Meet Chasity Tyus! Head Coach of the Florida State University Golden Girls and Co Dance Team and Founder & CEO of CDT Recruiting and Consulting Agency.
Going after her dreams, mentoring dancers, and shedding light on the importance of moving with integrity.
For this week’s edition of More Than Poms, we are featuring…
Chasity Tyus
Head Coach of the Florida State University Golden Girls and Co Dance Team and Founder of CDT Recruiting and Consulting Agency.
1. Who is Chasity Tyus? What is your background and how did that lead you to where you are today?
I'm Chasity Tyus, current but almost former Head Coach of the Florida State University Golden Girls and Co Dance Team. Prior to FSU, I was the Head Coach of the Incarnate Word Academy, a small Private Catholic school in St. Louis, Mo, during that time I was the Interim Head Coach for the Lindenwood Golden Line Hockey Cheer Team during my MBA Program at Lindenwood. I have been on NDA staff for 9 years as a Head Instructor and currently travel as an adjudicator for many Varsity All-Star regional and national championships. I also spend a lot of time traveling to consult and choreograph for many teams around the country. I grew up in Kansas City, Mo (Go Chiefs), and started dancing at age 5 years old at Wynn Twins School of Dance and later danced at Studio J School of Dance. I was on the Raymore-Peculiar Prowlers dance team for 4 years where I was a co-captain and captain my senior year. Most importantly, I attended Lindenwood University where I was on the Lion Line Dance Team for 4 years. I was co-captain for one year and captain my senior year and won 3 nationals championships in both Jazz and Hip Hop.
2. What has your experience been like as the coach of the Florida State University dance team? Talk to us about what went into applying for the opportunity and the growth you saw within yourself as well as the dancers within the program each year?
It's truly been such an unreal experience. The opportunities alone that have come from it are unlike anything I could have imagined. But, talk about an amazing program to take on at such a young age of 24. I knew it would be work but have no idea the amount of work that goes into a program of this magnitude but it's been more than fulfilling and I'm so appreciative of it. Funny enough, I wanted to Coach FSU in college randomly, just always admired the program. Then, I met the former head coach at NDA Staff meeting the year she took over the program and I was sooo *jealous* because it's such a huge program, fast forward a year, I randomly messaged her on FB to see if she needed a assistant coach, she didn't at the time, but said she'd follow up if ever needed.
Fast forward again two years later, and the rest is history. Totally insane and a testament for going for what you want! I have definitely become more confident in myself and my decision making, I've learned to recover from both good and bad decisions and how it affects people around me! The growth of the program has been so amazing to see. To take a program that was already strong and level it up has been the biggest blessing. The dancers have totally put in the work, adjusted to my sometimes *tough* coaching style and have truly made this one of the most sought out collegiate programs in the country!
3. What did you find yourself looking for in dancers who were vying for a spot on the team? If you could give some advice to dancers wanting to make a dance team in today's day and age, what would you tell them in terms of training, preparation, and mindset?
Dancers with not only strong dance ability but good character. We have built such a strong culture at FSU and it starts with being a good person and human. Actually taking the time to get to know your teammates, finding your bridesmaids, and treating each other with respect. Obviously, the dance part is so important, but I found that the bonding and ability to come together to perform well, started with being good people.
My advice would be to be yourself, be honest with coaches and do your homework. For one, as a Coach, I want to meet who you're going to be in October during the busiest part of the season. I've experienced in the past taking dancers who appeared one way and then did otherwise and it's such a let down. Be yourself and show coaches your true self! Also remember, the dance world is SMALLLLLLL, everyone knows everyone and you truly never know who you'll meet that knows someone else you know. We as coaches call/text each other about dancers in the recruitment process, so just be honest!
Lastly, do your homework, if you're truly interested in the university, know as much about them as possible. What sports they dance at, brand they compete, style, coaches names, view their social media, understand the brand, etc. I know the recruitment process is overwhelming and dancers have a much easier way to apply/audition for multiple teams, but YOU'RE the one that wants a spot, not the opposite, make the team feel like you're truly interested in their program.
4. Tell us about your new venture, CDT Recruiting & Consulting Agency! What was your initial inspiration behind it and how do you hope to see it help dancers in today's dance team world?
CDT Recruiting and Consulting Agency is a two part business. The recruitment portion is used to train, mentor and guide high school dancers through the ever-changing recruitment process. Ensuring they are equipped to pick the best fit university for THEM, not just the best program. Ensuring their academics and future goals align with the university they're choosing. Really having honest conversations asking them about why they truly want to go to the university. It's so easy to get caught up and want to choose the biggest and most popular universities, but there's so much value in smaller schools, non-competitive schools, schools in different divisions etc. The consulting piece is what I've been doing for the past few years but with a name. Working with teams on choreography, cleaning, technique, masterclasses, etc.
We are also a boutique choreo agency, where teams can reach out in need of a choreographer! I'm super excited to impact the dance team world with my business because of the values we stand behind. I'm just so passionate about moving with integrity, collaborating and mentoring younger dancers in the same way I was mentored.
5. What do you feel has been an integral part of your success in the dance world and what is your mindset going forward in your career?
Building relationships and moving with integrity! I cannot tell you enough how much I've benefited from just building relationships with other coaches, creating friendships and having integrity throughout these relationships! Going forward, I plan to use these relationships and leverage them into my next steps. Continuing to be my authentic self, connecting coaches and building rapport with the people around me!
HUGE thank you to Chasity for sharing with the MTP fam! What an amazing journey she has had thus far. I cannot wait to see where this new chapter with CDT takes her; given how many dancers she has already impacted, I know she will impact many more in her career ahead. Chasity’s mindset and perspective when it comes to moving with integrity and the passion behind achieving her dance dreams is inspiring! Please follow along with Chasity as she embarks on her new endeavor @CDTrecruiting and personally at @chastyus