Meet James & Tia Brockington
James and Tia Brockington are the co-owners and founders of the Tia Russell Dance Studio. Commonly known as TRDS, they founded the organization together in 2013. Celebrating 10 years in business, James and Tia’s journey has consisted of faith in God, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Both James and Tia are New Haven natives educated by New Haven Public Schools growing up in single-parent households with humble beginnings.
James graduated from Hill Regional Career Magnet High School with a concentration focus on business and Tia graduated from Cooperative Arts and Humanities Magnet School with a concentration focus on dance and performing arts. James’ previous job experiences, education, and management skills prepared him for a career in entrepreneurship, overseeing the operations, marketing, and management needs of the business.
Tia’s focus is on the creative direction, having served youth in the New Haven community for over 25 years as an influential dance instructor and mentor. Tia oversees instructors, lessons plan and curriculum, productions and creatives, and overall artists development, growth, and talent at TRDS.
As a married couple and partners in business, James and Tia are purpose-driven individuals with a passion and dedication for advancing and exposing performing arts to inner city youth in black and brown communities.
Meet the TRDS Staff

Tap, West African & Modern
Ms. Darriah, Instructor
“Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality. Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.”

Ballet & Hip Hop
Ms. Dani, Instructor
18 years of dance instructional experience
“Discipline will take you places where motivation can’t.”

Ballet
Ms. Robyn, Instructor
37 years of dance instructional experience
“We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.”

Acro Dance
Mr. Paris, Instructor
“Don’t let anyone ever tell you the sky is the limit! Because beyond the sky are moons, stars, and God’s miraculous heaven. So, reach for the heavens!”

Preschool Ballet, Jazz & Tap
Ms. Jocelyn, Instructor
“You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.”

Preschool Ballet, Jazz & Tap
Ms. Earron, Instructor
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”- Dr. Seuss

Hip Hop & West African
Ms. Val, Instructor
“Instead of trying to build a brick wall at once, place a brick each day. Eventually, your wall will be complete.”

Acro Dance
Ms. Taliyah, Instructor
“Timing is key. A butterfly stays in its cocoon until it’s ready to blossom and soar. Be patient and steadfast.”

Hip Hop
Miss Alexa, Junior Instructor
“Progress- You don’t grow when you’re comfortable.”

Ballet & Hip Hop
Miss Paris, Junior Instructor
“Fall in love with the process of becoming the very best version of yourself.”

Ballet
Miss Camille, Junior Instructor
“Don’t be afraid o make mistakes. As long as you try, the outcome will be beautiful.”

Operations Assistant
Ms. Tamiko

Operations Assistant
Ms. Karla

Operations Assistant
Ms. Jahnaya
