Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristala Poole Dorsey.
Hi Cristala, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a trained dancer of 25+ years. All I’ve set out to do is one, make a statement and presence with my own talents and gifts, and two, use those talents and gifts to reach beyond the stage and create a platform for others to thrive that look like me. Pay it forward. Over time, I’ve created myself to undoubtedly be an unstoppable force in the performing arts and entertainment community in Houston. I admire native Houstonian, Debbie Allen, who took her gift of dance and created a unique pathway for herself diving into television and film by directing and producing, but still continuing to create an impact within the dance world with her studio and charity in Los Angeles. That’s my aim – to go far and beyond on this individual pathway that I’ve created for myself as an “it girl”.
As a Black woman, I wanted to do more and solidify myself as a professional, and I knew that I needed to take the necessary educational steps in order to do so. I eventually went back to school to obtain my M.A. in Live Entertainment Management from the University of Miami. Education in this field is extremely important as it gives you a solid foundation. I’m not saying people without a higher education can’t be bonafide as a professional, but for me, my credentials backs up who I am. In addition to my masters, I have a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Spanish from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), graduate certificate in Non-Profit Leadership and Management from Texas A&M University, and certification in Music Business from Berklee College of Music. At Ole Miss, I was part of the top 5 nationally ranked Rebelettes dance team as the only African-American dance team member from 2001-2004. I realized then the power that I had within me. Standing as the only black dancer on the 50 yard line at such an institution with a rich racial history instilled a sense of strong pride within me. I put that same pride within my work.
Over the years, I used my talents as a platform to mentor other artists and creatives young and old, as well as empower communities in the Houston area as a strong advocate for artists within the entertainment and performing arts industries. I didn’t want to be seen just as a dancer. I was out to prove something. To leave a profound legacy, and boldly be the “go-to girl” of all things entertainment within the City of Houston.
I went on to establish Upward Artistry Talent Agency in 2017, and thus rebranded in 2023 as Upward Artistry Arts and Entertainment Agency to expand my brand into more areas of entertainment. I soon became heavily involved in the entertainment scene in Houston and beyond. Through the agency, I’ve worked with a countless number of talent and industry professionals within film, television, music, theater and dance from L.A. to Atlanta, to NYC with a nurtured relationship from representatives with HBO, Paramount, Columbia Records, Live Nation, Universal, 26th Street Pictures, Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious theater program, and other media, performing arts, music, and production companies large and small toward providing up and coming talent and creatives with platforms, opportunities, and connections. I’ve also shared the privilege of working with music industry executives within the genres of hip-hop, punk, to soul and pop and worked alongside music producers, record companies, venue managers and owners, and recording studios….too many to count! I later found myself getting behind the camera as the Executive Producer, visionary and creator of “And The BEAT Goes On”, a docuseries that brings viewers into the world of the Black dance studio culture as it follows 14 dance studios – some prominent – across 13 cities in the U.S.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is never a smooth road. To give life to struggles is not what I do. I acknowledge my challenges. And honey, I am always up for a challenge. Move outta my way!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Originally established as a talent agency that represented talent of color, I rebranded Upward Artistry as a female-led, full-fledged arts and entertainment agency that served companies, organizations, artists, and creatives in the entertainment and arts industries in Houston and beyond with a specific focus on dance, lifestyle entertainment, live stage performance, music, sports entertainment, tv/film and theater. This opened doors and provided lanes that I did not originally envision, but am now embraced as someone who is highly respected, regarded, and sought after amongst my performing arts and entertainment colleagues. Think of Upward Artistry as a “fixer”. We come in to make the needs of a company or individual better. We’re the enhancers.
What matters most to you?
Having a heart for the thriving of young artist and creatives – the youth. They need professionals like myself working with them. A fascinating person that they can personally talk to and see in real life. The young creatives that I touch are an extension of me. There’s a little bit of me in each and every one of them, and I absolutely adore it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.upwardartistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upwardartistryagency
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/upwardartistry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@atbgodocuseries
- Other: http://www.upwardartistry.com/atbgo
