Chris 'Yung Chris' Thomas began dancing and entertaining the world at the young age of 7. By the time he was 11, Chris had features in commercials, news papers and television. During his teen years, he decided to pursue sports, but after college, he found his way back to his true love, dance. 

In 2007, Chris began traveling the world, teaching dance, and performing.  He instantly fell in
love with the road.  In 2011, Chris decided to relocate to Bangkok, Thailand as a dance instructor.  In Bangkok, he taught at an entertainment academy, worked with local pop stars, and also hosted
and performed at events around Southeast Asia.  After one year there, Chris brought his experience back to his hometown of Houston and started his company, Sonkiss'd Dance Theater.

By 2013, Chris had joined the ranks of the world famous Havikoro Crew. Five years later, he is still an active member of the crew and runs Sonkiss'd Dance Theater as artist director, leading the troupe on an amazing journey through dance and entertainment.  With Sonkiss'd Dance Theater,  Chris produces shows and productions across the nation.

When it comes to entertainment, Chris believes he can do anything.  His motto is, "God gave you a talent.  Use it.  That's your gift to the world."  With no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Chris is excited and ready for any challenge or opportunity that comes his way.

Watch or listen below to find out how Chris got started as well as his biggest challenges and tips!

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Regardless of the location of the stage – theater, studio, concert venue or even a football field – Kelley has left her mark. After being trained by some of the greatest names in dance at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, the Atlanta native has forged a career that spans all genres of dance and crosses multiple industries - from sports to advertising to entertainment and beyond.

Kelley’s list of accomplishments is extensive and audiences around the world have been entertained by her dance moves. Her choreography and mesmerizing performances have been featured by the Atlanta Falcons both in national commercials and during halftime entertainment. Other choreography credits include the Fugees’ European tour, Musiq Soulchild’s “Stir the Senses” tour, and Toni Braxton’s 2010 tour and television performances. Kelley danced with Beyonce Knowles in her video for “Get Me Bodied” and during her performance of the hugely popular “Single Ladies” during the 2009 MTV VMAs.

CiCi's work has also been performed on theatrical stages across the United States in a variety of shows including "The Wilson Pickett Project" and "The Satin Dolls: A Duke Ellington Review". She was selected by film director Jon Turtletaub to provide dance direction to award-winning actor Morgan Freeman during the filming of the blockbuster hit, "Last Vegas" as well as the film "BOLDEN" with Director Dan Pritzker.

CiCi has additional performance credits on stage and in music videos, including the video for LL Cool J’s “Control Yourself” featuring Jennifer Lopez, and Outkast’s video for “Ghetto Music.” Her choreography skills were also featured on MTV’s Emmy Award winning series, “MTV MADE,” as well as “MTV MADE Head-to-Head Hip Hop Challenge.”

Kelley has also stepped into her philanthropic shoes by helping up-and-coming young dancers start their careers off on the right foot with "The DARE DREAM DANCE Project," a C4 Atlanta fiscally sponsored initiative. Inclusive of the projects programming, Kelley provides unique commercial dance education training with a classical foundation, to develop world class artists who want to achieve success in the field of dance. She offers the Trifecta scholarship within the DARE DREAM DANCE framework to provide talented and highly ambitious young dancers the means with which to hone their craft and pursue their dreams in America’s three major dance centers: Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles.

Watch or listen below to find out how Cici got started, her career challenges, and her biggest tips!

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Sara Wilson began dance at the age of 2 in Plano, TX. She joined a competitive team at age 10 as she trained in ballet, jazz, and tap. She was on the back-to-back national champion team, Plano Dance Force, where she was ADTS regional solo winner and scholarship recipient, was named to the All-American Drill Team, and was one of 8 out of 500 to be named to the All-American Dance Company.

