Meet Imani Dudley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Dudley.

Hi Imani, 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?
Growing up, I always found joy & freedom when I danced. I would watch music videos and award shows and learn all of the routines with my cousins. I started training in different dance genres in high school. We learned ballet, modern, African, jazz, hip hop, salsa, the waltz, and samba. My high school dance teacher “Lisa” would have shows every semester to showcase everything we learned in class. This is where I was I truly develop my love for performing. We also had a high school dance company & we performed throughout the community often. I remember being in on summer break in my third year of college. I got a call from my high school dance teacher asking me what plans I had for the weekend. I said “none” then she asked me if I would like to go on tour with Aretha Franklin. My mouth dropped as I abruptly shouted, “YES of course” Lisa needed me to fill in for another dancer. The next day we started rehearsals for two days then the third day, we flew to NYC where we were performing with Ms. Franklin. This was pretty much how I was introduced to the professional world and I’ve been moving forward from project to project ever since.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had a ton of obstacles when I first started working with Ms. Franklin. I was on summer break in college. At the time, I didn’t know that I would continue to tour with her for the next 2.5 years. That put me in a tuff spot to decide if I was going to return to college that fall or dropout until a later date. I really was at a crossroads in school I wasn’t passionate about what I was going to school for and to add to that, I had run out of money from the government. So if I did continue, I would have to take out another loan which I didn’t want to do. So although I stepped out on faith at the time, I felt kinda bad because I knew I wouldn’t be crossing the stage with my fellow classmates who I created lifelong friendships with. I just trusted God and moved forward with my decision. Looking back, I’m very glad I made that decision. Being a dancer is very hard on your body due to the long rehearsals and the frequent use of our entire bodies. I remember in 2012 being in New York at radio city music hall rehearsing for a two-day show with Ms. Franklin. We were working our regular choreographer Lisa McCall and another legendary choreographer George Faison.

Our rehearsals were very long because the show had to be perfect. I remember have a shooting pain through my left foot. At the time, I just thought it was because of the long strenuous rehearsals and I could take a bath rest and it should be fine. Everyday after that, the sharpshooting pain continued. When I got back home to Detroit, my mom suggests I go to the foot doctor. The doctor took x- rays and explained to me that the bone in my foot was not only inflamed but my bone was separating in my foot and I would need surgery to fit it. Not only that but I would need 2-3 months to recover. This was very heartbreaking to me because I had more shows lined up with Ms. Franklin. I made another tough decision Not to move forward with the surgery after many opinions and long research. I didn’t get the surgery for two reasons. I didn’t want to miss any tour dates also I would have to repeat the surgery every two years. To me, that seemed pointless along with the facts that I would have to get a screw in my bone which never sat well with me. Throughout my career so far, I’ve had several minor injuries. To this day, I still deal with the bunion in my left foot nut. I’ve learned how to properly take care of it to keep it from being inflamed.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So I am a professional dancer which I’m mainly known for. I am also a business owner. I specialize with helping people restore their credit and finances. Before I turned 30 around 28 to be exact. I knew that I wanted to start a business and contribute more to the society. So the opportunity to educate people and help others in area of credit fell in my lap. Many times as entertainers we get tunnel vision into our art and we don’t think about the future and what’s next. I knew that I wasn’t to going to audition and dance on tour forever. Although I could transition to teaching and choreography (which I’ve done both) what other gifts/ talents lie dormant in me? Entrepreneurship! From childhood, I always wanted a business of some sort and I always wanted to be my own boss and call the shots. The beautiful thing about what I do is I still have the time freedom to dance and be active in the arts. Being an entrepreneur is challenging but very fulfilling. I’m most proud of the risk I’ve taken as an entertainer. Many times when you take risks. It’s a Lonely road. Most people don’t see the vision until you become successful and start making moves. That’s the thing God gave you the vision not other people. I’m Thankful that I let God guide through this entire journey. What sets me apart from others is my integrity. There’s no I will with me. I genuinely want to help others with no strings attached. My mother always taught me to treat others like you want to be treated. I use that model in everything I do.

What were you like growing up?
I was born and raised in Detroit Michigan. Growing up, I was very adventurous, fun, and also extremely shy. My mom kept me involved in activities like summer camp and recreation activities. My dad heavily introduced me into developing my gift as an artist. He would try to get me to sing and play instruments. I was extremely shy when it came to singing. I played a flute early on in elementary school for a few years but I didn’t stick with it. My dad also put me in different sports like track and tennis. I enjoyed both but I didn’t enjoyed being pushed to greatness. At the time, my dad was cultivating me and teaching me a lesson to be great in whichever activity I took interest in. Sometimes as children, we don’t recognize that until we are much older. Thankful my parents keep me busy because it made me a well-rounded individual. I remember always performing my favorite songs and dancing in the mirror in my room. I enjoyed dancing but being from Detroit, I never knew that I would dance in front of thousands and actually fulfill my dream of performing.

Pricing:

• Credit Restoration pricing $188 to enroll

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/coolbrezzee
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ImaniNakia

Image Credits:
@Brittanyd.photography @maireinz @camillemclucas @catharperphotography