We had the good fortune of connecting with April May and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My business started with the concept of helping Street performing arts, musicians and dancers in the DFW area and grew from there. The concept started from me going to dance classes, concerts and hula hooping on the streets in Deep Ellum and I wanted to figure out a way to connect all the worlds. As I understand the importance of the studio (recording and dance), stage and touring industry, I feel that it’s still important to stay true to your authenticity and if that means you are only on the streets, I’m here for it. Ideally, I love being the person that helps an artist see their potential and help them grow into the next level, whatever that may be.

I am a member of the Deep Ellum Community Board, participate and help execute Community Events, such as Self-Care Sundays at the Deep Ellum Community Center and the Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair. I have also participated as a Street Performing Artist (Hula Hoop) in several Discover Deep Ellum Wine Walks, The Deep Ellum Block Party and you can also find me in the Plaza on Main Street as well as hanging in my daily hoop spot at the Musical Art Garden.

I am actively involved in the street dance community, helping Co-Create (Battlegrounds and Fresh 45s) with their vision. I work with and support several artists (all types) in the DFW area (listed on my website). In 2024, I completed a Deep Ellum Mural Dance Project, and was nominated for a Dallas Entertainment Award. Now, I am currently in the middle of a community project, Musical Art Garden Dance Project, where I am taking what I did during the Deep Ellum Mural Dance Project and highlighting the musician and local mural artist. It’s a passion project and it’s my way of bringing their art to life.

What should our readers know about your business?
Each year as a business owner, I’ve learned something new about myself, about the community, and about the arts and entertainment industry. I have been able to attend several amazing events, such as the The GRAMMYs, The Hollywood Independent Music Awards, The Dallas Entertainment Awards, and several other events representing the artists I have been helping as well as myself and my business. There have been a number of challenges continuing to redefine and mold my business into where it is today.

As an artist, I want to be able to practice my art as well as use what I know to help other artists. That balance can be extremely challenging but it’s an ongoing learning experience. I feel like I will never stop learning and growing and I look forward to seeing what this year holds.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Deep Ellum would be my first choice, obviously! Then we would spend the day in Bishop Arts and visit Dirt Flowers, as well as all the other lovely shops over there. The Stockyards in Fort Worth would be on my to-do list as well as Lower Greenville.

I would take them to some of my go to dance/meditation/Yoga studios: Live Arts Conservatory, The Movement Loft. PopStarz, V12 Yoga, Gaia Yoga for a Sound Bath, and Balance Being, where I discovered breathwork.

I would treat them to a concert, a local or national show. I can’t list out the venues but there are SOO many good ones in the DFW area and I support and go to a lot of them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been guided by so many people in the DFW area that I have highlighted in my journey here. I have credited all of them when I create, the musicians, dancers, mural artists, local businesses, friends, supporters, muses and all of the above. I have listed them individually during each and every project. I am constantly inspired by people that are around me, teaching me and motivating me.

Website: https://www.groovecitydallas.com

Instagram: AprilSky1489

Linkedin: AprilSky1489

Facebook: AprilSky1489

Youtube: AprilMayhula

Image Credits
Jen Stegall @alsoknownasjennn for Deep Ellum Arts Fair Stage Photo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.