Sara received her BFA in Dance from UT Austin in 2002. During her time there, she was a 2 year member of the department’s modern dance company (serving as soloist the second year), was selected to perform with the internationally-touring David Rousseve Company, received an American Ballet Theater work/study scholarship, and was named to Dean’s List numerous semesters. During college, Sara also had the privilege to take classes from Holly Williams (Mark Morris Dance Co.), Lyn Wiltshire (The Wiz, Alvin Ailey), Christine Spizzo (American Ballet Theater), Kirk Peterson (American Ballet Theater), and Betsy Cooper (New York City Ballet) to name a few.

After graduating, Sara taught at studios in the Dallas area and choreographed a large part of the North Texas Youth Ballet’s “Nutcracker”. In 2003, Sara joined the American Drill Team School staff where she traveled all over the country teaching, judging, and choreographing. In 2004, Sara was the Junior Varsity drill team director at Akins High School in Austin, TX where she led the team to earn state champion in the military division.

In 2006, Sara finally found her way here to Houston where she was the drill team director at Houston ISD’s Lamar High School. During her 7 years at Lamar, Sara took the team from 11 dancers to over 80. Her team earned countless accolades and acknowledgements including two - time Alamo Bowl halftime performers, Houston Rockets pre-game performers, two-time Houston Texans halftime performers, numerous solo awards, a number of special judges’ awards, and three-time Team Overall Grand Champion. Some of Sara’s students have gone on to teach in studios, join HTE instructional and choreography staff, become Captain and President of UH Cougar Dolls as well as other collegiate teams, become Director of A&M Fade 2 Black Dance Company, and Houston Texans Cheerleaders.

In addition to teaching in the Houston area, Sara was a 2010-2011 Houston Aero Dynamics Dancer and a 2011 Houston Texans Cheerleader finalist. Currently, Sara is loving being a guest teacher for schools throughout the Houston area, being on staff at TopFlight Dance Center, and serving as a judge for Crowd Pleasers, in addition to being a mom to her two kids and wife to her incredible husband.

Check out her dance journey!

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Sole Talk just got upgraded!  We've cut right to the chase to give you the insight you really need in short, easy-to-watch episodes.  Up first, TWD founder, Shate' Edwards.

Shate' Edwards is a career director, writer, producer, and entrepreneur.  After college, she performed extensively throughout the U.S. and China, and her work has been commissioned by companies throughout the country.  Critics have called her "a talent to watch" and have described her movement as "alone worth the price of admission."

Shate' earned a MFA in dance and served for several years as a dance professor in the DFW area.  She's the author of The Freelance Dancer's Roadmap as well as articles in Dance Magazine, Dance Mogul Magazine, Dance! North Texas, and The Dance Advantage.  In addition to her work as a choreographer, producer, and dance educator, Shate' also founded The Working Dancer to educate aspiring and early career dancers about creating sustainable careers.

Check out her dance journey!

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Roger Lee is a performer, choreographer, and dance educator from Philadelphia.  He has a long list of impressive performance, leadership, and teaching credits including Joffrey Ballet School, Broadway Dance Center, and Temple University, just to name a few.  Through his company's programs, his articles for dance publications, motivational speaking, and more, Roger Lee is empowering artists to develop careers in a sustainable way.

In this episode of Sole Talk, Roger shares:

• How he was able to start his company while in grad school.
• The importance of building your own audience and platform.
• How leadership and other professional skills will take your dance career even further.
• Why being your most authentic self will help you in every area of your life.

Check out Roger's amazing career insight here!  

About Roger Lee

Roger Lee is the founding artistic director of Roger Lee Dance Company, an award-winning professional jazz dance company based in Philadelphia, PA. Since its 2012 debut, the company received over 50 media features, performed in concerts produced by Philadanco, WaWa Welcome America Festival, and the Democratic National Convention, and produced their own educational programs for K-12 schools, colleges, and universities and concert series for the community.

