Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmanuel Walyaula.
Hi Emmanuel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Emmanuel Walyaula I was born in Uganda. I came to the United States when I was 8 years old. I have branded myself as such:
An energetic individual with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Communications. A Determined marketing professional with a vision. Experienced in leadership, problem-solving, organization building, public speaking, event planning, crowdfunding, mentorship, marketing campaigns, sales & public relations.
An established public figure in the state of Minnesota known for many talents and skills including Dancing, MCing/Hosting, Consulting, Making Music, Acting, and much more.
I owe my story all to one but God himself. Because of him, I get to tell my story by showcasing the brand I created and the people that helped shape what it is today.
There have been many times we as a group, felt as though we have come short or for a lack of better words? “Defeated”. Each of us had our own personal and group struggles. The lesson? The lesson is the ability to come back from every defeat is important because it builds RESILIENCE and in the end, leads to a victory.
So, the real question here is What’s Twin Cities Dance Crew’s Story?
“FOUNDING SAGA”
It was destiny that brought these amazing souls through random occurrences. We all shared a common love for dance. As the founder, I realized over time that talent and consistency were the drives that branded a legacy known as Twin Cities Dance Crew (TCDC). This organization changed our lives. Fast forward to current times, Julien Akwa is now president of TCDC. Julien has been a major recruiter, investor, and coach.
It was the year 2012 when we started out as an organization at Century College called FDC which stands for “FreeStyle Dance Club.” During our last years (2013-2014) at Century, we decided to form a group outside of school. We started to think “big picture.”
From then on we got involved with professional/collaborative projects in the industry locally and throughout the nation. We have traveled to River Falls WI, Costa Rica, Chicago IL, San Diego CA, and Omaha, NE. endeavors we have performed, gone to workshops, and collaborated with famous dancers such as the “Les Twins.”
When 2014 came to an end some of us went our separate ways and continued our education elsewhere. Unfortunately, we all got caught up in life to the point where collectively, we became inactive for nearly 3 years.
However, Emmanuel Walyaula (founder/CEO) kept the vision alive by consistently finding ways to promote, expand, and keep the legacy relevant. During this period (2014 – 2017) Emmanuel did his best to rekindle and keep the communication afloat with the rest of the crew.
Fast forward to May of 2018. Emmanuel finished his degree at the University of Wisconsin River Falls (UWRF) and decided to invest more time into TCDC.
“Advertising Campaign Saga”
2018 was the year Emmanuel launched TCDC’s first-ever “advertising campaign.” In this marketing effort, Twin Cities Dance Crew became recognized officially as a brand. Julien Akwa who is currently the President saw the vision Emmanuel was trying to achieve. Julien quickly acted and recruited a handful of talented and smart individuals. This arose many blessings but also future challenges.
“Elevation Saga”
Around September 2018, was when Julien Akwa’s recruitment efforts brought in a historical figure ever to join TCDC named Lavell Conway who was the most proactive member in the history, changed the dynamic (professionally, skill-wise, etc.) in the organization.
Lavell Conway significantly helped with the explosive momentum gained in 2019. Lavell Conway assumed the position as Chief Operations Officer of the company in 2019 and eventually acted as Chief Executive Officer in Emmanuel’s Absence.
Lavell Conway gave TCDC a new purpose by implementing his ideas and setting the standard of how to operate as a company. Since Lavell Conway’s resignation, he continues to support TCDC as a consultant.
“The Rise the Fall and the Rise again”
The summer of 2019, sparked a new relationship.
I was at a point where I needed to overcome fear, So I decided to go to a dance battle located outside the U.S. Bank Stadium. This was a crucial time in my life because it challenged me to love thy enemy. My opposing side was a talented dancer by the name of Atorr Mcreynolds. Ever since that moment what turned into a battle against each other was the birth of a new relationship and addition to Twin Cities Dance Crew.
Atorr Mcreynolds who is the Executive Lead Choreopgraher transformed the crew’s talents and abilities. It was because of him that TCDC became recognized as a professional dance crew. He has been in charge of running the choreography for some of our best performances including.
The Armory (Snowta), Minneapolis Convention Center (NCAA FINAL FOUR,) Skyway Theatre (TERROR-FEST), Hennepin Theater, First Ave, The Pour House, The Cabooze, Pimento Kitchen & much more. and create a major platform for the art/entertainment industry in the state of Minnesota. We collaborated with & supported organizations, artists, and the BIPOC community as a whole all over the local Twin Cities area. In addition, we are involved in a lot of community outreach activities.
