We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Richae Hassell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Richae below.

Alright, Richae thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I began choreographing professionally at the age of 12. I began teaching dance at the age of 17 to underprivileged youth. During my sophomore year in college my mom, sister and I opened Rhythm & Revue Dance Theatre. That was 8 years ago.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Rhythm and Revue Dance theatre is a theatrical ballet program that encourages the youth’s creative exploration within the arts through technical dance training. Rhythm & Revue serves Madison, TN and surrounding areas. We provide young girls and guys with a safe, healthy and creative environment where they can express themselves through the art of dance. Our goal is to Inspire and help every student reach new heights.

We are most proud of the growth of our program and the love that our staff has for the children. Together our dance family have created a loving, family oriented environment for our kids to be creative in. We dance, we act, we perform, we tell stories that relate to everyone.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

It is not easy being not only a small business, but also black owned and female owned. Each and everyday our program faces adversity. There is a need for more financial support for youth in the arts. Ever since we opened our studio doors we have struggled with rent, locking in venues to host our annual productions, and funding dedicated students whose parents are struggling to afford dance. We let the joy of what we do, the outcome of that big event we worked so hard to put on, and the smiles on the kids faces outweigh the stress. Everyday we worry about how we’re going to fund another month in our space. Our resilience and most importantly our prayers is what keeps us pushing forward.

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

Our goal is to prepare our kids in their future performing art endeavors. However, not limited to just the performing arts world. Dance and Theatre teach discipline. I often play the quote, “Preparation plus opportunity equals success.” The goal is prepare our students so that once that opportunity presents itself they are truly happy and proud of what they do. Our building is only a seed.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rrdancetheatre.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rrdancetheatre?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Image Credits
Shot by Alisha Frierson