Roger served on the faculty of Drexel University's Close School of Entrepreneurship, Temple University's Dance Department, Eastern University's Dance Department, Joffrey Ballet School, Broadway Dance Center, Millennium Dance Complex, The Rock School for Dance Education, Koresh School of Dance, and Joan Myers Brown's Philadelphia School of Dance Arts where he was named her 2015 Teacher of the Year.

He also wrote articles for Dance Magazine, a column for The Dance Journal, and the e-books Creating Careers in the Arts and Overcoming Dance Fear. Roger earned his Master's Degree in Arts Administration from Drexel University, Bachelor's Degree in Dance and Media & Communication Studies from Ursinus College, and Diploma from Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. His work can beviewed online at rogerleearts.com

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Anthony Harris is a dancer and instructor from New Jersey.  He grew up a troubled youth, and was able to get back on track after he found dance.  He was the member of a urban dance company that afforded him the opportunity to perform on tour, in music videos, and more.  He and his father founded Dance Mogul Magazine, which is an awesome platform they use to empower dancers.

In this episode of Sole Talk, Anthony shares:

• Why you should use your gifts to elevate yourself.
• The importance of owning your own web presence apart from social media profiles. 
• The value of preparation and patience.
• How he started a dance magazine, and some of the obstacles he's faced along the way.
• The value of professional development in creating a sustainable career.

Check out Anthony's inspiring story here!

About Anthony Harris

The story of Anthony Harris starts off with a young troubled youth that could never seem to make the right decisions. The result of those actions caused him to get kicked out of schools constantly which finally caught up to him in his early years in high school. He was dismissed from his high school and forced to be home schooled due to bad behavior.

Even though Anthony’s dad was a dancer it never interested him.  However, after seeing the film "Breakin" , but while being home schooled Anthony had the opportunity to see the revolution street dance film “Breakin”, Anthony came to see dance as an outlet.  He was soon able to work his way back into school and dance his way to graduation. 

After high school Anthony transformed into a bright, ambitious, hard-working, committed, and goal oriented young man. One of his most praised accomplishments is his commitment to spreading the importance of arts and education and its benefits to young children. While expanding on his arts outreach program, he joined forces with four other young men to form the popular five member dance group, Envy, out of New Jersey.

Envy Dance Group specialized in a variety of street styles such as popping and locking. At this point, Anthony has been dancing for over 10 years. Some of his credits include the Grand Opening of Newark’s Prudential Arena, BET’s Spring Bling, Showtime at the Apollo Dance Competition, and more. 

In addition to these accomplishments, Anthony also instructs dance classes all over NJ.  He is committed to providing a positive alternative for urban youth every where.  Anthony believes that if he can do it, we all can do it.

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Sweft Washington is a first class solo dancer from Houston, TX.  He's a former Houston Comet's dancer, has taught and performed overseas, and has owned his owned dance company.  Sweft joins us on Sole Talk to discuss the lessons he's learned as a freelance dancer living in another country.

In this episode of Sole Talk, Sweft shares:

• The importance of being open and persistent when new opportunities arise.
• The value of asking for what you need discussing a new project offer.
• The importance of establishing a great work ethic and reputation in the business.
• The importance of asking other working dancers for advice when you're first getting started.

Check out Sweft's incredibly insightful story!

About Sweft

Sweft Washington is an American, entrepreneurial choreographer, artistic director, actor, model, martial artist and motivational figure.  Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Sweft started his professional career as a dancer for the Houston Rockets basketball organization in 2005 and 2006.

Over the years, Sweft built a stellar reputation as a motivational figure in the Houston community and started his own professional dance company in 2009.  Later, a modeling agency, personal fashion brand and a short film productions division was added to the company.  He’s been privileged to work with artist such as Beyonce (B.E.T. Soul Train Awards, 2013), Michael Jackson’s “This is it” dancer, Chris Grant and Beyonce’s Creative Director, Frank Gaston.

