Meet T’yundra Harris | Professional Model & Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with T’yundra Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi T’yundra, what do you attribute your success to?
What is most responsible for my success is ME! The accountability that I take, the responsibility that I take and the networking and professionalism I put towards my success and brand. To achieve the things that are most important to me I must assume 100% responsibility for my life. Nothing less will do. I’ve learned that taking personal responsibility is essential for achieving success and living a fulfilling life. By owning your actions and decisions, you gain confidence, purpose, and accountability. So, I had to choose to take charge of my own life and start working towards my goals because no one was going to do it for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my journey as a poet in seventh and eighth grade, even getting published in a book for young poets encouraged by my writing teacher. However, as time went on, I felt my passion wane and sought a new purpose. I joined the award-winning Sweat Dance Movement, known as the Dallas Dazzlers, where I danced for four years before continuing my journey with the Desoto Eaglettes in high school. Upon graduating, I pursued dance at Texas Southern University, first as a Tiger Sensation for the basketball team, then as a member of The Motion Of The Ocean Auxiliary Dance Team. During my senior year of college, I took a break to explore my love for modeling. Despite living in Houston, I traveled to Dallas to join Dallas Society, launching my modeling career. Over the past year and three months with Dallas Society, I’ve participated in over 20 fashion shows and worked with renowned designers like Stephen Goudeau, Indie Fashion, Affrima, Davvid Torrey, and George Killingsworth. Balancing both modeling and dance, I took heel classes and joined the Fullfheeling Heel Dance Company to enhance my skills. To manage both careers effectively, I dedicate my winters and springs to modeling and summers and falls to dance, prioritizing what’s most impactful at any given time and maintaining a detailed calendar to avoid double booking. Now, as a WNBA Pro Dancer for the Dallas Wings, I continue to pursue my modeling career with the J3 Production management team. Welcome to 2024, and it’s only March!

What distinguishes me from others is my strong work ethic, confidence, integrity, kindness, and tenacity. I carve out my own path and embrace independence in everything I do, which is evident in my actions. I take great pride in my inner strength and the unwavering dedication I’ve shown in reaching my current position and continuing to progress in my career. Why? Because I once grappled with weakness, lack of motivation, indecision, and uncertainty about my purpose. Being in that state didn’t align with my sense of worth or fulfillment. I had to acknowledge my desire for personal growth and strength in all aspects of my life, and so I did. Despite moments of doubt, I persevered, leading me to accomplish various roles I once deemed unattainable. I’ve danced for notable figures like Kennedy Davenport, Erica Banks, David Coast, Jai Humble, and many others, and now, I’m making waves in the modeling industry.

My professional journey has been guided by prioritizing my faith, networking, maintaining a positive attitude, and being personable. Was it simple? No, I tackled life’s obstacles by refusing to settle for others’ expectations and believing in my abilities. By keeping God first and pursuing my passions—dance, modeling, happiness, and financial stability—I’ve achieved my goals. My late cousin Jada, a cherished inspiration, ignited my passion for dance through her joyous pursuit of the art. Attending her dance competition led me to discover Sweat Dance Movement, the perfect fit for me, where I danced with the Dallas Dazzlers and now with the WNBA Dallas Wings Flight Crew Dance Team. As for modeling, Beyoncé served as more than a dance entertainer; her poise, grace, and beauty inspired me to pursue modeling. Leveraging my natural presence and walk, I transitioned from contemplating modeling to establishing a successful career. Over 12 years, I’ve progressed from aspiring to model to working with renowned designers, coaching aspiring models, hosting workshops, and earning compensation for fashion shows and photoshoots.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons: to disregard others’ opinions of me and not fret over uncontrollable matters. I’ve realized the importance of living authentically, not fixating on material possessions or individuals who don’t align with my path. Saying no is acceptable, and I’ve come to understand that pain is fleeting while happiness endures. Moreover, I’ve grasped the concept that nothing in life is free—achieving one’s desires requires hard work and consistently presenting one’s best self. Success often follows failure, and continuous learning is crucial. Collaboration yields greater results than solitary efforts. The significance of health and family cannot be overstated, and there’s always more to explore beyond the confines of a screen.

I want the world to know that I earned a degree in Administration of Justice with a minor in Psychology from The Texas Southern University. As a freshman, I proudly represented the School of Public Affairs as Miss PAB. I also worked with Turnup TXSU to generate income for my education by promoting college events. Simultaneously, I worked as a bottle girl to support myself financially while pursuing my dance career during my freshman and sophomore years. By my junior year, I dedicated myself to the Big Sister Little Sister Mentor Leadership group on campus. Despite personal hardships, including the loss of loved ones, I persisted and graduated successfully. In my senior year, I chose to prioritize self-care by stepping back from dance and campus organizations. Despite experiencing deep depression, I am grateful to have emerged with improved mental well-being. After graduating, I took on the role of president at the nonprofit organization “J.A.D.A,” founded in 2023 in memory of my late cousin, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver. Our mission is to empower young girls passionate about dance by providing support, opportunities, and promoting safe driving. In the summer of 2024, J.A.D.A will host the “Move Like Jada” summer dance camp with special guests. Please support, share, and donate to J.A.D.A on Instagram, Just A Dancing Angel on Facebook, and visit our website at www.justadancingangel.org. In addition to achieving this goal, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as the assistant dance coach for my childhood dance team, the “Dallas Dazzlers,” all while conducting my own model workshop classes.

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.
Apart from my high school years, I’ve only resided in Dallas, Texas for one year as an adult. Thus far, my favorite spots include Main Event, Andretti, Shell Shack, Torchy’s, Zalat Pizza, Rolled Ice Cream in Arlington, Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe, Pappadeaux for food and drinks, and the movie theaters. Although I haven’t had the chance to try Top Golf yet, I’ve heard it’s a must-visit. I plan to experience it soon, and I highly recommend you do the same.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to extend my shoutout to absolutely everyone, without exception. To my supporters, family, and friends, each of you has played a significant role in my life. Thank you all.

Instagram: Theeylovety_

Facebook: Tyundra Harris

Other: Email: tyundraharris59.th@gmail.com

Image Credits
Melvin Bulock Jr – @Alistphotography James – @quinntemplate @fotoshutters