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

Hi Diane, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Being able to create; whether it is art, dance, fashion, is a beautiful thing. The process of releasing what your body is producing on the inside is powerful. I thoroughly enjoy being able to put my feelings, thoughts, or mood into dance. It is a healing process for me. When I see others dance, and it’s my choreography, it touches my soul! I see their interpretation of the moves, their creative side. I am so fulfilled when I create.

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.
I’ve been dancing my entire life, training in different styles. I have been teaching Sexy Swagg for the last 3 years. Sexy Swagg is what I like to describe as hip hop/seduction. I love to feel sexy yet I still give a little swagg, allowing personality to come through. I feel like when you think of being sexy it puts you in a box that you have to wear heels and do certain moves, adding the swagg allows my choreography to be more flexible. I overcome challenges everyday and the last few months have been kind of hard with the pandemic. I lost yet another studio home and I haven’t been in the room with my students for soo long. I’m still coming out of this down time and I’m learning to be less hard on myself while still doing the hard work. You will get out of your business what you put in. And it’s just that simple. I want the world to know that Sexy Swagg is here!!! I’m building my brand, you will see my face more. I will continue to speak positivity and uplift my fellow dancers. Thank you to all who have supported!!!!!!

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?
I’m such a home body. I’m always up for some living room dancing and a cooked meal. My home often turns into a club lol, music blasting, drinks and food flowing!! When I do go out I enjoy walking the mountain or hanging out with my son. There is always a dance class to hit up as well! It’s always a good time when you’re in good company. As long as the vibes are right, I’m down for anything.

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?
First off I want to thank everyone at Voyage Atl! You guys are super amazing for putting together such a positive, uplifting magazine! The support from everyone here does not go unnoticed. To my husband, best friend, manager, the one who handles ALL things behind the scenes of Sexy Swagg, you get the biggest shoutout. NONE OF THIS WOULDVE BEEN THIS WAY WITHOUT YOU!!! Chris Ford has been so selfless when it comes down to Sexy Swagg which is my dream. He has supported me every step of the way. Honestly I think he can’t fill up one hand with how many classes he didn’t attend. He’s always right there, from booking/paying for studio rental, setting up the lighting in the studio before class, greeting students, handling payment, controlling the music, recording class videos, cleaning up after class, posting on social media, and staying on top of me are just a few of the things he does. You give me the tough criticism that’s needed to hear, never sugar coated, but with the best intentions. Really and truly I could go on and on about how much he has blessed me in the last 3yrs of my teaching. When I had to switch studios I didn’t pick up the phone once. He found me a new studio home each time. The first time he didn’t come to class I was LOST lol. Chris, I love you more than you know. This shoutout does no justice for the thank you that you deserve😘

Instagram: @sexyswagg_
Youtube: Sexy Swagg

Image Credits
@itsdez_duh