Conversations with Princess Isis Lang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Princess Isis Lang.

Princess Isis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up dancing, singing, and acting- so I knew what I wanted to major in. Musical Theatre was the only place for me as I wanted to perfect my skills equally in singing, dancing, and acting. While applying, I realized an HBCU wasn’t the exact place for me and that’s okay. After getting accepted into The University of Southern California, I immediately went to see the dance teams they had. As someone who’s been doing majorette especially since 2nd grade, I knew I didn’t want to stop once I got to college. Of course, USC, didn’t have that option, so I said fine, I’ll make a team. While I still haven’t even stepped foot on campus. From days during covid, at home, doing my research, to immediately building connections once I got on campus. In March of 2022, I officially made the Cardinal Divas of SC. Going viral was not at all the plan or goal; I just wanted to create a space where we didn’t have to be a “token”, but instead could celebrate our history and continue spotlighting it. Now that I’ve graduated, I’ve continue to commit my time to CDSC and now Director. Understanding this is a passion, I still make sure I do what I can for the success of the team. While also dancing for the Los Angeles Sparks Crew during WNBA Season. NBA Season, I am apart of Game Entertainment for The Los Angeles Clippers. Doing all these things while working on my acting career keep me motivated and focused towards greatness.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. Being a young Black Girl in a predominantly white space is already hard enough. I was underestimated in my knowledge in meetings and on the internet post viral tweets. When you already have an institution that’s soley based on tradition it’s hard enough bringing in something new, but when you have the internet try to bash or demean you and they are people who look just like you, can’t be easy. It of course didn’t stop me though, it honestly fueled me to go harder and keep fighting for these spaces. We deserve to take up space no matter where we are. We are still Black, so yes we get to celebrate that at every turn.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most known for creating the Cardinal Divas of SC, the first and only majorette team at the University of Southern California. I am most proud of how in every space I’ve entered, I’ve never dimmed my Blackness. From acting to dancing to singing to community building.
I got my degree in Musical Theatre at USC as a BFA and now a current Entertainer. A singer, dancer, and actress who tries to push herself everyday. I am currently a working actress and professional dancer. I am with the Los Angeles Sparks as a sparks crew dancer. I am also with the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Entertainment.
While being considered a “triple threat” I understand the work never stops and there’s always a chance to be better than yesterday. I believe my determination sets me apart. I always have so much on my plate, but in that way it alows me to realized how blessed I am and have been. Working so hard and sometimes you get rewarded, but other times and often most times, it’s just the way of life. You keep going no matter if the recognition is there, YET. I understand things happen over time so I am allowing myself to continue growing into the best woman I can be. I have big dreams so I hope with God’s hands on me I have to choice but to succeed in it.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5-10 years I see myself in feature films, in tv shows. I see myself being apart of Black stories that deserve to be told. Being apart of the industry to that allows Blackness to grow and thrive. I want to help tell stories that one we deserve to see from our perspective, but also stories we have not seen yet. I want to be apart of change and a lot space for others after me to succeed. Of course, I”ll stil be dancing and singing and hopefully creating a space for other young artists who didn’t get the support I had. I want to make sure they know they can follow their dreams, no matter who believes in them or helps them. It’s not just about me in my 5-10 years development, it’s about being a tool to others as well. While yes I want to be the next Zendaya or Taraji P. or Regina King, but I ain’t to be the next Princess Isis!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princesslang0?mdxt=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCRAOtV85p-FWllx4DDcleTA?ra=m

Image Credits
Sparks pictures: @m.phantography

Main Headshot: @jamaljosef