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

Hi Rochelle, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursue dance because of how it has been utilized around me throughout my whole life. From being a 80’s kid raised in 90’s Hip Hop, dance was already a love language easily spoken. Moving from Virginia and being raised in Jacksonville, Florida, dance followed me through every single good or bad thing that occurred. Dance has ALWAYS been present. Even when I didn’t want to pay attention to it. From being a Flag girl in high school to being on the B2K millennium tour, dance helped me to be Rochelle to the fullest!  Early 2000’s I joined the dance community where I received majority of my dance experience. Being apart of the community is what changed the game for me! The lifestyle of being a dancer showed me why I wanted to be professional. The Jax dance community is the foundation of all my dance experiences. I carry it with me when I step into other spaces. It’s a personal mission for me to share how community spaces can truly change your life.  I exercise this intention through my community platform, In the Midst. This platform serves in honoring the experiences in exploring community dance spaces held by late mentor, Kavin Grant. As a student of his, I received dance training that opened many doors.  I desire to do the same in providing quality training, performance opportunities, and foundation for all dancers of any level and experience. Both dance and community sustained me. To continue the gesture that was shown to me is a true honor and calling. If it wasn’t for either or, I would not be where I am today. An educator and ambassador of hip hop and culture styles of dance.


Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the Midst platform is a community dance platform that I started in Dec 2016 that highlighted dancers and other art creatives in Jacksonville. In showcasing different talents, I started holding free rehearsals for all who wanted to be apart of the community productions. Now 4 years later, ITM continues to serve the Jax community in providing free dance classes and performance opportunities through out Jacksonville. In this I help showcase other individuals and companies in Jacksonville.

These donation base classes are provided throughout the year for the Jax community to experience. Through studio spaces, parks, and livestream, I enjoy the opportunity to minister to people through dance. Outside of ITM,  Iam a dance educator at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts where I educate and train students in Hip Hop and Fusion Movement, a new class offered for students to learn improv and create new movement by fusing with other dance styles while maintaining their own. (Vogue,waaking, house).

Professionally, all started when I believed I could be professional! The minute I declared myself to be a educator, choreographer, and representative of Hip Hop dance, I pursued opportunities that came my way that helped mold me into a leader, creator and director.

In all of my experiences and accomplishments, what has me proud is that my skill and background with dance got me into certain positions vs degrees. I am an example of how you can be qualified for a position that seems to be “out of your league.” From my first job as a Dance Educator for The Foundation Academy to being a Dance Director for the city of Duarte, California, the opportunities were reflections of the hard work and faith of being what I saw myself to be, a professional dance educator.  As a person that believes in education, I recognize and value how experiences can be the biggest advantage to have. I learned that not only can you receive the opportunities, you too can be the opportunity that everyone seeks!

What sets me apart in pursuing dance I believe it’s my dance ministry and community background. I’m not the typical studio trained dancer, I’m a natural born dancers. I am often known for my heart and passion with movement. I learned when I first had a desire to be a dancer, I witnessed how a person gave financially, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically for other people to experience what we may see only on T.V. I feel that’s what makes my dance space different. I honor the gesture of someone who made room for me to fully and authentically to exist. To unpack life so that I could just be a dancer in the space. To discover and explore dance. I want to pay that forward to another “Rochelle” who could be seeking life the way I was starting out. To do that, I also didn’t pay to attend. It was a space created and given. That’s what I want to highlight. It’s creating a space for people to commute, connect, to unite- community. That’s the mission I feel that separates me from many.

I learned so much and still learning! I learned to not allow the outcomes of life to steer you away from what is here to anchor you, your gift. Dance always taught me the value and worth of life as well in self. I learned that you have to see yourself in the way the world doesn’t and to be content with that! I always tell people to be you because there’s only one version.  I learned that life will occur on a constant flow and on many levels. As a creative, one must be able to discern and trust that you too can become the flow and can create all that you’re called to be!  It’s all about perspective. I had a pretty hard upbringing. Being a foster child and survivor, you already see things not “normal.”  Dance really helped my perspective in life.  I believe that for me, in the midst of life, God brought things and people to help navigate and see life’s blessings. I feel constantly life lessons are always pointing towards, trusting yourself, seeing the vision, believing in yourself, and not worrying about people’s approval. I think in these lessons, one must be able to see ones mistake as well. When I started ITM, I missed an opportunity to attend Ladies of Hip Hop in New York! During this time, I almost missed my moment to travel to California to continue training for my platform. That moment, I was reminded of how dance always played that role in my life. I learned when it comes down to it, how bad do you want it? Life will reveal to you what’s needed so that you can pursue and achieve!

What I want the world to know about ITM and Rochelle Underdue is that the space that is held here is authentic. I move in a way that is set purely from the intention of heart. My goal is to help people recognize their gift and to be a healthy foundation to step on and off. Foundation in dance and life. I want people to know that its not easy when you decide to move in a way that goes against the typical. In breaking down society barriers within dance ministry, hip hop culture, and dance careers, it doesn’t come easy, but it’s needed for the next person.  As a space that advocates for black and brown bodies, that this space speaks and own in on the message of UNITY in COMMUNITY. As a individual. it can be very challenging but if do things with good motives/intentions, pursuing life can be rewarding. Don’t be afraid to be the innovator in your city! Don’t allow FEAR to reign where LOVE can exist! Create and become everything you see yourself capable to be.


