Meet Raikelle McClelland | Founder & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raikelle McClelland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raikelle, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
First, it starts with a mindset and remembering the purpose of why you chose to start your business from the beginning. I tell anyone to bet on themself. At the beginning of the planning and development process of your business or decision making, it will be times where it will feel the easiest to give up and throw in the towel, but you have to make a decision that no matter what, “I will bet on ME” because YOU owe yourself a chance, what do you have to lose? If your business is purposeful and impactful to the community, resistance will always follow before the breakthrough, but that’s how you know you can’t make a decision to GIVE UP, you must keep pushing and moving forward until it happens for you…
Therefore, if you start something, you must attempt to finish it. Have a mindset to keep going and to never give up on your dreams because you owe yourself a chance to make a difference in your life and others life as well. But the best way to know if you should keep going or if you should give it up is by praying and asking God to reveal his will and direction for your life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a creative in the performing arts industry and is the founder of The Dance Rehearsal. We are a coed company that professionally train and equip dancers to express their art through different genres of dance and therapeutic services via in-person and virtual classroom. We are a safe place that help improve confidence, positive change in behaviors and self-esteem within our dancers. We are an impactful company that also does outreach within our community. We are the training grounds for “Glory Carriers.” I am most excited about what the future is holding for this company but what I am most proud of is that young girls that was suicidal, promiscuous and have health challenges such as cerebral palsy is now producing positive change in balance and stability along with positive improvements in behavior and self-esteem, all under the leading of The Dance Rehearsal through the art of dance and therapy.

I have been trained in dance since the age of 7 and professionally trained at a later age than majority. When I began to professionally train, I was laughed at and looked at as the “least of them”. This was not an easy environment to be a part of, but I overcame these challenges by pushing myself to work harder, studying more, and receiving extra help from my instructors, which helped me tremendously. I was a better dancer because of those efforts.

Lessons that I have learned along the way, if you desire to do a business in dance or performing arts, or whatever your talent may consist of, NEVER stop dancing and/or cultivating your talent.

I am very passionate & experienced in dance and performing arts for over 20 plus years, I have acted in many stage plays, musicals & improvisations. I was a band member who played the alto saxophone, with some experience in piano, but I would say that my greatest talent dwells in dance and movement therapy. I would like people to know that at The Dance Rehearsal you are welcome no matter your gender, race, size, dance abilities because at this company you will feel loved, not judged, safe, free in your artistry and empowered to become the professional artist who can make a positive change within their community. The Dance Rehearsal is the training center for all things performing arts, ministry and outreach.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, my friends know that I am the free-spirited and down for whatever type friend, so I would start it off by visiting Downtown Houston, POST Houston for a little lightweight fun, of course we going to church & we most definitely doing some shopping along with doing some good eating at Del Frisco’s Steakhouse, Oh we would eat some Frenchy’s Chicken because I just like their food & Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room, because I love a place with nice music, and more importantly we doing everything else in between because I live for spontaneous moments. The most fun & exciting places is anywhere, where there is good music, because one thing for sure & two things for certain, where there is music, I will take over the dance floor in full force, it’s like my feet gets happy, LOL! but the most exciting people, I know is my family & friends because we will bring the life to the party!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First shoutout to my God, my redeemer, as he has gifted me and placed this passion in me from the very beginning, I didn’t choose it for myself, but I have decided to follow him on this journey.

Shoutout to my parents Celestine & Dietrick Williams for the continuous support, encouragement & love.

And to the leaders & mentors in my community, Pastor Wanda Rousse & Apostle Brenda Cherry, who recognized the purpose of my gift since the age of 5 years old and supported the call.

Shoutout to Mrs. Siner who trained me for years in the arts at a very young age of 7 and to the team “New Creation” for allowing me to lead, teach and grow with them as this was one of the beginning stages but yet satisfying stage of this journey.

Website: https://linktr.ee/tdrehearsal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com./_thedancerehearsal

Image Credits
professional shots by Antoine Wiley