Diamonique Bell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Diamonique , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Since moving to Los Angeles I’ve been immersing myself in a “year of being a city girl,” exploring farmer/flea markets, thrift and antique shops, beaches, restaurants, and frequent free weekend events. These varied, often spontaneous outings have helped me embrace city life and revive my adventurous, spontaneous side.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Known as “Dymo” (a nickname given by a childhood friend in middle school that stuck), I’m a professional dancer and choreographer from Somis in Ventura County, CA. I was first interviewed by VoyageLA in 2019, and since then my career and life have evolved significantly, including a notable change of scenery.
After planning to open a dance and fitness studio in late 2019, COVID-19 struck in March 2020 and forced the launch into survival mode. I pivoted to Zoom classes, outdoor sessions, discounts and other measures to keep the business afloat, but ultimately decided to pause the official opening. I chose to delay because launching during a pandemic would prevent staff, clients, and the community from experiencing the studio as intended and I wasn’t willing to compromise that vision. My broader mission is to give back on issues like funding to keep the Arts alive in small towns, Gaza, water pollution, homelessness, and refugees—remains central and continues to drive my work.
Deciding to delay my studio didn’t derail my mission it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I stayed active in the community, joined a hip-hop crew (performing locally and at the Prelude competition in Las Vegas), and expanded my network. I also began choreographing in-school and after-school enrichment musical theater programs, six musicals over six years for kids ages 5 to teens (groups up to 50 students). I love the full creative process of choreography plus singing, character work, costumes and props and continue to create and teach musicals.
In late 2024 I moved to Los Angeles seeking new scenery, community connections, and creative energy despite loving my mountain and ocean hometown. The change jumpstarted fresh ideas for my brand: instead of just opening a studio, I shifted to directing, choreographing, and filming dance-driven short films with dancers from everywhere. The move expanded my network, rekindled my adventurous spirit, and clarified that my vision is about storytelling through dance on screen and outdoors rather than a traditional space.
I’m receiving constant encouragement to launch my projects, which are happening soon. I’m excited to share my passion for dance and my mission with the world.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My family, friends, and especially the students I’ve taught have been my biggest supporters and motivators. Peers’ constant affirmation (“I’m THAT girl”) has reinforced who I am, while students of all ages have helped define my “why,” inspiring me and giving me joy from being part of their lifelong memories—fueling my drive to keep going.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wrestled with which path—company, commercial, or Broadway—to pursue and endured painful rejections. Losing my studio felt like a setback but ultimately signaled I needed to redirect; despite nervousness about the tough LA industry, I moved to the City of Angels intentionally to chase my dream and refused to let obstacles stop me.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I am unapologetically myself 100% of the time. I’m outgoing, adventurous, goofy, and a people person who loves meeting new people connecting. I’m known for a consistently positive outlook, I focus on life’s bright side, lives authentically, and always down for a spontaneous day trip or random adventures. I love being outdoors and a slight adrenaline lover. I’m a Tomboy so I love riding motorcross and snowboarding but love to go hiking, beach days and thrifting with whoever is down. I treat every experience as a lesson for continual growth and my relationships with the love.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes, almost everyday. I don’t view my career as work but as passion, so almost every day feels rewarding. My favorite moments are show reveals (choreography, costumes, musical choices) and watching my work come to life, while daily highs come from dancers landing tricks and combos. small moments that become huge victories, even if class runs overtime.
But the huge achievements and accomplishments in my life such as, music videos, Super Bowl commerical, performing at major venues, and traveling to Canada to dance for global causes felt like “pinch me” moments. It makes me curious and excited about the unknown of what’s to come next for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Diamoniquelatifahh
Image Credits
Jeremiah McKibbins
instagram : @unclemiahh
(Baseball field photos)
Heber Pelayo
instagram : @dancesteez
( Dance photos)