Twin Cities Dance Crew is an organization that represents Minnesota’s true purpose in the entertainment industry. We are working on a full autobiography to include further details of every member that has contributed to the success and how we got to this day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been messy, uncomfortable, and ugly. When we first started out we were just a crew and because of that we faced the challenges of not only presenting ourselves as an organization but the hurdles that came from operating as such.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
PURPOSE: The purpose of this organization is to provide entertainment through dance, music, and many art forms.
Mission Statement: We strive to inspire and encourage the BIPOC community to overcome the issues & obstacles that they face in society.
We have collaborated with many various organizations and artists all over the local Twin Cities area. TCDC has emerged from a dance crew to an organization. As a collective of people from different backgrounds, TCDC has a connection and obligation to its community.
Services we offer include:
PUBLICITY
Utilize our social media platforms to promote your content (has to relate to community out-reach, art & nothing negative, etc)
VARIES
GROUP WORKSHOPS
Entry fee required 10-20 people max – $10 per person
Workshop includes:
a. An open session of learning a variety of concepts
b. Different styles of dance
c. Choreography
d. Culture
All ages are welcome!!
$10/Entree
10 & under
(FREE)
EVENTS
Performance includes choice of:
Choreographed routines
Stunts
Hosting
Lyrical music
and much more
Customers can request overtime ($200/30min) price is subject to change
$1000
(30MIN)
BACK UP DANCING (LIVE)
We choreograph back-up dancing for live performances of any genre.
This service includes:
1. Rehearsal time
2. Using our studio
3. Dancers maximum (2)
Price varies if additional dancers & time are needed.
$500
(1HR)
VIDEO SHOOT/PHOTOSHOOT
If any artist of any genre is looking to collaborate, we offer different elements in music videos from extras, dancing, stunts, acting, and much more to enhance your video.
Available upon request – Original TCDC singers and rappers (pricing dependent on artist’s contribution)
$100/ROLE
PRIVATE LESSONS
(IN HOUSE INCLUDED)
Private lessons at our studio or your residence. For in-house lessons, we are willing to travel 1 hour away from the Twin Cities area. All other locations please inquire within.
Packages available:
Single or Couple
see additional services for 3+ people
Lesson Includes:
1. Client-based structure
a. Music choice
b. Learn a specific genre of dance
c. Watch tutorials and related content (dependent on skill level)
2. Travel to you upon request
3. Video/pictures (edited) to post on our page and for the client to keep
4. Merchandise discount
$100/HR
PRIVATE LESSONS
(IN HOUSE INCLUDED)
Private lessons at our studio or your residence. For in-house lessons, we are willing to travel 1 hour away from the Twin Cities area. All other locations please inquire within.
Packages available:
Single or Couple
see additional services for 3+ people
Lesson Includes:
1. Client-based structure
a. Music choice
b. Learn a specific genre of dance
c. Watch tutorials and related content (dependent on skill level)
2. Travel to you upon request
3. Video / pictures (edited) to post on our page and for client to keep
4. Merchandise discount
$100/HR
WEDDING PACKAGE
Package includes:
DJ with full equipment, lights, sound system, microphone and much more.
Entertainment (dance, hosting, singing etc…)
Professional photography/videography (ceremony & reception included)
Catering Food up to 100 (Choice of)
African, Asian & Jamaican cuisine.
Delivery Fee for catering
.50 cent / mile
$10,000
/DAY
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
“There is victory in defeat.”
There have been many times we as a group, felt as though we have come short or for a lack of better words? “Defeated”. Each of us had our own personal and group struggles.
The MOST important lesson I’ve learned? The ability to come back from every defeat is important because it builds RESILIENCE and in the end, leads to a victory.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://rawartists.com/twincitiesdancecrew?fbclid=IwAR0jDvhKXdBLm8wFd8AAMqRlC8ergHfmSJ4WG_Q-fYH4SYhvP3v4XCGHyv0
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twincitiesdancecrew/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twincitiesdancecrew
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_wqqVTVeJw
- Other: https://twitter.com/TCDC_MN
Image Credits
Laura Holte (TCDC logo)
Howard Walstein (Final Four picture)
Pour House Pictures
Emmanuel Walyaula
