Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Prince Tate.
Hi Steven, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Being a kid raised in poverty, I was inspired by the colors of music, visual arts, and entertainment. I was a kid in the 90s influenced by TGIF sitcoms, MTV & BET, VH1’s Behind the Music, Saturday morning cartoons during the age of Popstars, and the making of music videos. These mediums made my heart beat fast and my eyes enlarge. I wanted to be a part of that world (pun intended). My first memory of being on stage is when I was a kindergartener. We danced as the 4 seasons. The second memory was when I was in elementary school and my P.E./Cheer Coach saw me dancing at a “Sock Hop”. She literally approached me and offered me a position on the squad. Being uncomfortable with myself, I was scared of being picked on more than I already was. She assured me that she had my back. From that first performance on the squad, the dance and creative bug bit HARD! LOL!
From practice, I would go home and do my homework while watching the latest music videos. I would ask my mom to buy me VHS so I could record the performances and learn the moves. I knew this, whatever this was, is what I wanted to be. I never knew of the word “choreographer” until my 7th-grade year. I never knew that you could get a job performing with and for artists and shows. I was on a journey of self-teaching and education. My first chance of choreographing was for the middle school cheer team at Sheffield High. They all asked me to make up the final moves for their Homecoming dance routine. Pulling everything that I knew, I went to work. The moment they hit the gym floor, I was so nervous with thoughts of the audience not approving my creation. At the end of the routine, the room was filled with cheers. All I could do was smile while the crowd didn’t know who the creator was.
From there, I went to college (Middle Tennessee State University) to study Theater and Dance. I wanted to know and get better and really experience this art. This journey. I have been blessed with opportunities to perform with various dance companies as well as present work for local and international music artists. I totally understand why people say that this is the road less traveled.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has had its moments of being smooth. Like everything in life, nothing is perfect. Nothing is forever, however, you must try and take in those moments and appreciate them for what, who, when, where, and why they are.
The one thing that I have and still hear to this day is the word NO. Not every opportunity or “gig” is for you.
Sometimes it’s not because of you “not” being creative enough, or whatever excuse. Sometimes it’s literally not for you. I have learned that some spaces can’t or aren’t ready for your greatness. I am still learning to be okay with that.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Choreographer, Dance Specialist, Teaching Artist, Creative Director, Movement Coach, and Dancer. I am known for my choreography as well as for teaching within the Memphis community. I am most proud of giving other dance artists, within the city, opportunities to dance behind local talents.
What sets me apart from others who are in my same field is how personable I am with all my students and clients.
It’s about the journey of finding your voice and acknowledging that it is ever-changing. I love the creative process.
That’s where the magic is.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was an active child with an active imagination. Everything creative, for me, revolved around being an Action Hero. I was the kid jumping off mattresses, and trees; everything was my playground. Oddly, I never got a broken bone or anything. *knock on wood*.
I loved and still do love the carton action series. I was a big fan of Power Rangers, X-Men, and anything that showcased extraordinary people. I might have gravitated to things like that because I felt or knew I was not “normal”. Also, because of being bullied a lot, I admired their strengths yet people still bulled them even if they saved the world.
I loved music too. Back in high school, I and my best friend and cousin formed a singing group. We wrote our own songs and would practice our harmonies over the phone.
I stopped dancing for a while and focused on sing by joining my school choir. Though I never auditioned for a team, I would still record videos and learn dance moves from the latest artists during that time. Dance never left my system.
I just took another course.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven.prince.tate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenprincetate
- Other: https://vimeo.com/stevenprincedances
