Dancing through the noise: Memphis area studio counters crime talk with creativity following 901 Day shooting
COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — Recent data from the Memphis Police Department is sparking conversation — and some skepticism — about the state of crime in the city. But while debates play out online, some community leaders working directly with youth say the reality on the ground paints a different picture.
According to the MPD, crime across the city is at a six-year low, with notable drops in homicide, aggravated assault and burglary. New data was released in August and has since ignited both praise and pushback on social media, where some residents question whether the numbers reflect their lived experience.
But for those on the front lines who are mentoring, teaching, and supporting young people, the story goes beyond statistics.
One such voice is Ladia Yates, founder of LYE Academy, a Memphis-based dance organization that’s received national attention, including a recent feature on “The Jennifer Hudson Show”. Yates says her mission is clear: provide a safe and creative outlet for kids to express themselves and stay out of trouble.
“I’m trying to keep these kids out of trouble, plain and simple,” she said. “They love to dance. There’s no child in this studio that doesn’t love to dance. So I do all that I can to continue to provide opportunities for them.”
Beyond the studio, Yates also plays a key role in organizing 901 Day, an annual celebration of Memphis culture. This year’s festivities were briefly overshadowed by a shooting that left a 17-year-old injured. A mother and her son were later charged in connection to the incident, but Yates said it didn’t reflect the day as a whole.
“I was there, and from my perspective, I didn’t see any of it,” she said. “I actually had the time of my life. Project Pat was killing it. Moneybagg Yo popped up.”
Her colleague, dance instructor and local DJ Ryan Haskett, echoed that sentiment.
“It’s a real shame that we’re looking at one small thing that happened and acting like we didn’t have a great day,” he said. “It wasn’t in the entertainment district. It was right outside it, where there was no security. Everything was safe.”
Haskett, who frequently DJs on Beale Street, says he’s noticed a real shift in the atmosphere downtown.
“I’m on Beale Street all the time. Things are not crazy. It’s down,” he said.
For both Yates and Haskett, the narrative that crime in Memphis is spiraling out of control doesn’t match what they’re seeing or hearing from families.
“Jookin and dance, and what we’re doing at LYE, is all about positive things for the community,” Haskett said. “Giving ourselves and the children something artistic and positive to do with our creativity.”
Back in the studio, as music plays and young dancers rehearse, Yates says her goal is to remind every child who walks through her doors that they have a future worth fighting for.
“I’m hoping the dance community comes together and pulls more attention in, because there are some really talented dancers here,” she said.