Today we’d like to introduce you to Starkesha Thelisma.
Hi Starkesha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, I had many aspirations, including becoming a meteorologist or a race car driver. However, my true passion was dance, which I discovered when I auditioned for my high school cheer team, where I met my best friend, other dancers, coaches, and teachers who inspired me and impacted my life in a positive way.
At the age of eight, I began teaching dance routines to kids on my block. I taught myself how to pick up choreography from watching dance sections and breakdowns of music videos and performing them as if I were on stage. Other kids saw this and wanted to plan a performance at a skating rink, birthday parties, or school events. This experience, along with listening, observing, learning, and unlearning, helped me develop the skills I needed to succeed in life. By putting family first, building relationships, and trusting the process, I was able to make choices that helped me aspire to inspire and impact others.
After facing many trials and tribulations, including hitting rock bottom, I realized that dance was my true calling. I prayed to God and asked for guidance, and also told him that I should probably be a race car driver; he revealed to me that I could drive people to him by being a light in the world through the art of dance. I listened and decided to put my dreams, including serving in the Army, on hold to pursue my purpose of serving communities through dance.
Despite facing many obstacles, I persevered and eventually landed a job with my first multi-million-dollar organization with sports and entertainment as a dancer. During my interview, the coach asked me a question: she asked if I didn’t make the team, what would I do? I said something along the lines of I would train and audition again.
Throughout my life, all the hardships I faced along the way helped me to become the person I am today – someone who is kind, loving, and passionate about making a difference in the world. If you are looking to achieve success, I encourage you to follow your passions and trust the process. Remember that every milestone in life can be used as a steppingstone toward your goals.
In 2008, I took a trip to California to explore the possibility of making it my new home. I knew that such a move would require significant preparation, and as I stood outside the Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood, watching a choreographer teach through the window, I meditated on the advice I’d received about the dance industry. I knew that I needed a plan, and so I made a list of priorities: finding housing, securing two jobs, locating a church and a library. While working on my plan, a friend informed me that my dream dance team audition was taking place that same week. Without hesitation, I decided to participate in the audition.
During the audition, two moments stood out to me. The first was when I was asked why I wanted to be on the team. I introduced myself, made eye contact with every panel member, and replied, “To bring hope to all those who look up to me as their role model back home in Detroit.” I felt this was an opportunity to inspire others and show them that anything is possible. The second memorable moment was after I made the final cut of the day. I was waiting for my ride, and the coach at the time saw me sitting outside and asked if I needed a ride. I let her know my friend was on her way. She decided to wait with me and even talked to me about some of the community service events I could get involved in. Although I didn’t make the team, her encouragement stuck with me.
After the audition, I went back to Detroit and began to plan my move to California. First, I needed to raise money. Working at Wendy’s and Taco Bell while taking martial arts classes and finishing up my current dance team season, I asked my manager at Taco Bell if I could fundraise for a one-way trip to Hollywood. After she said no, another manager heard about what I was doing. I told her, and she gave me the green light to raise the necessary funds. “Detroit To LA” touring name began.
Auditioning for a talent agency, I was hired as a commercial and dance talent and eventually landed a national Taco Bell commercial. I thought of the manager who did not approve of me to prepare to come to Los Angeles and the one who did instantly. This experience was all part of God’s plan, a complete full circle.
Growing up in Detroit, I was often told that I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dreams of becoming a professional dancer for a legendary dance team or make it to Hollywood. Despite these societal limitations, I refused to let them hold me back. Despite my name, which was often judged as “ghetto,” I did not allow it to hinder my determination.
Interestingly, my high school band sorority named was Big Sister Hollywood.
Although I was familiar with the audition process for professional dance teams, I experienced my first cut from my dream team. I then auditioned for another team, which helped me develop my professionalism. That team was, by far, the best experience I had in terms of learning to conduct myself as a business professional. The coach saw me for who I truly was and did not judge me or my background. I stayed with that team for three consecutive years, which prepared me even more for my next team. In between, I auditioned for another team, which was a great learning experience, and I had the opportunity to build relationships within the dance industry. I made it all the way to the finals and then saw my future coach sitting at the judge’s table. The same coach who sat with me and waited for me to get a ride home. Although I did not make that team, the coach was one of the kindest people I know.