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?

If my best friend was coming to Jax!

Monday- settle in getting comfy at either hotel resort or my apartment. First stop would be FOOD! I would either treat her to soul food bistro or silkies in Springfield! If she’s about it , probably really slide to Bawk Bawk chicken (food truck)

Tuesday: Taking her to the beaches either Neptune or Jax beach to lay out and explore the beach front! Letting our crystals charge and ending our time with a nice walk or long boarding! To the end the night we would eat at any taco joint for a taco special and margaritas deals! Most likely La Nopalera (=

Wednesday before covid I would have definitely brought my friend to art walk. A city event from 5- sundown in displaying all of the community arts! You can see all the entrepreneurs and food trucks that surrounds the city! For food we probably do a late night stop at Biggies a new pizza join at 5 points.

Thursday- Would probably be a game night at the apartment. Holding a pool party with drinks and home cooked meals! OR Mellow mushroom for their wine special, $1 dollar wines!

Friday- ALL DAY ST AUGUSTINE definitely taking my friend to the outlets and all the scenes in this wonderful city! Stopping by Hippo for some popsicles, San Sebastian for some wine tasting, and possibly conch house if its something to do ( usually go there on sunday for the reggae)

Saturday- We are hitting up Raindogs! where my girl Dj Enerji spins from 12-4 and another Dj Mass Appeal creates these beyond tasteful mimosas that are BOTTOMLESS for $12! Depending how we feel afterwards, we may either slide back to Biggies or Hawkers for a more asian cuisine taste. We are going to Midnight sun to get some our crystals and tools up! Ending our night with some dancing either at The Spot and if wanting to stay out extra late, maybe the Real ting.

Sunday: It would be a light brunch at First Watch, maybe exploring more of the memorial park in walking off the food, possible end the day with some skate action at Skate Station or keep it cute at the Town Center.

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 mean to start I couldn’t have done this without the man up stairs #teamGod! lol. I literally woke up one day from a dream and heard a voice say”your doing a production.” and moments later in having a conversation heard AND read “In the Midst” in the bible. I always share that story because I want people to know we are ALL divinely capable to carry out what is felt in our soul.

I would LOVE to shout out Che of Love Culture. Not only is she an amazing artist, but she’s a beautiful sister! She played a huge role in helping me to continue to see the importance, worth, and value in my craft as well vision for In the Midst. From beginning till now, she has been a huge voice of reason! Watching her pursue her rap/artist career ALWAYS inspired me to be the dance community figure in Jax. She is the reason why this platform started protesting during #georgefloyd. Her presence in the arts and protest has been a HUGE influence of how myself and platform can be resource for the Jax community not just in dance but in history and culture for the people.

People that helped ITM

Nicole @nicoletadacz of @radxmag- FIRST magazine interview as a creative and community figure in Jacksonville, Fl. She recognized me and the community platform during the tough time of #georgefloyd. During this time, from woman to woman, to be uplifted and amplified was indeed a powerful experience. To be able to share my story of how dance impacted my life, to share about losing my dad, and how In the Midst came about, this magazine made room and reminded me of the purpose that is needed to be continued. Greatly appreciative of this connection!

Nico! @nicosuavalicous We Rise Festival and ColormeKona! This was the FIRST community outreach that In the Midst was able to perform and connect to outside of dance communities. Immediately in 2018, coming back from California, I somehow connected with Nico and was able to perform not once but twice for the amazing Nico. A true humble beginning. You can’t ever forget where you started!

Jihan White aka IamEnerji is a known Dj here in Jacksonville! Outside of her being a DJ, she also does graphic design. For my birthday I received my very FIRST logo! Between Shirley, Che, and Enerji, these 3 ladies had created the new first look for the platform. As a person who really does it on her own, in receiving this, I too am reminded of the intent of community, unity. Forever grateful for these ladies.

I also love to shout out a fellow Queen of Jax Krump, Shirley Murray. Upon returning from California to complete my dance ministry program, Shirley has been a huge support in keep ITM floating in the Jax community. From attending the shows, helping with sign in, and getting footages, Shirley has been support and advocate for ITM and community spaces. As a queen herself, it Is importance to uplift leaders that works behind the scenes and she is definitely one of them!

OVERALL: I thank the dancers who come and say “yes” to self in attending the space that ITM has to offer. Its the people that makes the difference and Im beyond blessed to have ever connected with people through what was started as dream in 2016 to now a movement in 2020.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/inthemidstjax_?utm_medium=copy_link https://instagram.com/see_chelle86?utm_medium=copy_link

Facebook: Rochelle Chong Underdue

Image Credits
Improv.Media. Jendayi Mitchell. Myles Dante. Kat Bynum

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.