Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheray Griffin.
Hi Cheray, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hello, I am Alternese Cheray Griffin, also known as Neasy. I am Music Artist Cheray and Dance Choreographer, Instructor, and owner of Groovement Mobile Dance Lessons in Atlanta Georgia. I was born and raised in Charleston, SC. I grew up in a family of entertainers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. My mother is a singer and entertainer, and my father is a guitarist. I grew up with my parents gigging and on the band bus. I remember enjoying myself at the band rehearsals! Playing on my mother’s microphone, dancing, and performing as if I were part of the band when they would have rehearsals. Fair to say, I developed an inevitable passion for the Performing Arts at age 3.
As a child, I developed a connection with creative writing, that later my English teachers would take notice of. They helped me cultivate writing style, and I received publishing from young authors and rewards for my short stories. Back then, I had no clue that the love of writing would result in me being a songwriter. When I was 12, my uncle, who is a well-known DJ, and entertainer himself, introduced me to music production software. I learned how to properly mix music and developed quite an ear for it. I started getting into audio engineering recording myself, adding my writing to make songs, and connecting online with other producers to collaborate helping me learn more. My mother fueled my desire, she would listen to my creations, give me feedback, and later start giving vocal lessons.
Dancing is my first passion, which we know, goes hand-in-hand with music. I did competitive dance, acro, and competitive cheerleading. I started teaching hip-hop at the studio I attended at 12 years old. It immediately became my world! It allowed me to use my music-mixing talents along with creating routines to be performed at local events and dance recitals. Most of all teaching dance warmed my heart as it allowed me to help others and see them grow. Being the light for others is such a rewarding experience. During my dance career, I have worked with several known Artists in South Carolina, and Atlanta Georgia. I have worked for MTV on a reality TV show called “MADE.” The show focused on turning teenagers into what they wanted to be, whether it be a football player, a model, or a dancer. Hints, the name “MADE.” I must say that working with MTV was the best experience I’ve ever had when it comes to dance instruction opportunities. Being a part of the show revealed how much I love choreographing and helping others. This is one of the reasons why I started Groovement Mobile Dance Lessons.
Groovement Mobile Dance Lessons offers dance instruction in the privacy of your home! I provide the music and the skills to teach you the dance style of your choice. In 2020, I lost all my teaching jobs due to the covid pandemic. Because of Covid, people did not want to congregate. Also, studios and schools had closed. My services instantly became in demand. In 2024 I now own a five-star business from building others. What a blessing!
Music is a universal language, which has influenced my style of music artistry. My sound is laid back, yet energetic! It’s funny, because people always ask me what genre my music is, and I can never give them a straight answer. One minute it’s electro, next minute it’s Funk /soul, and then it’s punk. I suppose it’s alternative pop. Every song has it’s own vibe! My ideas for songs come from where the instrumentation takes me creatively. I write and produce songs based on life experiences and the Artists I listened to growing up. Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, No Doubt, Erykah Badu, Limp Biscuit, Korn, Aaliyah, Timbaland, Daft Punk, Missy Elliot, Gorillaz, and TLC. The list goes on. I am currently working to release new music this year 2024. Being an Artist is an escape for me. It allows me to speak my mind in a form that can resonate with others, send positive messages, and get people up and dancing. You can catch my latest song GO OFF! on all streaming platforms and the music video for it on VEVO and Cheray official YouTube.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey would not be a journey without a few struggles. I started Groovement, during the Covid pandemic. One of the biggest struggles was I didn’t have a car at the time, and I had a hard time finding gigs and people looking for me and what I offered.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of being able to wake up every day and do exactly what I want by making a career and a living off of my passions.
In my dance instruction business, I specialize in customizing classes and choreography for my clients no matter what age, what style of dance, or what music they like. What sets me apart from everyone else is that I truly believe in my clients. It’s so much more than a dollar for me! I have a niche for making those I work with look great, no matter their experience levels.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is to inspire and motivate others. I know there’s been times when I lacked motivation and it’s easy to lose yourself when you’re not inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cheraymusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheray247?igsh=dnB4NzU3Z252cGNu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groovement247?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alternese-griffin-a8849652?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cheraymusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cherayofficialchannel7452?si=TsGsC8ycIN2MRZNn
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/S4QnfMVAOg
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/6T9f7phhKm43iYrH7
- Other: https://linktr.ee/groovementdance247?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=262592ee-7eb8-482d-a43c-cd42da9c0587
Image Credits
Carrington Tucker
