Meet Chelsee Shields Wimberly

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsee Shields Wimberly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsee, how do you think about risk?
I see risk as a necessary part of chasing dreams. Nothing about pursuing a passion, especially in the dance world, is guaranteed. But I’ve always known that settling for comfort or playing it safe wasn’t an option for me. Every leap I’ve taken, whether it was putting myself out there as a performer, teaching my first class, or trusting my vision when others didn’t understand it, came with uncertainty… but also with purpose.

Taking risks has been the fuel behind every breakthrough. It’s scary sometimes, walking into rooms where you’re not sure if you’ll be accepted, or saying yes to opportunities before you feel “ready” — but I’ve learned that faith and fear can’t live in the same place. If I didn’t take risks, I’d still be dreaming instead of living the dream.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is movement , but it’s also storytelling, healing, expression, and connection. I don’t just dance to perform; I dance to speak without words. What sets me apart is my heart. I put my all into every 8-count, every class, every project. My style is rooted in passion and discipline, and I bring my soul with me every time I hit the floor.

Where I am today didn’t come easy. I’ve trained for years — and I mean really trained. I’ve done lock-in practices where we’d spend the night at the studio, grinding through exhaustion and still showing up the next morning with fire in our hearts. There were times I questioned if it was all worth it, but I always came back to my “why.” I come from a small town — Port Arthur, Texas — and I want people to know that you don’t have to be from L.A. or Atlanta to dream big or be great.

One of my proudest moments was having the opportunity to dance in front of Beyoncé’s choreographer, the one and only Chris Grant. It was an experience I’ll never forget — I took part in an 8-hour intensive alongside some of the most talented dancers out there. Being in that space, surrounded by people I admire, and getting feedback from someone like Chris, was surreal. It reminded me of how far I’ve come and how important it is to keep pushing, no matter what.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency will always outshine talent when talent doesn’t work hard. You don’t have to rush — just keep going. I want the world to know that I’m proof a girl from a small city can stand in the same rooms, get the same opportunities, and shine just as bright as anyone from a major city. My story is about faith, hustle, and making something magical out of what you have — no excuses.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit Houston, I’d make sure they got the full H-Town experience — the food, the culture, the energy. Houston has so much to offer and I love showing off my favorite spots.

We’d definitely kick things off at POST Houston — the rooftop view is a whole vibe, and there’s always something creative or artsy going on there. Then we’d hit up The Escape Game Houston for a little friendly competition and fun — I love activities that get you thinking and laughing at the same time.

I’d take them to the Discovery Green area to walk, chill, maybe catch a local event or just soak in the city’s scenery. And of course, we’d eat good. I’m talking brunch at Taste Bar + Kitchen, tacos from Velvet Taco, and a night out at Lost & Found for the food and the scene.

We’d mix in a few dance classes — because I have to show them my world — and end the week with some nightlife, maybe catch a show, or hit up a rooftop lounge to vibe out.

Houston’s got this amazing mix of culture, creativity, and realness. The people here are dope, the energy is unmatched, and there’s always something going on. I’d make sure they left inspired and full — literally and spiritually.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all of my dance coaches who believed in me, pushed me, and poured into me when I was still just a girl with big dreams. Coaches like Amber Baker, Shayla Myers, Carlecia Roberts, Brooke Coleman, Rayya Ruffin, Tyegha Thomas, Lucia Booth, Lola Tompkins, Jeremiah Ardoin — and so many others — played a major role in shaping me into the dancer and woman I am today.

A special shoutout goes to the Port Arthur Honeybees dance team. That team gave me more than just choreography — they gave me the keys to success in the professional dance world. They took a little girl from a small city and gave her the opportunity to travel, compete, and get the kind of exposure that opened doors far beyond what I could’ve imagined. I carry everything they taught me into every stage I step on and every room I walk into.

Instagram: @Baduuthealchemist