Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Rockson.
Hi Lydia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am an internationally known choreographer and creative entrepreneur based in Houston, TX. Born in Tema, Ghana, raised in New York and Fort Worth, I am currently a leading force in the Afrobeats dance movement and style in the United States. I have performed and toured with some of Africa’s biggest stars including Mr. Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Dbanj, Tekno, and American artist Erica Banks. I’ve had the opportunity to be on stages such as Coachella, SXSW, A3C Festival, One Africa Music Fest, Rolling Loud, and Smokers Fest to name a few.
My creative mission is to showcase Black Pride in a tasty, cultural way and bridge the gaps amongst people of African descent through dance, style, and vibes. As a dancer, stylist and creative director I am inspired by everyday activities, High Fashion Runway, Hip Hop / Afro Music, Movies, and Culture.
Currently, I have my dance label @afrirock, Fashion label @rockstylesnow as a purveyor of custom-made ready-to-wear, and select vintage and thrifted finds, and serve my community through small business consulting and homeless drives.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a good road so far. I will say some of my challenges are that most people know me as LydRock the dancer, and dancing requires a lot of my attention and time: with teaching classes, tours, and building AfriRock (Afrobeats dance classes). It kept shifting my focus off fashion. I think when I first started teaching Afrobeats or taking just dance on as a career, very few people cared or tapped in, so it was a bit difficult finding consistent jobs and or ones that pay well enough to survive on. As time has passed Afrobeats/ dance has become more mainstream, so more opportunities are opening up but were working on the fair pay, lol
Right now, I am in the growing pains of finding new opportunities that allow me to showcase and highlight my craft in an elevated way; and how to attract and retain customers for my dance company. It has been challenging, yet I am grateful for the support and excited because elevation is coming.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a creative entrepreneur who specializes in dance/choreography, fashion curator, and hosting. I have a dance company (Afrirock) that provides a platform for individual dancers to host/teach classes and event performance opportunities. I am also a dancer/ choreographer under that company. In fashion, I style clients from lifestyle to multiple events as well as produce fashion shows. Lastly, I serve as a talking host for various events.
For a while I was known for Afrobeats dance and style but as I expand and show more of other skills people are starting to see me as an all-around creative. I’m more grateful than anything, but I’m proud of my consistency, curiosity, and confidence to push for the career that mixes lifestyle with work no matter how rare it may seem.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Perseverance, agility, humility, and vast creative mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lydrock.com/
- Instagram: @lydrock
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lydrocks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LydRock/featured