When the year came around for me to audition again for my dream team, I knew that being part of this team would allow me to bring hope to those who saw me as their role model. It was time to make my dreams a reality, and I had a plan. I was determined to give my all and not leave my heart on the floor but rather place it in the coach’s hands.
Participating in a professional dance audition, or any audition for that matter, carries significant purpose. Perhaps it’s to meet someone who can lead you towards a different path, one that aligns with God’s plan for you. Maybe the purpose is to give you a glimpse of what’s to come, but not right now. Or maybe it’s to prepare you for a future role as a judge. Regardless, it’s vital to understand that you are good enough. Even if you don’t make it, being cut opens up an opportunity for someone else to say yes.
I was cut from at least three auditions before being selected to become a member of my dream team. While it may have stung at the time, in hindsight, I can see that there were things happening in my life that would have jeopardized my position on the team if I had made it. Timing is everything, and everything happens for a reason. Joining a team establishes a sense of loyalty, and while it may be a part-time job, it requires a full-time commitment. When I didn’t make the cut, I still gave thanks for the free dance class, new friends, the fun and exciting atmosphere, and the wisdom and knowledge I gained from the coach, staff, and assistants. It takes courage to attend an audition, knowing that anything is possible. Even if you don’t make the team, the audition process is an incredible learning experience. Every time I was cut, I held on to the drive, determination, hard work, and courage I had developed, using it to better myself and others.
Throughout my life, I’ve approached everything as an audition. The moment I decided to be better than yesterday was the casting call. I always asked myself if I served my purpose, made it through the doors, or if I was disobedient and didn’t give it a shot. Most importantly, I asked myself if I learned something through the process, and the answer was always yes. Life lessons and rejections teach you invaluable skills that you can use to better yourself and others.
Imagine closing your eyes and picturing everything you’ve been through, from the initial thought of wanting to audition to signing up, learning choreography, going through interviews, and waiting for that phone call that says, “Congratulations! You made the team.” It’s an overwhelming rush of excitement and emotion that you could hardly believe is real. Representing a professional dance team as an ambassador for sports and entertainment is an honor that will become a part of your legacy. It all started with just a thought, and now you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. When I heard the words, “Congratulations, you made the team,” I thought to myself that I lived up to my “ghetto” name. I am still a believer and have a loving husband and two beautiful daughters.
My husband and I met at a Thanksgiving gathering at our mentor’s home. We began a journey that led us to where we are now. It all started when we attended the 9:00 am service at our home church in Los Angeles. We ministered together through the art of dance at Wow Jam, and he watched me intently, envisioning a future where I would become his bride.
One day, I cooked curry chicken and shrimp for a beach day on the 4th of July, and he has been by my side ever since. We spent countless moments gazing at the stars, which was not his usual activity. Though we began as friends, we connected deeply when I asked him about his vision and purpose, something no one had ever done before. As he shared his vision in detail, it sounded familiar to me. I had written about the same vision in my journal five years prior to our meeting.
Our friendship blossomed on the foundation of God, and we soon found ourselves saying “I do” and starting to build our Thelisma Empire Legacy starting with Starborne Dance Studio and Serayah Star Dancewear.
Additionally, I’m the co-owner of Starborne Dance Studio, Serayah Star Dancewear, a Realtor, MUV/Starborne Dance Convention, a talent manager, and a coach of SDS Performance Team as well as for middle and high school cheer, dance, and drill teams. Currently, I’m working for multiple sports and entertainment teams. I’m looking forward to one day coaching a professional sports dance team in the future. Until then,
I am committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives, enabling them to achieve their goals. Concurrently, I aim to establish an empire and legacy that benefits my family for generations to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My life has been characterized by numerous challenges, and my successes have come as a result of hard work and perseverance. I’ve learned that every decision I made had a significant impact on my progress, and while some may have set me back were actually set ups. They were opportunities to learn, prepare for future obstacles, or prepared me for bigger blessings on blessings.
