Former Southampton High, VSU, & the renowned Joffrey Ballet School student began his dance journey at a young age & has since then flourished both domestically & internationally (Brazil, Colombia, &Cozumel) Source: Richmond Ballet. Though dance has brought him into the spotlight, he possesses many other talents like singing, twirling batons, acrobatics as a cheerleader, & playing the trumpet.
While attending Virginia State University, DeShon was a member of the elite group Troy Elegance Baton Twirlers, & now serves as a Baton Twirling coach.
Following his graduation from VSU, Rollins continued his journey by increasing his involvement with the Commonwealth Dance in Dinwiddie, VA.Arts Academy from 2011-2017. (Source: Dancers of RVA). He began giving back to the local communities by hosting dance explosions, baton twirling classes, & pop-up majorette classes through his own brand, "The Niajhi Experience." In addition to CWDAA, he also serves as a teacher at the Deborah School of Dance in North Dinwiddie, VA.
He along with his success was featured on the ladyjrva.com blog under the "My Beautiful Black Friends" page.
On January 14, 2023, The Latin Ballet of Virginia highlighted DeShon's message regarding his experience & contribution to the company since joining. The status caption stated:
...professional dancer, faculty and Junior Company coordinator sent us this wonderful message about the Latin Ballet of Virginia. Deshon has been dancing with the Latin Ballet for the last 8 years. He has touring with us nationally and internationally to Colombia, Mexico and Spain. He has represented many principal roles such as The Raven in La Pasion de Poe, The Deer in Alma Latina, The Gypsy in Hijo de la Luna and many more. DeShon's collaboration as coordinator and choreographer for the junior company dancers and educational programs are always upstanding. We look forward to have DeShon for many years to come! 📷 To learn more about DeShon visit https://www.latinballet.com/deshon-rollins-- The Latin Ballet of Virginia
DeShon joined the Richmond Ballet in 2021 as a Minds In Motion Teaching Artist. Their biographical article of his accomplishments listed highlight his professional features in:
" The Washington Post, VH1’s UNICEF campaign, Netflix’s movie Burning Sands, Western Tidewater Living magazine, Dancers of RVA web series."
This list is the starting point of many other listed success.
Loving The Legend of the Poinsettia "Latin America and Spain through the Latin Ballet of Virginia’s production" performance in which he participated was recognized in an article in the Richmond City Magazine. Editorial intern, Micaela Coelho, informed the community that the performance is a "story based on a Mexican legend about a good-hearted girl who unearths the true spirit of giving."
He continues to tour as a Professional Dancer with The Latin Ballet of Virginia as well as "assists the LBV Artistic Director in rehearsing repertoire and training the LBV’s Junior Company." (Source: LBV)
His areas of teaching include acrobatics, jazz, lyrical, ballet, contemporary, baton twirling, & majorette dancing. With his extensive knowledge, experience, & formal education, each company Rollins has served views him as an asset to the industry & schools. He's described as "a fabulous teacher" & "good all around."
He reports getting his start "dancing in church, I did spiritual mime and praise dancing, which is where I really started to dance." (Source: Dancers of RVA)
Rollins credits his talent & gift to God.
I used what He gave me, and molded me into the dancer I am now. --DeShon Rollins
For more information on how to connect with DeShon visit his social media.
Instagram: Niajhi_dance
Twitter: NiajhiDeShon
LinkedIn: DeShon Rollins
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