Meet Tarik Rollerson | Choreographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tarik Rollerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tarik, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
1Up Crew LLC is a hip hop organization based out of Oakland, CA. I started 1Up Crew to be able to create opportunity for dancers in the Bay Area. In the Bay Area, we have limited resources to build a career as a dancer, choreographer, and performer. I also want to make an impact on the community and teach the youth about hip hop culture and foundation street styles and build awareness to dance classes, labs, and sessions. Here in the Bay Area, dance is divided between choreography and freestyle; we, 1Up Crew, would like to bridge the gap between these two worlds, as they complement each other more than being separate entities.

Originally, I wanted to build a career for me to be able to create and produce performances, but overtime, the dance world has introduced me to different ways of producing my creativity through dance, events, media, and fashion. As a kid, I was introduced to dance through programs and competition teams with easy access to learning resources; I would like to be able to provide those same kind of resources to kids and young adults who may not be aware or know where to find dance and hip hop culture. Culture is important because it is a sense of purpose and reasoning for who you are and where you come from.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a choreographer and creative artist from Oakland, CA. I teach hip hop dance part-time at Sunset Academy of Dance in San Francisco, CA. I also teach at In The Groove Studios in Oakland, CA. These two places have been a staple for my teaching career; I’ve taught classes all over the Bay Area to Sacramento, participating in various projects, performances, competitions, and music videos.

I am proud of what I’ve built with 1Up Crew and the impact we have made in the choreography scene. 1Up Crew started in March of 2013 with five individuals: Tarik Rollerson, Hollis Contreras, Xavier Comeaux, Brandon Fabie, and Alton Guevarra. We entered our 2nd competition, Prelude Norcal, in November of 2013, and we were able to come in 2nd place. This competition hosts more than twenty teams and about twenty-five plus people on the teams, so we were at a huge disadvantage in terms of numbers. Fast forward nine years, the same competition, Prelude NorCal, we were able to become the hosts of the show and provide quality entertainment with the sold-out crowd.

Some challenges we have dealt with has usually pertained to money. As artists, we are constantly funding our own projects and ideas. This could be difficult balancing full-time jobs to slowly invest in building a career that we are passionate about. There have been times when building 1Up Crew, members have had to make tough decisions about what they’re willing to sacrifice as far as commitment and investment based on income and current life situations. Sometimes, we have to play it safe to make sure we can live life appropriately.

Now, 1Up Crew is in a better position to where current staff members do not have to sacrifice as much based on the foundation we have built.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
During my downtime, one thing I enjoy is eating good food. Here in the Bay Area, we are multi-cultured and have a wide range of food options; you can get a great fish sandwich from Mama’s T, you could find multiple taco trucks on International Blvd, but my personal favorite is Gordo’s Tacos on High St. in Oakland. If you’re looking for a great late night spot, you can check out Shooting Star Cafe in Chinatown, Oakland. I tend to lean towards great hang out spots with social and physical activities such as, Tipsy Putt, Plank, and Round 1.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to all my past teachers who have given me different knowledge, experiences, and guidance to be able to build the team and company I have now. Sarah Crowell from Destiny Arts Center taught me compassion and community. This is something that has allowed me to build trust between my dancers and staff. Darnell Carroll from Funk Beyond Control has taught me to always push forward with determination and to be resilient. This has been the drive of my creative spirit and allowed me to believe in myself even when times are difficult. Daniel Kang from In The Groove Studios has shown me what structure and unity looks like. The way he leads by example and supports others has inspired me to become a better and supportive leader.

Hollis Contreras, the co-founder of 1Up Crew, has believed in the vision since day one. He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA as a music producer and DJ. He still works with 1Up Crew, DJ-ing all of our events and producing mixes for our company teams.

Original 1Up Crew member Xavier Comeaux, has become a staple within 1Up Crew as one of the directors of the adult company team as well as the freestyle captain of 1Up Crew. His consistency and loyalty to the team has kept us together for over 10 years.

Herman Billingsley II and Michaela Kimbrough are current directors for 1Up Crew. They have helped create a new wave and direction for 1Up Crew through expansion and organization.

Website: https://1upcrew.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tslidah

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trollerson

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@1UpCrew

Other: https://instagram.com/slidahproductions https://instagram.com/1upcrew_ https://instagram.com/1upmedia_ https://instagram.com/1upmerch_

Image Credits
Artful Eye Photos 1Up Media Daniel Sun Media