Ciara harrispresident
Ask Ciara why she decided to create the innovative Universal Dance & Talent Agency (UDT) and the multi platinum; Grammy winning singer/ actress/ dancer (as well as UDT's President) answers with characteristic enthusiasm, "Because I'm a dancer at heart, I have a certain connection, passion and appreciation for the craft. So my main inspiration was to give talented performers an opportunity to pursue their dreams, just like I got to pursue mine." Founded by Ciara in 2007, Universal Talent & Dance Agency is based in Atlanta and Los Angeles, representing dancers there as well in as New York City and internationally. The agency's mission statement: Nothing less than to change the way professional dancers, choreographers and models are represented. "The inspiration for the name is that we have dancers of a variety of styles of dance styles including, but not limited to; tap, modern, ballet, and hip-hop, " Ciara explains. "This agency is a one-stop shop. Anything that you're looking for in dance we aim to provide that."
Along with her creative fire and passion for dancing, Ciara is driven by a desire to, as she puts it "Give knowledge to the aspiring talent. Knowledge is power and at UDT, we strive to provide our artist with the knowledge, advice, career and financial guidance that we've gained throughout our collective years of experience."
While UDT might be a relatively new agency, its growing staff of agents has already helped its roster of artist secure some very high profile jobs. Currently UDT dancers are touring with Usher, T Pain and performed with such artist as Neyo, Soulja Boy, and Ciara. In addition dancers have performed at the BET Awards and auditioned for films.
The ability to cross creative categories is one aspect of UDT's success. The other is the agency's (and Ciara's) hands on commitment to helping the dancers gather the skills to make it in the business. As Ciara sees it, "This is about more than dancers. It's also about helping these talented performers establish themselves and find some security. As an artist this has to be more than just an agency. This is about me providing a shot and to help open up opportunities in a variety of fields including film, television, music videos, commercials, modeling, theater, corporate industrials and award shows. Universal Dance& Talent Agency is there to do everything on a performance aspect at the highest level possible."