Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Joseph.
Diane, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Long Island, New York where I trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop at Art in Motion Dance Company. My mom and I also shared the passion through African dance and we traveled all over New York taking master classes. We moved to Atlanta when I was 12 and I continued my training for about a year. I later trained heavily for years in hip hop and Atl Crank.
As I became a woman and sensual dance was no longer looked at as derogatory, I began to take classes and that’s how we are here. I began teaching Sexy Swagg two years ago. We are still rolling each and every Friday, 830!
Great, 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?
There are always a few bumps here and there. Nothing is perfect. Normal growing pains of a new business happened. I needed to promote hard, make sure what I was offering was worth people coming, be consistent and aware of all business dealings, remain humble and relatable. I’ve had to switch studios a couple of times. Super thankful for everyone who keeps coming. God has kept me through each moment that I thought would break me and each bump has only been a lesson.
Sexy Swagg – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from others?
I really wouldn’t be teaching without my hubby Chris. We have been dancing together for years and one night he hosted a ‘late night special’ class. Turnout was great, vibe was amazing. He said ‘We can do this.’ He booked the studio for a few weeks later and I taught my first class. I do choreo (he helps sometimes) and teaching, he handles EVERYTHING else. All class business is his business. He holds me down. Love you. Sexy Swagg is made for everyone. It is a hip hop seduction class. Flirty with a little bit of sauce. Choreography fit for all levels, no dance experience needed. I have a Yes Moment as an ice breaker to celebrate each dancer.
My goal is to make you feel comfortable, in touch with your body. The goal is not to be perfect but to release and have fun. When in doubt, twerk it out!! There is no other class like Sexy Swagg. I can promise you that. The vibe is always just right. Come see for yourself. Shoutout to all the girls who have taken my class especially those who have been riding for months, years!! Thank y’all for everything. I couldn’t do it without y’all. Shoutout to Lade @cspmmxi the dopest videographer. To my assistant, Seven you’re dope 😘
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment was being asked to perform in the Raw Showcase: Atlanta. They found me through social media and I was given the opportunity to put together a 10 min set. The group of girls I put together really made this so easy for me. They came in each rehearsal and put in the work learning the choreography with no pressure. Not one practice did anyone have an attitude. Each girl stepped up, they are so talented in so many ways. We put on a SHOW!!!!! I’m so proud of what we did! Thank you Seven, Courtney, Lola, Alexis Flame, and Ally. I still so proud about that night and it was so special sharing it with y’all! Love y’all.
Pricing:
- Class is 15$
Contact Info:
- Email: cford470@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sexyswagg_
- Other: YouTube: Lady Di(Sexy Swagg)
Image Credit:
Desmond Bowman | @iamdezshotit
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
