as a original cast member of Awakening. The creation process for this show has taught me so much about the Industry and myself as a creator and artist. I was able to work under icons in the industry like Mandy Moore, Michael Curry, Phillip Chbebb, Nolan Padilla, Konkrete, and many more. I also get to perform side by side with some of the best talent in the industry. I’m very grateful for listening to those whispers back in 2014 and taking that leap from Chicago to Los Angeles. 10 years later, I can now support me and my family off my pure talent.

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 just a kid from the West Suburbs of Chicago who loves to dance. Never knew it could be a full time career. Growing up I wasn’t able to hone in on my passion for dance. I voiced my aspirations but sports was the route I was influenced to take. I played football, ran track and did gymnastics but really all I wanted to do was dance and act. As I entered college at, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, I joined a dance team called Fatal Fusuon and this was my first time being a part of a dance community, performing in front of mass crowds and traveling and competing. Eventually i went on and held a captain position and vice president position in Fatal Fusion.

After graduating college in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio-Television, I thought I was going to land a job as a Radio Jockey or Tv Anchor/Reporter. At this time, I still didn’t think a full time career for dance was possible and my parents weren’t so fond of that idea. I worked a corporate job for 2 years upon graduating and worked part time for Chicago’s number 1 country station US99.5. Even being employed straight out if college and doing somewhat of what I went to school for, I was still not satisfied. In 2015, I quit my jobs and packed my car to head west. I didn’t know anyone besides my brother but our relationship only existed over the phone. When I landed in Los Angeles , all I had was my clothes in my car and a couch to sleep on. I had no guidance but knew I was out there for a reason. At first I was auditioning for any and everything. Later I realized I was wasting my time and needed to focus on my craft more than just getting booked with no experience. I then began taking classes at the age of 24/25, and then realized the dance is over saturated and there are so many talented artists. I started to sike myself out and then focused on working to pay bills and survive in LA. Unfortunately working and surviving became more of a need in la than honing in on my talent. Which pulled me away from the industry and I couldn’t train or audition like I wanted to.

Fortunately I was still able to network and landed a full time career as a property manager while I was in LA. This job gave me more flexibility which gave me another opportunity to enter the entertainment industry again. Once I did I started booking gigs like live shows, music videos, BET awards and then eventually led me to a full time dancing career at Awakening in Las Vegas at Wynn Resorts.

I am now blessed to work full time as a performing artist as well as manage properties. This journey has opened so many doors, fast forward to 2024, I’m now studying to become a realtor for California and Arizona and in the process of starting a non profit for young creators called Young Creatives Association.

The Young Creative Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the talents and capabilities of young individuals with a creative flair. Our mission is to empower the younger generation by offering various avenues, expert mentors, and necessary resources to bring their creative ideas to life. Through our efforts, we aim to assist young artists in discovering their sense of purpose and connecting them with like-minded individuals who share a passion for art. By fostering collaborations and providing opportunities, YCA strives to guide young artists in honing their unique artistic style and turning their aspirations into tangible achievements.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to provide an outlet for young creatives to unleash their potential. Many youth like myself did not and still do not have outlets or regular opportunities to express their artistic talents and skills. There are always outlets and centers for adolescents to train in athletics but it’s rare to find outlets for the young artist. I want to provide that outlet.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that as an artist you get to emote and move people with your creative emotions.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Marteldante_