Meet Tamara Rochelle | Author & Dance Instructor

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

Hi Tamara, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a creative career simply because it’s what I am passionate about. Although, it is something that I believe I have a natural gift at. I absolutely still have to work hard.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well I am an author and a dance instructor. I believe what sets me apart from others is my work ethic, sincere heart and experience. I believe all are needed to grow and be the best at your craft. I am most proud of my newest book release. All of the books that I have published were to encourage someone else, but also to encourage myself at some point in my life. I got to where I am in the “author” world by doing a lot of research, working on building my brand authentically, and networking even when I was uncomfortable. No, it was not easy at all. Working on my craft was the easy part, but building a brand is not easy and I am still learning and growing.

As a dancer finding work or gigs can be hard. I didn’t start dancing at a young age like most dancers professionally. I started dancing at the church. As time passed by I was quickly given a role in my teenage years to lead a dance team. I surrounded myself and still do now around people who know more than me or have experience in a different style of dance. I am always working on learning new dance styles and expanding my dance skills. Through my natural talent, consistency and practicing different dance styles, I have found myself in dance spaces I never imagined I’d be. I held a dance event/performance at the Black Expo in El Paso, and I have taken some dance training classes with a handful of the best dance choreographers in the dance industry.

I overcame my challenges of being uncomfortable by just attending tons of dance events and events in general to meet new people. I attended many dance classes networking with talented individuals who were very encouraging. My husband and I moved to Dallas on faith believing that this is a place of opportunity, and so far we have been embraced by the people we’ve grown to know in such a short period of time living here.

I have learned that everything takes hard work if you want it to be something big and impactful. Whether it’s going to school, working a 9-5, or even starting your own business, it all takes hard work. I also have learned to embrace the gifts that I have been given. I believe I have God-given talents and should share them with the world. Whether that’s through a book or through dance.

I am working on building my book brand more extensively, so that I can reach people on additional platforms. My books are currently available on Amazon, my website, and also Barnes & Noble. I also teach dance as an instructor at the William M. McDonald YMCA in Fort Worth, and I teach group and one-on-one private classes elsewhere, if you would like to take any classes. As far as furthering my career in dance, that is definitely a desire of mine. I am excited to see where the next few months take me in the remainder of this year, in my new residence, Dallas-Metroplex. This year for me is all about leveling up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmm that’s a good question. So I am fairly new still to the Dallas-Metroplex area. However, I would say Sunday we would start the week off right at church, my new home church, also known as Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church. Monday we would go for a nice walk at Lakeside park, and have a picnic. Then Tuesday Lisa’s kitchen, Wednesday Tokyo Joes, I am ordering the BBQ BANH MI bowl. Thursday we’re going to the Dallas Art Museum, Friday, the Range USA and Saturday The French Room for brunch. I know I listed a ton of restaurants. I’m new lol. I am still looking for some cool hang-out spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my husband for his support. He is my biggest cheerleader, he will literally do everything he can to make sure he is present to help me. He’s always there for every event I have. He celebrates my small and big wins. I also would like to say thank you to my parents. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without them both pouring into my life. They’ve instilled in me to work hard at anything that I do, and always told me to make sure that whatever I am doing is purposeful and impactful to society. Lastly, I would love to say thank you to my loving family. So I dedicate this shoutout to my husband, parents, and my family.

Website: tamararochelle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1doerofdreams/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneFearlessWoman/

Image Credits
@eyecreatreality