We were lucky to catch up with Tahirah Mandisa recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tahirah , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
As a creative I feel that I am my biggest critic. I could invest my all into a work, present it to others, and they love it. Meanwhile after my 100th time seeing it I could give you 101 ways I could of done better.
When I was presented with the opportunity to have my first contract to teach classes at a school. I immediately became excited. I created and set up my own website, lesson plans, payment plans and created my own dance apparel. As time got closer, and the classes filled up, that excitement turned into full on doubt. I began to ask myself questions like ” Who are you to think you can teach these children?, Why would parents want their children to take lessons from you ? Why are they giving you their money?”. I immediately began to feel like I had no qualifications for running a business and teaching all these children how to dance despite having a bachelor’s degree in dance. As the first day class rolled around, I was in full panic because I have completely talked my self out of the ability to do this. However, despite having a full “imposter syndrome” moment I just completely let go, remembered dance is my passion and just went for it. I went on to teach some amazing classes. Six classes later my 3 year old students are conducting the class on their own without me and my 4-6 yr old students have learned a dance in full. I even had a parent tell me “my daughter has never talked about ballet till you took over. Thank you ”
Being able to see the affect I had on all my students just after six classes with really help me see that I am definitely doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I really learned that, although its easier said than done, you really have to just go for it. When you are truly passionate about what you do that passion will overshadow all of you doubt.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hello Everyone! My name is Tahirah and I am the creator and owner of Tahirah Mandisa Choreography (TMC) . I am a private dance instructor servicing the Marietta and Atlanta Area. I have always had a love for the arts. I began my dance journey at the age of 3 and I never looked back. I’ve had the honor of winning top awards at competitions such as Bravo, On stage America, Candance North America, Jump, Tremaine, and That’s Entertainment. I’ve also had the honor of performing on the Epcot Stage in Walt Disney World and on the prestigious stage at Lincoln Center in NY, NY. I also graduated college with a B.F.A in Dance in 2018 from Valdosta State University.
After I graduated college, I began Tahirah Mandisa Choreography (TMC) because I wanted to start classes that I know kids and adults would love. I spent my whole life dancing and whenever I think back to the happiest times in my life its on a stage. So I want to create that fun environment for children to fall in love with dance. With me students get to have fun but also learn the most they have ever learned in a very strategic matter. All my students always leave my class happy and full of dancing knowledge.
Currently I am offering private lessons virtually and in person. I teach Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Mommy/Daddy & Me, Tumbling, and birthday parties , and I teach ages as young as 2 years old . You can find me on Take Lessons or visit my website to book me for a virtual/in-person session or birthday party.
TMC secured its first contract to teach onsite dance classes at Guidepost Montessori Marietta. We are so happy to welcome Guidepost Marietta to the TMC family!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would say empathy, determination, and passion were the three main qualities behind my drive force through my journey of beginning my business and teaching my dance classes. For those of you just starting out on your creative journey I advise honing in on these qualities and taking time to search through yourself . Most importantly you have to have passion for what you are doing, without that passion everything you are doing with eventually feel purposeless.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
I have truly seen a great growth in my self-confidence as I have pushed my self into starting my own business. In the past 12 months, with my company Tahirah Mandis Choreography I was able to secure my first contract with a school in Marietta to teach onsite dance classes their weekly. I am now currently hosting two classes totaling 15 students. I am also now offering birthday party packages and also TMC dance apparel!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tmchoreography.com/
- Instagram: @tahirahmandisa
- Facebook: Tahirah Mandisa Choreography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahirah-cornwall-501841226
