"And The BEAT Goes On” is a touching and impactful docuseries that takes a look into the lives of Black dance studios, their owners, and directors across our nation. Exhibiting dance and the Black culture in an ascending light, and through on-screen interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and deep storytelling, each episode captures captivating interviews and testimonials through the eyes of dance professionals and their students of color through their stories and experiences as a studio by catapulting them to mass audiences. Created and Executive Produced by Cristala "Krys" Poole Dorsey, Founder and Creative Director for Upward Artistry Arts and Entertainment Agency, professional dancer, artistic director, dance coach and industry mentor, "And The BEAT Goes On" represents the essence of dance studios of color everywhere by bringing their leaps, battements, life lessons, Black girl and Black boy magic to television screens.

Jazzston Williams - PRODUCER, DIRECTOR

With over two decades of experience telling stories through a lens, Jazzston "Jazz Will" Williams is an executive producer and director who has carved a path of creative storytelling for artists, entrepreneurs, and billion-dollar brands. Jazz Will, a Houston native, has anchored his headquarters in Los Angeles where iconic household names such as Debbie Allen, Lebron James, studio powerhouse Shondaland, Jordan, Barbie Mattel, and more have all trusted his creative guidance and services by way of his film and media production company, Jazz Will Shoot It. Jazz has sat in nearly every seat of production from ideation, budgeting/development, cinematography, editing, and marketing – resulting in a unique ability to create and execute any vision from the ground up.

Raji Vela
Co-Producer, Director of Photography

Devon Williamson
Production Assistant

Elisabeth "Bodo" Johnson
Grant Writer

Marin Sandoz
Grant Writer

WhatsApp Image 2025-01-07 at 3.21.47 PM.jpeg

ATBGO is a planned, multi-season docuseries with a Fall 2025 release date, “And The BEAT Goes On” catapults the Black dance studio culture into the limelight as we are pioneers of dance in America, and hold the fabric to the indelible culture of dance. ATBGO combats the current negative depictions of not only dance studios such as shows like “Dance Moms” and “Bring It” where real studio life is a mere display of angry coaches, argumentative parents, and traumatize kids, but Black women within the obscure variants of realty tv thrown into the faces of consumers young and old. This undoubtedly is not a TRUE reflection of dance and Black dancers - rather something that holds no binding to who we are as Black artists and our rich history. "And The BEAT Goes On" will tell the deep, reverent stories of the beauty, experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Black dance studios and companies across our nation. Some of the episodes will feature prominent dance studios and companies, and other episodes - lesser known studios, but with great impacts within their communities.

“And The BEAT Goes On” addresses a multitude of topics throughout each episode. Every episode is centered around a single studio and is unique within itself to not have any redundancy between each episode keeping audiences engaged. Some episodes raise awareness and enlightenment while others instill joy as audiences of all ages and demographics are able to see a reflection of themselves throughout the series. ATBGO is not just for Black audiences, but for ALL to see the greatness and astoundment of the Black dance culture. This is more than mere eight counts....

Being Black in The Competitive Dance Space

Being Black In Dance

The Historical and Modern Day Racial Divide in Dance

Being Black and LGBTQIA+

The Black Church and Dance

The Historical Black Impact on American Dance

Black Fathers in the Dance World

Black Boys/Men in Dance

Dance and Athletic Training in Other Sports

Body Positivity as a Young Black Woman

Social Media and Mental Heath of Young Dancers

Female Empowerment