Today we’d like to introduce you to Tevita Williams-Dumas.
Hi Tevita, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I began to dance at the age of 2, although doctors had told my parents (when I was a baby) that I might not be able to walk because I did things out of order vs. the normal order that children progress, and he thought that walking would not interest me. Well, we all know that God knows best! My mom was my first dance teacher then she signed me up for classes with the late Dr. Gloria Venson (Deeta’s Dance School). There I met my next dance teacher (Carlton L. Johnson), who would eventually become my artistic director at River City Ballet Company. I continued dancing at Deeta’s until it closed after a tragedy with Dr. Venson’s daughter. After that, I began participating in community center programs. My mom taught classes there at a MS high school where I would often twirl with her majorettes. I studied with Pamela VanGilder at Memphis Children’s Theatre. Our company was Dance Theatre Express. That company allowed me to perform with Memphis Youth Concert Ballet (now known as Ballet Memphis). While studying ballet, I continued dancing in the Memphis Park Commission programs and as a majorette for Havenview M. S., then later for Whitehaven H. S. as a head majorette and featured twirler. I danced and twirled wherever there was a performance opportunity. I studied and trained with Janet Parke until entering college to become a dance major at Southern Methodist University (BFA 93). After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance degree from SMU, I returned to Memphis to work for the Park Commission as the East Zone Secretary and Summer Beale Street Show Artistic Director/Choreographer. From there, I found my former teacher, Carlton L. Johnson. He’d formed River City Ballet Company. I studied, trained, and performed with RCBC until Carlton’s health failed. However, while dancing with RCBC, one of the other company members was leaving RCBC and her other job at Rozelle Creative & Performing Arts Elementary School. She shared the information with me, and I decided to try it. Well, once again, God knows Best! I interviewed on 11/16/94 and began work on 11/17/94. I’ve been at Rozelle ever since and never left to say I had a bad day. This would lead me to my next journey of founding my dance studio and children’s dance company, River City Dance Company (in tribute to Carlton Johnson).
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My struggles began as a toddler when doctors told my parents that walking would be too simple for me since I did things out of order, so I could never walk. But God! There were times in college when I had to audition 3 times to get into the dance department. I was told to take more classes, so I did, and 3rd time was a charm. I was accepted into SMU academically but had to keep trying to get into the dance department. And once I did, Hallelujah! It was eye-opening and an experience that I wouldn’t trade. After college, I was determined to succeed and carry my weight. At one point, I had 4 jobs. Here’s the day: Rozelle CAPA Elem 8 am-3 pm; Secretary for the East Zone of Mphs Park Commission (3 pm-6 pm catching up on the day’s work; River City Ballet Company 6:30-8/8:30 pm; then home to eat, bathe and sleep; lastly, Fed Ex temp worker keying in air bills – it was 10:30 or 11 pm until 7 am). Well, needless to say, that schedule only lasted 3 weeks. I fell in love with Rozelle and continued dancing/performing and haven’t stopped.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
First and foremost, I walk by Faith and Work. This year, I am the Fine Arts/Dance Lead Teacher for Memphis Shelby County Schools in addition to the Dance Specialist for Rozelle Creative and Performing Arts Elementary School. I was given the opportunity for an additional position with the district after the former district lead became our principal at Rozelle. It’s a “win-win” situation. I accepted the position, saying I didn’t want to leave my babies at Rozelle. Therefore, I support other MSCS dance teachers and programs on Mondays and Tuesdays and teach Rozelle Repertory Dance Ensemble on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. I also serve as the Digital Learning Ambassador for Rozelle and Arts Integration Collaborative Teacher. So my days at MSCS and Rozelle are full, and I love it!
I’m also the founder/director of the T. L. Williams Academy of Dance in Whitehaven Plaza. I’ve had the studio since ’99-2000. I also founded our children’s dance company River City Dance Company, as a part of TLWAD. I’m known for teaching and inspiring students to reach their fullest potential. Yes, I’m an “old school teacher” who believes in the discipline of the arts and that it will help you in any career if you give 100% of what your best is. I try to help younger teachers/choreographers as much as possible because I always remember someone who helped me.
This question covers pretty much all of your drop-down menus. I’m most proud of my dancers, who share their stories with me. I have Professional stylists (to the stars Harrison Crite, look him up), Ailey II Apprentice members, nutritionists, nurses, educators, doctors, entrepreneurs, playwrights, and so many more careers that my Rozelle and TLWAD dancers have.
What’s next?
Well, 2 other business partners and I have created Whitehaven Arts Alliance. Myra Moses of MJ Unlimited (Theatrical Company), Lisa Thomas (Haven for Healing), and myself have come together to launch a Whitehaven-centered business to promote the arts with hopes of keeping children out of harm’s way. Suppose we can occupy their minds with something positive and academics and arts-centered. In that case, we may have the next Broadway star or Emmy/Oscar Award-winning person coming out of Whitehaven. Yes, I’m always into something for the kids. And In January, I will begin the Ed.D program at the University of Memphis to finish my doctoral degree. Pray for me.
Pricing:
- Studio classes begin at $52/month depending on the class/style
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tlwilliamsdance.com
- Instagram: @dancediva1913
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tevita.dumas
- Twitter: @dancediva1913
- Youtube: Tevita Williams-Dumas
Image Credits
JustinVision TLWAD Archives
