Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Watkins.
Hi Ariel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started teaching dance in high school student as an assistant instructor in New Orleans, LA. My plan was to attend college in New Orleans and take on more dancing gigs to build my resume’. However, in August 2009, I completed one full week of college and had to evacuate the city due to Hurricane Katrina. I lost my scholarship but I knew I wanted to still continue my education. Due to the hurricane, I moved to Jackson, MS with my family and finished my college education and continued dancing as an extra-circular activity at Jackson State University, graduating in 2009.
Later that year, I moved to Atlanta and started to find my way around the city and started to explore the creative scene. I networked with a lot of people. I saw opportunities to dance but there was constant rejection. I always had a love for dance, but I begin to lean toward more of the teaching side. I found that there was more opportunity in that arena. While deciding if I wanted to continue to pursue dance, I received my MBA and started working as a banker for one of the largest banks in the country. Honestly, I thought my purpose had changed to a career in finance, but there was still a passion for teaching dance in me.
To give me the experience that I needed, I served as a coordinator of dance at my church, Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain for several years and begin teaching adults and youth. This is when I knew that this was my God-given assignment. I begin to receive countless inquiries regarding starting my own classes, and so I begin to offer them to those who ask. After having this idea presented to me several times, I sought out to find a location to hold group classes. I went to meet with the director at the local Performing Arts Theatre, unannounced. Thankfully, he had time to listen and he allowed me to start teaching my classes on the weekends in 2017. This is when I created, All About Movement Dance Company, which comes from the biblical scripture reference, Acts 17: 28.
Since then, I have mentored and trained individuals in various genres of dance. My dance organization, All About Movement Dance Company’s mission is to teach the foundation of dance and to instill an appreciation for the art of dance in a safe, ethical, and faith-based environment.
Many of my students are training to be professional dancers and actors. Currently, I choreograph stage plays and musicals. I am the author of a children’s performing arts book, “Gabby’s Big Leap.” My dance company was a recipient of the NAACP + BeyGood Foundation Grant. We are also featured in an article on Yahoo-Finance. (March 2021)
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?
It has not been a smooth road. Some of the challenges I have faced along the way are setbacks and a lot of rejection. During the pandemic, this is when I struggled the most. I started to question if I should stop pursuing a lot of things.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner and creative director of All About Movement Dance Company. I specialize in instilling an appreciation for the art of dance in a safe, ethical, and faith-based environment. I am also the author of Gabby’s Big Leap, which is a faith-based children’s performing arts book. It can be found on several major retail online stores. I am most proud of the work that I am doing with my dance company. We are growing. My team and I are molding dancers across the city to be professional at their craft and dance with confidence. I will be writing another children’s book soon.
What sets me apart is my work ethic. I work until I get things done. If I have a project to complete, I won’t stop until it’s finished. I do a lot of things behind the scenes too. I am very passionate about my love for God. I love helping and serving in ministry. I love connecting God to everything that I do. My God-given gifts have allowed me to meet and work with a lot of talented individuals. I’m looking forward to the right doors opening to expand and grow my businesses. I am a member of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club (The Atlanta Metro Club).
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love that Atlanta has so many opportunities to create your own lane. There are so many creative spaces and inspiring places to visit to receive inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Email: allaboutmovement@yahoo.com
- Website: www.allaboutmovementdance.com
- Instagram: arie.creates
- Facebook: ariel.trenise
Image Credits
Jasmine Smith Photography Sterling Photography
