Jarell “The Xpression Specialist” Rochelle

Jarell embodies the sentiment that "I was born to stand out, so I am not going to fit in," as reflected in his life, style, and worldview.

From his earliest years, Jarell exhibited a distinctive demeanor. The son of an esteemed retired army veteran, his upbringing involved frequent relocations, fostering adaptability and a sense of transience. However, in South West Alief, Texas, affectionately known as the S.W.A.T., Jarell found the closest approximation of what he could call home.

In the S.W.A.T., Jarell cultivated an unapologetic embrace of his uniqueness, amplifying his distinct voice. This journey led him to make a pivotal decision that reshaped the trajectory of his life: relinquishing his lifelong devotion to basketball to become a luminary legend in the realm of street dance.

Jarell's commitment to dance served as an outlet for him during challenging family circumstances. With unwavering determination, he transformed the crucible of his past pain into a vocation of great value, marked by personal triumph and revived joy. His ascent within the Houston and street dance communities established him as a respected figure, competing on prestigious international street dance platforms while simultaneously cross-training as a contemporary dance artist. His influence extended to the street dance community, inspiring numerous dancers to incorporate contemporary ballet techniques into their street dance expressions, enriching their individuality. Jarell has pioneered the“sneakerless battle rounds” (dancing in socks) as his trademark showcased at Freestyle Session in the impromptu battle against hip hop battle legend Mr. Wigglez. His style has now been replicated in his hometown of Houston and beyond, reaching into the international dance scene of “shoeless” street dance battlers.

Having achieved the zenith of commercial success, including performances on national television, acting accolades, and appearances in films, Jarell underwent a profound reorientation of purpose, aligning his life with the ethos of his undergraduate alma mater: "A measure of a life is its service." His focus shifted from pursuing fame to a divine mission, with a particular emphasis on the next generation, the youth.

Amidst the misconceptions surrounding his authentic expression, Jarell emerged as an advocate for those who dared to stand out through self-acceptance. His outreach to children through transformative dance classes and motivational speeches at local assemblies underscored the importance of autonomy, ultimately realizing that his messages resonated with both the youth and the broader population, reaching a global audience.

The motto of the University of Texas, "What happens here changes the world," resonates deeply with Jarell's mission. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with an M.F.A. in dance and social justice in 2022, while being the first black male to graduate from the Dance & Theater department at the University of Texas History, he now dedicates himself to inspiring, instructing, and mentoring youth and young adults, encouraging them to embrace their unique identities and build empowering lives founded on their personal expressions.

“The person who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever seen before.” – Albert Einstein.