Editor In Chief, Chat & Chew with Jerel Maddox of The Prancing Elites

Taking time out of his busy schedule, I get a chance to get to know Jerel Maddox of The Prancing Elites. More than what meets the eye, it’s time to get to know Jerel the person. Enjoy as he sets the record straight and brings us into his world.

DiamondKesawn: In your words, please introduce yourself to the RA Reader Base.

Jerel: I am Jerel Maddox. I am the pint-sized, sassy diva of the Prancing Elites. I don’t take any crap and I definitely speak my mind. I’m 25 and I’m from Mobile, Al.

DiamondKesawn: When did you first fall in love with dance?

Jerel: I fell in love with dance at the tender age of 3 when my mom used to take me to Mobile Mardi Gras and I would see the Majorettes dancing, wishing that I could be like them one day.

DiamondKesawn: Do you remember your first battle ever? If so, spill the details.

Jerel: My first dance battle was actually against the Prancing Elites in 2012. Before joining, I had my own team, Dancing Stallions, and we joined forces in late 2012.

DiamondKesawn: If dance wasn’t able to be an option for you, was there a Plan B?

Jerel: If I didn’t have dance as an option, I would definitely work on creating my own makeup line. I would finish school and obtain my bachelor’s in Psychology. I would hopefully open up a Psychiatrist office to mentor young children who are struggling with something and need guidance overcoming it.

DiamondKesawn: What is life like being a Prancing Elite and allowing the World into your Real Life?

Jerel: Being a Prancing Elite is amazing, but challenging. Challenging because although we have our growing notoriety, we are still facing discrimination and adversity every day.

DiamondKesawn: What do you feel is the biggest misconception people have of you?

Picture Courtesy of Maxwell Mason/Oxygen

Jerel: One of the biggest misconceptions that people have of me is that they think that I’m transitioning to become a woman. That’s DEFINITELY NOT TRUE. Just because I’ve changed my hairstyle, doesn’t mean that I’m transitioning. I’m just exploring more of my feminine side (Simone). I love being a man. Lol

DiamondKesawn: What is your favorite thing to do outside of dance?

Jerel: My favorite thing to do outside of dance is MAKEUP and Party! I love spending time with my closest friends and family.

DiamondKesawn: Let’s Play Tell All. In this Game, I give you 3 options and you pick the option that best fits you as a person.

Jerel:

1. Rihanna, Beyonce, Ciara
2. Drake, Lil Wayne, T.I
3. Skating, Movies, Club
4. JSett, Vogue, Jazz
5. Cheeseburger, Salad, Ice Cream

DiamondKesawn: For the younger generation who will read this interview and look to you as an inspiration, what are those words of encouragement that you have for them, knowing that the road of individual expression isn’t always the easiest?

Jerel: For anyone reading this, I just want to say…ALWAYS be yourself! Regardless of what people think of you, never be afraid to live your truth. Had we, Prancing Elites, been afraid to live our truth, we wouldn’t be in the position that we are in today. The road to individual expression won’t be easy at all, but once you find that confidence within yourself, you will become less worried about the sayings of others. BE YOU!!!

DiamondKesawn: Lastly, tell everyone where they can find you at on social media.

Jerel: You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat @PEJerel. Also, “Like” my fan page —>> Jerel Maddox

All truth and no lies told in his words. Make sure you tune into The Prancing Elites on Oxygen Tuesday nights 9/8 to stay up to date on what Jerel and the rest of the gang are up to.

Feature Photo by: Michael Wong/Oxygen