Meet Tyrell Rolle

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tyrell Rolle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tyrell below.

Tyrell, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Growing up in Key West, Florida, I built confidence through sports. My parents and uncles were naturally confident, and they encouraged me to get involved in everything—basketball, football, soccer, karate, golf, flag football, and skating. Each sport helped shape my self-assurance, but when my cousin, Shannon Haynes, introduced me to dance, I discovered a whole new level of confidence. Dance became my voice—it allowed me to stand tall, put my shoulders back, and embrace a sense of self that none of my siblings or family members had explored.

Later, moving to Miami and attending Miami Northwestern Senior High School took that confidence even further. Surrounded by stylish, self-assured people, especially the dancers in the PAVAC program, I was immersed in an environment where confidence was the norm. At Northwestern, the dancers were like local celebrities, and just being part of that top school instilled a deep sense of pride—Bull Pride. That experience reinforced my belief in myself and helped shape the artist and person I am today.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey in the arts has always been driven by a deep passion for creativity, community, and mentorship. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of starting my own company. I remember being eight years old in Miami, putting on productions in my backyard with friends from the Cultural Arts Center. That place ignited my love for the arts and pushed me to work harder—to practice at home, to dream bigger, and to pursue dance, music, modeling, acting, and beyond.

After a career performing with prestigious companies like Alvin Ailey, The Lion King, Cirque du Soleil, and working alongside celebrated choreographers and artists, my journey took an unexpected turn when I underwent hip surgery. That moment changed everything. I went from being the life of the party to being laser-focused on the next chapter—giving back. Some friendships faded, but in that transition, something incredible was born: Studio 305, Home of The Rolle Project.

Studio 305 isn’t just a dance studio—it’s a home, a safe space, a community. We welcome underprivileged, at-risk, and privileged kids alike, many of whom are minorities from diverse backgrounds. Most of our students come to us with no prior dance experience, but they’re drawn to the family bond they see at competitions, the way our dancers uplift one another, and the energy we cultivate. From day one, this has never been about money—it’s about passion. As Mr. Alvin Ailey once said, ‘Dance is for the people, and it should be given back to the people.’ That philosophy is at the core of everything I do.

Now, I’m celebrating 10 years of Studio 305, and to me, that milestone represents resilience. Running a business—especially a nonprofit—isn’t easy, but with my mother as our office administrator and an incredible team of nine skilled instructors, we continue to push forward. Our faculty specializes in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, African, musical theater, modeling, and more. Each teacher brings not only expertise but also love and dedication to our students.

Looking ahead, I have two years to make a critical decision about expansion. Our goal is to fundraise and secure enough resources to purchase a building that will house three to four dance studios, providing dedicated spaces for our youngest dancers (ages 3-6), our Emeralds (ages 6-10), our Artists in Training (ages 12 and up), and our adult company. My vision is not only to continue competing and attending conventions but to tour our productions and choreography globally.

Currently, we’re actively seeking new students—boys and girls ages three and up—to join our program. I’m also focused on expanding our Studio 305 merchandise line and bringing in more outstanding choreographers to keep our dancers motivated, encouraged, and inspired.

Studio 305 is more than a dance studio—it’s a movement, a family, and a space where young artists find their voice. And this is just the beginning.”

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I believe three key qualities have been the most impactful in my journey:

1. Humility & Positivity – Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about being someone people enjoy working with. Having a pleasant personality, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and being a team player are essential. No matter how skilled you are, your attitude determines your longevity in any industry.

2. Consistency & Reliability – Whether you’re working with an institution, a director, or an organization, being dependable is crucial. People value those they can count on. Just like businesses work to retain clients, artists and professionals must maintain strong relationships and a solid reputation. Consistency in work ethic and attitude builds trust and opens doors.

3. Business Mindset & Leadership – Knowing what you want and standing by your beliefs is important, but so is being open to learning from others. Great leadership isn’t about giving orders—it’s about being present, guiding, and mentoring when needed. True leaders uplift those around them while continuing to grow themselves.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: stay humble, stay consistent, and always be willing to grow. Surround yourself with people who push you to be better, and never stop learning. Success is not just about talent—it’s about how you show up every day.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

At Studio 305, Home of the Rolle Project, we’re actively seeking collaborative partnerships to expand our impact on youth. We’re looking to connect with organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and other institutions that support youth in need of family guidance and additional resources. We’re also interested in establishing relationships with talent agencies and collaborating with ballet schools, summer intensive programs, and local afterschool programs—especially those focused on mental wellness and integrating performing arts with STEM skills.

Additionally, we welcome local businesses and individuals who can contribute through volunteering or funding to help our kids travel out of state for further dance education. If you’re interested in partnering with us, please reach out via our website or contact information provided through our official channels. Together, we can create meaningful opportunities and support the next generation of performers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rolleproject.org
• Instagram: tyrell2lit
• Facebook: tyrell Rolle
• Linkedin: tyrellrolle
• Twitter: tyrellrockstarr
• Youtube: tyrell Rolle
• Yelp: studio 305,Home of the rolle project

Image Credits

Andre Mays
Tyrell Rolle