As Southern line dancing steadily captures the spotlight on a national scale, there are few individuals who have significantly influenced its expansion quite like Tay Cheesy. This dynamic entertainer recently engaged in a conversation with Urban Magazine, shedding light on the remarkable ascent of this vibrant movement.
You’ve become one of the most recognizable faces in Southern line dance culture. Looking back, how did your experiences growing up prepare you for the success you’re experiencing today?
I wouldn’t say I came from a small town. I was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and I moved around a lot as a child. I’ve lived in Memphis, Nashville, and Baton Rouge, so I’ve always been familiar with city life.
That actually made my transition to Atlanta much easier because I’ve spent my life adapting to different environments. Those experiences taught me how to read a room, connect with people from different backgrounds, and communicate with a wide variety of audiences. That’s been a major part of my success as both a performer and entertainer.
Many people first discovered you during the viral “Boots on the Ground” movement. Did you know it was going to become something bigger than a trend?
Absolutely. I felt that way before the song even dropped. I noticed mainstream artists beginning to pay attention to Southern culture. You saw it with artists like K. Michelle and then with Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. I could tell there was growing interest in our culture before “Boots on the Ground” arrived.
Since I already had a reputation for helping line dances gain traction, I knew this song and dance combination had the potential to reach people worldwide. I believed in it from the beginning.
You recently sparked a conversation about misconceptions surrounding dancers and respectability. Why was it important for you to address that topic?
Whenever I tell people I’m a dancer, many automatically assume something negative. They don’t think about classical dance, jazz dance, or the many professional forms of dance that exist. I also come from a family with people in professions like law and medicine, so entertainment is often viewed differently. I wanted people to understand that dance is an art form and can be a positive career path. Since speaking about it, I’ve had parents reach out to learn more because their children love dance and show real talent. Those conversations matter. Parents need information so they can support their children the right way and understand the opportunities available in the profession.
Fans have called you the “Beyoncé of Southern Soul.” What was your reaction when you first heard that nickname?
Honestly, I was surprised. I love Beyoncé and have tremendous respect for what she’s accomplished, so being compared to someone at that level is an honor. It tells me people are paying attention to the work I’m putting in. At the same time, it motivates me. Once people place those kinds of expectations on you, you want to make sure you’re constantly growing and exceeding what people think you’re capable of.
Southern soul and line dancing have exploded in popularity across the country. Why do you think so many people are connecting with it?
Line dancing has been around for decades, but I think people are rediscovering how good it feels to move together. We live in a time where everyone is focused on their individual lives. When people come together and move in sync, there’s a sense of unity that’s hard to describe. It feels like family. It feels like love.
Everybody wants connection. Once people experience that energy, they want more of it.
As your platform continues to grow, how do you balance touring, content creation, business, and community engagement?
The biggest thing is building a team that shares the same vision, work ethic, and values. I’ve been doing this for about seven years, and over the last year I’ve focused heavily on building the right team around me. The goal isn’t just growth. It’s protecting the foundation of what we’ve built, which is spreading positivity, happiness, and love.
We’ve already expanded internationally with events in Africa and Mexico, and we’re continuing to grow. I want people around the world to experience this culture and this energy.
What’s next for Tay Cheesy?
One of the biggest things I’m doing now is focusing on my own music. I’ve released line dance music and have more on the way. I’m also returning to fitness, which was actually my foundation before line dancing took off. I spent years traveling the country as a fitness instructor.
Now I’m combining everything I’ve learned through fitness, dance, and Southern trail ride culture to create something bigger. It’s no longer just about dancing. It’s about physical health, mental health, and spiritual health.
Do you feel additional pressure now that you’re pursuing music as an artist?
Not really. In some ways, it’s actually a relief. People constantly ask why I don’t push my music more, and I’m still transitioning mentally from being viewed primarily as a dancer and host to being viewed as an artist.
What encourages me is seeing how much support people have shown. They want to see me grow. They want to see me evolve. The biggest challenge isn’t pressure from other people—it’s reminding myself to put myself first sometimes.
What do you hope readers take away from this conversation?
Everything you do should be done with love. If you want something to last and truly succeed, it has to come from a place of love. Your intentions matter. When your intentions are right, everything else tends to fall into place.
Be’n Original
