An Inspired Chat with Roger Lee of Center City

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Roger Lee. Check out our conversation below.

Roger, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I am in my happy place while I am painting, choreographing, and dancing in my multidisciplinary studio. I lose track of time. As they say, time flies while you are having fun!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Roger Lee and I am an award-winning arts entrepreneur and a multidisciplinary artist (painter, choreographer, and dancer) from Philly.

As an arts entrepreneur, I launched and led three arts business ventures within the last 13 years. As the Founder and CEO of Roger Lee Arts, LLC (est. 2012), I produce arts-based services, programs, events, and products at rogerleearts.com. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Roger Lee Dance Company (est. 2012), I produce, artistic direct, choreograph, and perform my own concert series (22 to date) and tours (three to date). My other arts entrepreneurship includes launching a new design college and its first cross-disciplinary arts degree program.

As a multidisciplinary artist, I have presented my paintings and choreography around the world. I spent the last 24 years mastering my craft, deepening my creativity, and combining painting and dance in new and exciting ways. I am proud to be an artist. I also believe that when one artist wins, we all win. This is why I love advising other artists on their career development through my Artist Career Accelerator program. This is one of my favorite things to do.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was around the age of five. One of my favorite TV shows featured human heads with puppet bodies. I noticed that all of the puppet bodies had white hands, even if the human head belonged to a person of color. As a creative Black child, this didn’t sit well with me. I wanted the human puppets to represent the diversity of skin tones. I wanted the people of color on the show to have puppet hands that matched their skin. I decided to be the change I wanted to see by writing a letter to the TV production company. In my letter, I asked the producers to add puppets of color to their TV show. I didn’t receive a letter back. I did notice that there were new puppets of color added to the new season of the show. It was in that moment that I realized that my words had power. Even as a five-year-old fan of a kids TV show.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that your uniqueness is your superpower. Don’t waste time trying to fit in, trying to emulate other people, and trying to live up to other people’s expectations for your life. You only have one life to live, and God made you fearfully and wonderfully. He gave you everything you need to fulfill his purpose for your life. You already have enough. You are already enough. Don’t strive and just be. Be brave and live your own life authentically, proudly, and intentionally.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that God, my loved ones (family and friends), my peace, and my art (painting and dance) matter the most to me. They would be correct. I take all four of these things very seriously.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I have had to do this at different stages of my life. I gave everything my best when I was a new artist that no one knew about. I gave everything my best when I was not getting the funding, publicity, awards, and gigs that I desired. I was doing my best when I was locked down at home during the pandemic. While praise feels good, it is not a requirement for me to do my best work.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos by Stephanie DeFeo and Bill Hebert.

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than