We had the good fortune of connecting with Tierra POCA Parham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tierra POCA, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a young girl in School , I would always find myself in a daze going over dance steps . I would constantly look out the bus or car window and invision myself performing on stages. It wasn’t just dance that really sparked my brain and intrigued my soul but it was the one activity that really captured me all the way into my adulthood . So it just made sense to continue my passion into a career

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
what do you do and whats sets you apart ? I am a Dance Choreographer and Founder of Raw Element dance company established since 2009 based out of the Washington D.C area. I specialize in artist development , Creative directing for celebrities Artist and well as up and coming breakthrough Talent . As well as Teaching Dance /Hip hop for DCPS schools and Abundant dance Studio and Artistry in Capital Heights ,Md. what are you most proud of ? Im most proud of the Impact that I have in people lives through dance . I have been blessed to mentor in young entrepreneurship and life skills because of dancers and I bond through dance like Raw Element dance Co. . We created a program that says we are all talented and if when we work together and push each out we can accomplish the goal set infant of us or in our case , the performance on video shoot coming up . .We formed life long bonds and friendships that surpass dance and inspired “its cool to be you ” , Scared money makes no money “, and Swagg3xs ” to motivate and create self -esteem and your inner cool kid and confidence . Majority of every Raw Element member continues to pursue careers in the creative arts. how did you get to where you are today ?was it easy ? I got to where I am today because i really was was focus and driven on one thing and that followed into my adult years . Stay discipline and really into your talent while applying prayer and consistency will bring you the results your looking for , it did with me lol . but it was not easy ? It has been a lot in my 12 years having my business and dancing ,professionally that has help shaped me as a woman and a artist . Some great achievements and some very impactful learning lessons , im fortunate for both . what do you want the world to know about you ? I want the world to know that we inspire each other do great and creativity is truly in the human soul. so lets encourage , motivate and challenge each other to Greatness . Long live the Arts !!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends were in town we would definitely have the whole weekend planned .We would definitely have dinner at Bus Boys and Poets and listen to poetry Friday night .

Saturday go to events like sip and paints or dance showcases around the city .Then head over to the National harbor to Rosa Mexicano for some amazing drinks and my favorite shrimp tacos . Definitey go to Bowlero to bowl or Crystals skating rink in Temple Hills Md. to groove on wheels lol .

Even on Sundays you can go to wharf or Navy yard to enjoy the water and boardwalks . Catch a GoGo from one of our bands LIKE New IMPRESSIONZ , CCB and Backyard . and Definitey Go have a meal and dance good at a at Brooklyn day party spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this to Aaliyah Jewel Cooper, The Raw Element Dance Company and future dancers in my D(M)V area . Inspire to be you and remember each one teaches one . Thats how we will continue to build our unity and creativity in our City .

Website: www.RawElementdance.com

Instagram: _iampoca_

Twitter: _iampoca_

Facebook: Tierra Poca Parham

Youtube: Raw Element

Image Credits
Photographer – Jean Gio Wood ig@BILLIE_Jean email- GIOproductions100@gmail.com

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