Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Russell.
Hi Mariah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey as a dancer begin when I was seven years old at Ms. Cathy’s dance studio. Originally my mom signed me up for the recital team which meant I would not compete at competitions but simply take classes and at the end of the season perform in the Recital show. However, after taking my first class, Mrs. Cathy instantly told to my mom that she needed me to be a part of her competition team instead of starting out in recital. I remember being so young and not really knowing what was going on but I knew Mrs. Cathy saw something in me that no one else did so I wanted to take the chance. Who knew 15 years later I’d be dancing professionally and that dance would be one of my biggest passions thanks to my mother and everyone else who has supported me.
For high school, I attended Nashville School of the Arts majoring in dance. At this point, I was dancing almost 24/7 in school and after but I loved it so much that it never bothered me. I also knew that it would help me grow as a dancer and set me up for my future dancing career. While in the midst of going to school and competing competitively I was able to book my first professional dancing job at the age of 14. I continued competing for 11 years, dancing at Spotlite Dance Studio and finishing with my senior year at Dc Dance Factory.
After graduating high school, I had given myself two options, those being go to college or move to California to pursue my dreams in dancing. I took a leap on faith, trusted God and moved to California alone. Only 19 years old, with no clue in the world but I knew it was the best choice for me since I had dreamed of this day since I was a child. Months before moving I had been asked to audition for the tv show, So You Think You Can Dance which was extremely exciting for me. This was another very huge dream of mine. I said yes of course, booked my flight, auditioned and made it to the next round. The timing of when I moved to California was so perfect because the show was based in LA. After settling in, I immediately started taking a few dance classes, training as much as I could. I didn’t know anyone so the only thing I really could do was dance. But not too long after moving I had to go through the next audition process for the show. Gratefully I made it through all three rounds and was picked as one of the Top 10 people out of thousands to compete as a contestant on the show. From this moment on my life changed completely and I got to experience one of the best opportunities God has given me. I proceeded making it all the way to the end of the competition, taking home 1st Runner Up and America’s Favorite Female Dancer. Not only that, we experienced touring the world dancing for audiences full of fans and people who loved the show. The amount of love and support I received from this is something I will never forget. Til this day, it still all feels so surreal and more than anything little ole me is so proud to have accomplished one of my biggest dreams. This show had such a huge and inspiring impact on my life, opening so many doors for me giving me so much exposure in the dance industry and led me to signing with my first dance agency ever; Bloc LA. And so on after, I booked my next dancing job dancing with Gwen Stefani and as time passed, I continued to book more and more jobs dancing, performing with artists, music videos, Tv shows/networks and more.
After living in California for a while now and thriving, unfortunately Covid begin and this slowed down everything in the dance industry completely. Classes were even canceled as well. This sadly became a very rough and hard time for me. Especially because I was new to the city, it was already different and a little hard but now to full isolation with no distractions or anything to fufill all the time I had on my hands. I started to fall into a depression, feeling homesick and confused on what was next for me. To later then find out the worst news ever. In August 2020 my dad passed away. I begin to fall deeper into my depression. I no longer felt okay living where I was and needed the time to heal and grieve comforted by loved ones around me. After coming to the realization that I was very unhappy mentally, I decided to move back to my hometown in 2021 for the time being until I was ready again and until everything was back to normal regarding Covid.
After living in my hometown, getting a feel of everything again I begin teaching dance privates 1 on 1 to and taking classes as well to keep myself moving. Eventually down the line, my lease was coming to an end and as I sat contemplating on where and what I wanted to do next, I decided to try something new and move to Atlanta. So at the end of 2021, that is exactly what I did. My reasoning for moving here was to do the same, train and take classes. I wanted to be able to expand & grow. Sadly, February 2, 2022 two close friends and I lost everything due to our apartment catching fire. Sometimes it still feels unreal, and I am still processing having to start over from scratch but more than anything I am thankful we are alive and safe. Even though this was one of the most detrimental things that’s happened to me, the perspective I have now is that I have been given a second chance at life. A chance to start over, leaving my past behind and manifest the new life I want.
I look back now as months have passed thinking to myself not understanding why but knowing that everything happens for a reason. Everything I am going through or have went through has prepared me for what’s coming next. Here I am now and I have officially opened my own clothing line business “From Within Co” on February 22, 2022. This long, walking journey has now shifted me and changed me for the better. As I am now taking this time to heal, accept, grow closer to God, focusing on the steps I need to take for my future and to become successful. I am finding new passions, hobbies, things that bring me happiness as well as still dancing. Most importantly, I have found the courage and confidence to move back to California and continue pursuing my dreams once again despite all the obstacles that’ve come my way.
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?
I can say truly it has not been the smoothest road. I have most definitely been through a lot and been at my breaking point plenty of times. I have struggled with loneliness, feeling lost not knowing what life was ahead of me. Struggled with being far from home away from my family and friends. Struggled mentally & physically. But despite the rough times, I have also had some of the best times as well and that is what I tend to focus on while keeping my head up. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most known for dancing. However, I am also a business owner, model and social media influencer. I am most proud of how far I have come in life and all the accomplishments I have made at such a young age. I am proud of the amount of people I have inspired and impacted in my life. Nothing brings me more knowing I can share and help others in so many different ways.
I believe what sets me apart from others would be my personality, heart and humbleness. I believe I am no better than anyone, but yet that I have so much to still learn and work for myself. I believe in giving &serving others because everything is bigger than me. It is not about me but simply what I can do for others to help or bring light to their world. I am also very driven all around and will fight until I get something right.
What matters most to you?
God, my family, friendships, memories, and experiences matter most to me in life. I feel without these things life is incomplete. I think having support and experiencing all the things we experience in life is what helps, what teaches us. It builds you and brings some of the best feelings and love to your life.
Pricing:
- From Within Co – RB34L Angel Hoodie $150
- 1on1 Dance Lessons $50 Half hour/ $100 Full hour
Contact Info:
- Website: Fromwithinco.com
- Instagram: TheMariahRussell & Fromwithinapparel.co
- Youtube: TheMariahRussell
Image Credits
@eyecreatemagic @kendric.lindsey
