OUR HISTORY

Yolanda Rountree's journey in dance and ministry is a story of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment. From her early beginnings to her present-day endeavors, Yolanda's life has been marked by a profound love for dance and an unshakable faith.

Yolanda's dance training commenced at 11 when her heart was captivated by the enchanting world of movement and expression. By age 14, she was already gracing the stages of Detroit's "All City Dance Concerts," a prestigious annual showcase celebrating the city's most gifted young dancers. Yolanda's extraordinary talent earned her an invitation to this event for three consecutive years. She was honored with the prestigious 1993 award for Student Choreographer of the Year on this illustrious platform.

During this pivotal period in 1992, Yolanda embarked on a transformative journey with Sondra Jackson, a distinguished choreographer renowned for her work in liturgical dance and the founder of Spirit of the Moment Praise Dance Ministry (SOM). Yolanda reflects on this as when her love and passion for dance took on a spiritual dimension, and her purpose evolved to include dancing for the Lord.

In 1993, Yolanda expanded her dance education by enrolling in classes at the Detroit Windsor Dance Academy and O'Days School of Dance, all while continuing her journey with Spirit of the Moment.

In 1998, faced with a challenging decision, Yolanda temporarily stepped away from dance with SOM to focus wholeheartedly on her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Administration in 2002. However, her passion for dance remained an indelible part of her being, leading her back to the stage.

In April 2003, Yolanda made her grand return to the dance scene, making her stage debut in the play "Perilous Times Part II." The same year, she pursued dance classes at Marygrove College under the guidance of renowned instructors such as JoAnn Cusmano (ballet) and Penny Godboldo (Dunham & Modern). In 2004, Yolanda expanded her artistic repertoire by taking on her first acting roles in stage productions, including "Rhythmic Nations." That same year, she graced the stage once more in the production of "Perilous Times," sharing it with the talented Bishop William Murphy. In 2005, Yolanda took on the role of Nikki, the hairdresser, in Michael Mathews' stage play "Too Good to Let Go," alongside esteemed performers Jackee Harry and Tevin Campbell.

Yolanda's journey also led her to receive licensing as a Minister of Dance from the Eagles International Training Institute in 2011. Her ministry took her to Ecuador on a mission trip with her previous mentor, Dr. Pamela Hardy, where she shared the joy of dance with underprivileged children.

Yolanda's influence extends well beyond Detroit. She has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Suriname, and even aboard a Carnival Cruise Ship, using dance to inspire and uplift at conferences, churches, workshops, intensives, plays, and various other events.

Notably, inspired by divine guidance, Yolanda's vision led to the establishment of the "El Olam Center for Dance and Arts 2 Day Dance Intensive/Conference." This event, held annually, has grown over the years, becoming a foundation that provides resources for those less fortunate, underprivileged, and those with disabilities to access music, dance, theater, and art classes. "El Olam," meaning "God of Everlasting," reflects the enduring impact of this initiative.

Yolanda's commitment to ministry and community service is equally remarkable. She served as the Leader of the Dance Ministry at the House of Prayer & Praise Ministries from 2002 to 2020, where she was licensed as a Minister in 2014. Her ministry extended to Ghana, where she danced and provided essential supplies to the local community.

Today, Yolanda remains an active member of Triumph Church and continues to share her love for dance and ministry with diverse communities across the globe. She also takes on the role of an instructor, offering courses in Nonprofit & Business Planning and Leaders Communication.

In addition to her incredible journey, Yolanda is a devoted daughter, sister, and Godmother and a loving wife to her husband, Lin Rountree, an internationally renowned recording artist. In all her endeavors, Yolanda credits her blessings to her deep faith in God.