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Saurabh Bassi is a developer from India who has one of the most open and positive attitudes I've encountered in a while.  He is the founder of www.ATG.world, a social networking site that allows users to engage and connect based on their interests and background. Across-The-Globe.world, as the acronym represents, merges the professional focus of Linkedin with the personal nature of Facebook, and delivers content to your feed according to events and resources that matter most to you, instead of according to what the people around you are doing.

In this episode of Sole Talk, Saurabh shares:

• The importance of maintaining a positive attitude.
• The value of connecting with other professionals in your field.
• How setting goals, getting started, and staying committed helped him launch his online social network.
• The value of opening up to life.

Check out Saurabh's upbeat and inspiring story!

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Lloyd 'Tranquil' Thompson is a bboy from Bradford, England.  In addition to his role as a performer, he is also a teacher as well as the founder of Tranquil Productions, a production company that offers breaking and hip-hop entertainment and instruction.  He recently created Tranquil TV,  a Youtube channel that produces inspirational and breaking tutorials.

On this episode of Sole Talk, Lloyd shares:

• The importance of training hard throughout your entire journey.
• How hard work and preparation are sowing seeds for future opportunities.
• The value of having a positive attitude and environment.
• The importance of keeping your faith during your pursuit.

Check out Lloyd's wisdom and inspiring story!

About Lloyd 'Tranquil' Thompson:

Tranquil Productions began in 2004. Lloyd Thompson from Bradford, England is the Founder and current Director of the Company. He began dancing at his local church in the year 2000. What started as a hobby quickly became one of his main passions in life. After only two years of breakdancing, Lloyd Thompson, better known as Tranquil, began performing and teaching others this art form. By the age of 16, Tranquil had already performed at the Manchester Apollo Theatre in front of thousands. He was also part of a group of dancers who went to Bosnia, following the conflict, to try to help in the rebuilding of their community in Mostar.

With a wealth of experience, Lloyd Thompson began Tranquil Productions and started teaching in Bradford full time. He is recognized by Bradford Council and other established companies such as Kalasangam, Art works, Q20, Pro Kids and many more. His business grew, and now Tranquil teaches and performs all over the world. Miami and Boston in America, Croatia, Belgium, Paris, Belfast and Dublin in Europe are some of the locations he has worked in. In 2013 Tranquil also travelled to Japan and trained at OCAT station a famous Breakin Spot in Osaka with many other experienced and highly skilled dancers. One of Tranquil’s greatest working achievements has been performing for Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi in 2010.  

As well as expanding his business, Tranquil also competes regularly around the world. In 2008 he joined one of the best crews in the world: Flava Squad from the USA. Tranquil has won 10 different solo Bboy competitions. His greatest title is the Dirty 30’s European Open Age Champion 2011, which took place in Croatia. Tranquil is also part of Fireforce one of the top entertainment breakdance teams in the UK. Clean North is Tranquil’s hometown team, who’s members have a great deal of combined experience. There are many members of Clean North who also work for Tranquil Productions teaching, performing and dancing competitively all over the UK.

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Keith Clark, my recent guest on Sole Talk, is a long-time choreographer, instructor, and performer.  In fact, when I have the time to take classes, he's my "go to" instructor for authentic and quality instruction.  In addition to his work as a performance artist, having choreographed for Pro League dance teams and independent films, he is also a licensed massage therapist who sells natural aroma therapy products that he makes himself!

In this episode of Sole Talk, Keith shares:

• How stepping outside your comfort zone to explore new dance styles can open you up creatively.
• How he believes that dancers are trained to doubt themselves.
• Why dancers should take advantage of the mental, spiritual, and physical benefits of massage therapy.
• Why it's important to never forget who you are and what you stand for.

Check out how Keith keeps it real!

About Keith:

Born and raised in Gary, IN and a graduate of Purdue University, Keith has been instructing, performing and choreographing for 30 years.  His unique choreography has been performed in a
variety of events such as talent shows, fashion shows, dance showcases, citywide festivals, hair shows, professional sporting events, and a host of other events.  His blend of Old and New School Hip Hop, House, African, Jazz and Modern dance styles always leaves people guessing as to what he will do next.

