In this exclusive interview, we have the pleasure of introducing Tyisha Cummings-Norman, an extraordinary dancer and choreographer whose passion for movement and creativity has left an indelible mark on the dance community. A Jersey native, Tyisha’s journey began at the tender age of 4, where her early experiences in praise dance ignited a lifelong dedication to the art form. With professional training in various styles, including Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Tap, she has honed her skills through programs such as Jenn Marie Dance Company & the Alvin Ailey Summer Program.
As the founder of Kean Musical Movements and the owner of Dance With Tyisha Dance Company, Tyisha has not only showcased her talent but has also been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of dancers. Her recent work with NWE artist “Blktember” in the music video for “Move” further exemplifies her ability to blend artistry with commercial appeal. Join us as we explore Tyisha’s remarkable journey, her insights on the dance industry, and her vision for the future of choreography.
What inspired you to become a dancer and choreographer, and how has your journey shaped your artistic vision?
At the young age of 3, I found myself watching shows like Soul Train, 106 & Park, VH1, and MTV Jams—any show that featured music videos had me glued right in front of the TV. Growing up, music videos were a huge phenomenon, and the dancing captivated me from an early age. I found myself mimicking the moves I saw on TV, inspired by videos from Chris Brown, Missy Elliott, Ciara, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Aaliyah, and Britney Spears, just to name a few. Many of their videos featured choreography that I would continuously watch and teach myself the steps.
My journey as a self-taught dancer and choreographer has shaped my artistic vision in many ways, the biggest being freedom. I LOVE to freestyle. There is no right or wrong way to do it; you are simply expressing yourself. This is my main motivation and goal to this day when I’m teaching, performing, and creating: to express myself through dance. I want you to feel something when watching me or my company dance.
Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a new choreography? What elements do you prioritize?
My creative process goes a little like this: I listen to and study the song that I will be creating to. I read the lyrics to gain an understanding of what the song is conveying. I then attach an emotion to the song—how does it make me feel? What vibe does this song give me? Where would I be listening to this song? What message do I want to relay when performing? These are some of the questions I ask myself before I even move a muscle.
During the choreography creation process, I prioritize the feeling in the music, storytelling, musicality, the flow of the choreography to ensure everything connects, technique, and performance.
How do you tailor your dance performances to fit the unique themes and atmospheres of different events?
I think about the event itself and the audience that will be there. For example, for a quinceañera, I would choose a Spanish song, and the choreography would implement certain dance moves and styles that are prevalent in the Spanish community. This makes it relatable, intriguing, and captivating for the crowd and the event. Another example would be a wedding; I would gravitate toward using uplifting love songs that the bride, groom, and audience can feel and relate to, given that the event focuses on love. For each event, I choose the song and choreography wisely, keeping in mind the purpose of the event and the type of audience it will have.
What is your teaching philosophy, and how do you adapt your classes to accommodate dancers of varying skill levels?
I want everyone to feel comfortable in my classes, and I ensure that no one is left behind. I read the room, and while teaching, I don’t move on until the majority of the class has grasped the material. I break my choreography down step by step, and I periodically ask my students if they are ready to move on or if anyone has any questions. If I notice someone struggling with a part, I provide them with pointers and tips and break it down for them.
What has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
A significant challenge I’ve faced is moving to another state and starting all over. I’m from New Jersey, where I lived my entire life. Everyone knew me and was familiar with my company and dancing abilities. I earned the nickname “the dance plug,” and anyone involved in dance knew to reach out to me. Moving to Georgia, where no one knows me, presented the obstacle of getting people to recognize me and my company. To overcome this, I had to engage in extensive networking, marketing, workshops, social media promotion, and some rebranding. I still have more to do, but I’m slowly but surely building my clientele here in Georgia.
How do cultural influences shape your choreography, and how do you incorporate diverse dance styles into your work?
I am always training to sharpen my dance skills and knowledge. I attend concerts to study the dancers and productions. I watch a lot of live performances by various artists. I educate myself in all genres of dance. I like to stay up to date with what’s current and new so that people will be engaged and can relate to the performances I’ve created.
In what ways do you believe dance can impact community building, and how do you engage with your local community through your work?
Dance brings people together; people dance at parties, weddings, and celebratory events—the list goes on. You dance with strangers; for example, line dances bring everyone together, whether you know each other or not. What everyone has in common is knowing the same dance. Within my local community, I host choreography dance classes along with fitness dance classes. My dance fitness classes bring people of all ages together to have fun and get a workout as well. I also engage in community work through my company, such as toy drives during the holiday season.
How do you see the future of dance and choreography evolving, especially in the age of digital media and social platforms?
Dance is definitely evolving even more now, with the help of digital media and social media platforms. People are getting picked for major tours with artists based solely on their social media presence. For us dancers, social media has become our new resume. With music streaming at an all-time high, dancers have a significant impact on artists’ songs and how many plays they receive. When dancers create dances to artists’ music and it goes viral, the song benefits as well! It’s a win-win for both the dancer and the artist. When I was growing up, dancing was essential for music videos, but then it slowed down for a bit due to the rise of streaming networks; people weren’t making music videos anymore. The future of dance is evolving every day, and I’m so happy to be a part of it.
Can you share a memorable performance experience that significantly impacted you personally or professionally?
A memorable performance for me would be my very first solo. I had my first solo in church, doing liturgical dance. I started off with praise dancing. After my first solo at the young age of 5, I remember seeing people crying after I was done. Many people said that I affected them in a significant way. That was my first glimpse of dance affecting people on an emotional level. To this day, no matter what genre I’m performing, I always incorporate the emotional aspect. I want people to feel my performance and have that emotional reaction afterward.
What advice would you give to aspiring dancers and choreographers who are looking to make their mark in the industry?
Be yourself. That’s the best thing you can do! That’s what makes you YOU, and that’s what makes you stand out from others! NEVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP! If you have a dream, CHASE it and don’t stop. BE PROFESSIONAL—professionalism goes a LONG way in this industry. Your talent gets you in the door, but your professionalism KEEPS you there.
Socials for Tyisha:
Instagram: @_egotisticalty @dwtdanceco
Facebook: Egotistical Ty
YouTube: YouTube.com/egotisticalty
