Daily Inspiration: Meet Rhapsody Taylor

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhapsody Taylor.

Hi Rhapsody, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am from New Jersey/ Philadelphia region currently pursuing my career in dance, choreography, acting, modeling and personal training in Los Angeles, California. The performing arts has always been something I enjoyed and a passion throughout my journey. I grew up in a household full of artists which were my two parents that are dancers, choreographers, teachers actors, and my two sisters that did the same. My parents introduced me to the arts at a very young age ie Dancing, Acting, Singing, Costume Design. They also taught me how it’s very important to learn and never forget about my African American history and respecting my ancestors. When I was six years old, I would watch my parents dance, teach dance, and act and that inspired me to do the same thing. I was ready at a young age to perform and be on stage in front of an audience. I was so ready that when my parents took me to their show for their finale on stage, I jumped out of my mom’s arms and started dancing. The audience was soo amazed to see a little small black girl tapping her feet with the rest of the adult tap dancers. I was born to do this!

Over the years of me growing up, I would choreograph with both of my sisters for small shows that we would have in the living room and eventually, my parents trained us in dance and also signed us up for talent shows, dance classes, competition team, church ministry, dance companies, summer intensives, and many local community performances. I researched and was introduced to many famous black pioneers and performers in the performing arts who inspired me as an artist and dancer like Alvin Ailey, Pearl Primus, Josephine Baker, Katherine Dunham, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Laurieann Gibson, Debbie Allen, Celia Cruz, and The Nicholas Brothers. These are the top artists that still inspire me till this day and because of my talent, drive, and ambition, I knew that anything can be possible to someday experience dancing, touring, performing on major stages as well as dancing, and acting on television.

After high school, I wanted to continue to take my dance career even more serious by attending The University of the Arts for four years to receive my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance during 2020 so that I could have more knowledge and preparation for the dance world. Even the drastic shutdown of the pandemic could not stop me in my mission. I knew during the pandemic that I wanted to officially make my breakthrough and get booked right after college, but I had to face hard reality and learn patience throughout the shutdown, not being able to come outside as much. So instead I started to sit down and think about what kind of dancer that I wanted to become and how I was able to handle myself financially as an adult. During that time, I was continuously working on my craft, creating choreographic concept videos, taking photos, teaching classes virtually and in person, working on my technique with the ballet barre in my room, and also taking classes in my room and in person with a mask on. I also found a new love in fitness, working on my certification with NASM during my time and eventually started training in local gyms and virtual. I always told myself and even other people, “Never stop Moving” and “Dreams only work if you Do”, and that was my motivation. When everything was opening back up again, I eventually start going to more Broadway auditions and casting calls in New York.

Unfortunately, I never got chosen for any of the shows, but I was chosen to be part of a prestigious black dance company called “Forces of Nature Dance Theatre ” and that was the beginning of my breakthrough. After a year of performing with the dance company, I then eventually decided to move to Los Angeles, California to do more commercial dance work, modeling, and acting. I realized before I made my decision in moving I really wanted to get into the commercial dance industry. Till this day I am so grateful and happy for my decision and all of my family and friends supporting my new journey. With that, I trusted God’s mission for me and the blessings he has for me being out here in LA. I’m currently still working on my mission, taking classes, being part of a famous choreographer Kiira Harper 101 Mentorship Program Season 1 Program, and auditioning for many opportunities praying that one day I will receive all the blessings that are ready for me in the right time. In this process, I also realized God wanted for me to do soo much more than just dance, now I am working as a personal trainer, an upcoming working choreographer/ teacher, an actress, and an influencer for the entire world

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout my career, I have gone through some challenges in my life, especially during the pandemic not being able to dance in person. I danced most of my time for two years in my small bedroom. I dealt with going from job to job to balance my schedule in dance and the auditions that were coming it’s way right when everything was reopening back up. There used to be a time where I would travel from New York to Jersey, a 2-hour trip without being booked on Broadway or just anything. I would think to myself, am I just not good enough and continued to keep training, dancing and working at my 9-5 job. Now I live out in LA and I work as a Personal trainer and professional dancer. Balancing those two lifestyles are not easy but I know for sure a plan A and plan B has to support something to survive. The life of a dancer.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What makes me different as a dancer / ARTIST is that through my movement, I love to tell stories, emotions, passion, and excitement through my movement. In times I can be like FIRE and in times, I can be like a cool blue FIRE. I AM DYNAMIC and I AM A FORCE. Any dancing that I do I am always grounded, giving respect to my ancestors who paved the way. When I dance or when you see me teach a class or even choreograph, you will feel and see the passion that I have inside, my LIGHT is contagious. My work involves many versatile styles such as African, Jazz, Heels, Hiphop, and contemporary.

I am so proud of all of my accomplishments so far, graduating, performing in New York at the Apollo with a black dance company, modeling, moving to LA, and also stepping out of my comfort zone! I am also proud to have my own official first dance business in 2022 called RHAPSODYNAMIC, which includes some of my choreographic work and dance opportunities for dancers. Dance classes hosted by me, Personal Training, and also private lessons for those wishing to learn more about dance.

I am also focused on setting my intentions for the next steps God has for me. I have been focused on working on my craft, learning from other choreographers that I have the desire to work with, and speaking things into existence. In time I learned, the more I have the intentions, drive, and trust in the process, things will beautifully align itself for me in the most amazing way and it’s happening right now. Lately, I have been taking the time to research which artists I could see myself dancing for, learning how to brand myself including my business, and taking care of my mind. body, and spirit in order to achieve my goals that are ready to flourish.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Some of the risks that I have taken is first during the time everything was reopening back up and I was called in for auditions, I would wake up 4am in the morning just to take the 5:30 am Mega bus to go to New York for an audition that would start around 10am. I needed to get there early because of New York traffic and I refused to not be late for any auditions ever.

I also took the risk to move out to LA to pursue my dreams. I had people tell me that it was not a good idea and its too expensive, but I did not listen to that and I just set up a plan and moved within the process. I only had six months to fully prepare myself to move out and it took a lot of sacrifice and time working long hour shifts at my job but it was all worth it at the end.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/public-profile/1143598e-daf4-11ed-bdd2-2b5821848f08
• Instagram: @rhapsodiva
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL5hrPdx0JIcKwXXNtb-knQ

Image Credits
Photographer: Micheal Gray , Alissa Rose