At the age of 12, he was the choreographer of his own local dance group, Detrimental, which was a staple of entertainment throughout the community. During this time, he had the opportunity to perform and open for up and coming, nationally and internationally known Hip-Hop and R&B artists such as Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Queen Latifah, TLC, J.J Fad, N.W.A, Kid 'n Play, Phyllis Hyman, among others.

During his college years, Keith became a member of the Jahari Dance Troupe and shortly after graduation became their Artist in Residence. During this time, the Jahari Dance Troupe gained popularity as a "must see" whenever they were performing.

Keith has set choreography for The NBA’s Indiana Pacemates and Dallas Maverick
dancers, Arena Football League’s Dallas Desperados, the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, as well as the NFL's Dallas Cowboys Rhythm &Blue Dance Team. He toured with Tuaca’s Body Art Ball for two years as well as the Tour.  Keith also served as co-choreographer for
the Independent film, Bollywood Beats, and he was also featured in The Texas Mega Millions Lottery Campaign, St. Anthony’s Hospital commercials, and Albertson's Anniversary Sale commercials.

Other Professional Credits Include:
Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers -NFL
Dallas Theater Center "Colossal"
Albertson's Anniversary Sale Commercial
Dallas Theater Center "Stagger Lee" Workshop
Atlanta Dance Connection
8and1 Dance Company
"Symphony for the Dance Floor”- Artist DBR
Dallas DesperadosDancers- AFL
Independent Film “Bollywood Beats”
The Barney Live “Let’s Go” Tour
Tuaca Body Art Ball Tour- 2 seasons
Dallas Maverick Dancers, Indiana Pacemates-NBA
Indiana Fever-WNBA
Jahari Dance Troupe
Texas Mega-Millions Lottery Commercial
Brookhaven’s Dancers’ Theatre’
Soft Sheen Hair Products
St. Anthony’s Hospital Commercial
Phoenixdancetheatre
La’Hunter’s In Flight Dance Theatre

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Sway Buckley, dancer/choreographer, entrepreneur, and business coach, joins me on Sole Talk to share her impressive performance and business journey.  Sway's dance career has taken her across the globe through performance and workshop opportunities, and she also manages several thriving arts businesses.

In this episode, Sway shares:

• How a major injury during her first semester in her college dance program inspired her second business.
• The importance of being present during your current season in your journey.
• The importance of acknowledging the beauty within yourself, and how more work opportunities opened up for her once she did.
• How she's helping artists monetize their crafts through her Smart Artist Institute.

 Check out Sway's impressive story!

About Sway:

Sway Buckley is the CEO of Sway Creative Arts Staffing Firm, a professional dancer with New York-Based Footprints Dance Company and the Founder of the Smart Artist Institute. She holds a BFA in Contemporary Dance from Texas Christian University.

The Smart Artist Institute is a consulting firm that focuses on equipping Creatives with entrepreneurial tools to monetize their God-given craft. Through her Smart Artist programs she offers webinars, live-events and mentoring programs.

As a dancer, she has traveled the globe to dance and facilitate workshops in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In the States she has been a member of Steps Repertory Dance Ensemble (NY), Beckles Dancing Company (TX), Garland Summer Musicals (TX) and multiple off-broadway shows.

Sway also runs an annual girls dance camp where young girls are mentored by her in both dance, business and character principles.

She had been married to Otis Buckley, her college sweetheart, for seven years. They are the founders of Marriedpreneur Life (MarriedpreneurLife.com)- where they teach couples how to nurture their marriage while building their business together. 

Want first dibs on the next episodes of Sole Talk?  Click the button below to join the movement, and you'll get episodes delivered right to your inbox along with a FREE copy of my book, The Freelance Dancer's Roadmap!

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