Reflecting on my experiences, I believe that my struggles were not just for me but also to help others who may be going through similar difficulties. One of the most impactful experiences I had was a miscarriage, which initially led me to blame myself. However, I later realized that this experience could help other women going through the same thing. I believe that my struggles have given me a unique perspective and strength to help others overcome barriers that they may not have been able to break on their own.
I believe Life is the best teacher, and it has a way of imparting valuable lessons. For instance, if you get a flat tire while driving, it can be a great opportunity to learn how to change it. Later on, you can teach someone else how to do it. The lessons we learn from our experiences can be shared with others, helping them develop essential life skills.
Obstacles can fortify us, and challenges can equip us with the strength we need to persevere. That’s why I believe in pushing through each day, regardless of the difficulties that may arise.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Starborne Dance Studio is a premier dance studio owned by my husband and myself, both of whom have extensive professional dance backgrounds. As the only credited industry dance studio in our community, our mission was to create a dance studio that offers elevated, professional training to aspiring dancers of all levels.
Our studio is all-inclusive, offering recreational, tuition, walk-in, and master classes, catering to those who seek to kickstart a professional dance or commercial career. We pride ourselves in being a community studio, welcoming everyone to connect with us. Our class structure prepares dancers for industry performances, auditions, competitions, and concept videos, thereby promoting their choreography and skills. Additionally, we offer rental space for dance and cheer teams and have partnered with several charter schools as vendors.
At Starborne Dance Studio, our motto is “Build Up Others to Build Others Up.” We aim to build up our dancers so they, in turn, can empower others. We provide adult beginner and advanced classes that challenge dancers to execute technical skills and master grooves, resulting in building self-confidence from studio to stage and from dancer to performer. Our program offers the opportunity to train with top choreographers and professionals from the entertainment industry who have worked in film, television, and video.
Our goal is to provide all our dancers with every tool necessary, including the most experienced and relevant faculty, to succeed in the competitive world of professional dance.
To learn more about our studio, please contact Starborne Dance Studio or Serayah Star Dancewear
via email at [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram at @starbornedancestudio for updates and more information.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My willingness to take risks led me to pursue entrepreneurship, which in turn allowed me to explore another passion of mine that involves real estate transactions related to buying and selling homes. My entrepreneurial drive came to fruition long before I pursued a career in real estate. After completing my studies as a Business Administration Major, it became evident that my passion lay in business ownership. With a background in professional sport and entertainment dancing, I realized that I could combine my love for dance and business by founding a successful dance studio that still operates today. During the early stages of my career as a business owner, I recognized a gap between the sports industry and real estate, and I was motivated to bridge that gap by providing exceptional representation for clients during one of the most significant purchases of their lives.
Risk-taking, be it venturing into entrepreneurship, real estate, or even pursuing a career in the arts, is critical to discovering oneself. Risks enable us to identify our strengths and weaknesses, explore new possibilities, and achieve our goals. Life is a journey of self-discovery, and taking risks helps us in that process. However, it’s vital to exercise prudence by seeking wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the why before taking risks. Some risks may not be worth taking, especially if they have the potential to harm us. It’s always advisable to ask questions and seek advice before taking any action. As we embark on our respective journeys, we must believe in our abilities, take action, and learn from both our successes and failures. The rewards of risk-taking are immeasurable, and it’s essential to take those leaps of faith to create a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and authentic.
Pricing:
- Starborne Dance Studio: 2 CLASSES $100 | 3 CLASSES $150 | 4 CLASSES $200 5 CLASSES $250 | UNLIMITED CLASSES $300.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.starbornedance.com | www.starthelismaestates.kw.com
- Instagram: @Starbornestar | @StarborneDanceStudio | @starthelismaestates | @serayahstardancewear
