Hi! Meet Ms. Latrice, also known as Distinctly Unique.
Distinctly Unique, wears many hats, most of which embody a choreopoet, global storyteller and artrepreneur. Though grateful to be born in Chicago, IL, Ms. Latrice also proudly represents and praises her 219 hometowns, East Chicago and Gary Indiana.
After graduating from Purdue University in 2018–B.A. Creative Writing Poetry with minors in African American Studies, Communication, Dance, Spanish, and Theatre – Ms. Latrice moved to Indianapolis with her husband, using her storytelling gifts and skills to start her company Dunique LLC., est. 2019. In 2022, she decided to take her talents and skills to Bethlehem, PA to enroll in Moravian University/Touchstone Theatre's Performance Creation MFA graduate program. One of her primary artistic and academic goals focuses on the creation and education of choreopoems, D. Unique way, with an emphasis on ritual and healing, to help connect the world and celebrate our differences.
Most recently, Young facilitated multiple Intro To Choreopoetry workshops in the Lehigh Valley (to be continued this summer and fall) and performed an original mini choreopoem titled, “Ain’t I / Ain’t It / Ain’t We”, where she explored all things “woman” during Touchstone Theatre’s 2023 Fresh Voices showcase.
She is currently conducting community-focused, intergenerational thesis workshops for observers and participants of diverse backgrounds (ages 5+ welcome to participate). These workshops are no-experience-necessary and will take place monthly through April 2024 to fulfill her thesis project requirements. Interested parties are highly encouraged to reach out to Ms. Latrice via social media, website, and/or email.
From voice overs (Gold Telly Award Awardee) to ghost/creative writing projects (multiple publications and clients national and international), from lessons (TEFL certified, teaching artist, consultations, workshops, etc.), to on and off the stage work (IMDB, Arts Administration, Audiobooks, live performances, etc.), you can find the light that shines within Ms. Latrice radiating all over the world.
When she's not directing, performing, voice acting, writing, learning, facilitating, or teaching, Ms. Latrice bakes, travels, attends/supports local arts events, volunteers her artistic skills and talents with multiple organizations/theaters, connects with loved ones, and serves as an arts adminstrator and co-executive leader for the Naptown African American Theatre Collective (NAATC)--The first Black Equity (union) Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana. She sends a huge shout out to Black writers, Black Artists, Black parents, Black people/culture in general and especially to God for blessing her with her REMARKABLE Black business, scene, and life partner, Mr. Dominique Shelby.
Photos courtesy of Emily Wiethorn
Hi! Meet Dominique Shelby.
Dominique Shelby is a spoken word artist and actor from Indianapolis, Indiana. He currently resides in Pennsylvania with his amazing wife and business partner, Ms. Latrice Young, also known by her stage name, Distinctly Unique.
With his Business Management Degree from Purdue University, Dominique serves as a co-manager of Dunique LLC and is responsible for making sure the brand and operations are sustainable and able to reach individuals and organizations in the United States and beyond.
Aside from managing Dunique LLC, Dominique appeared in the Maafa Commemoration Project Lehigh Valley in October 2022 and participated in Bethlehem’s Live Advent Calendar in December 2022 and 2023. Starring as TJ, Dominique performed in Civic Theatre’s (Allentown, PA) Sister Act the Musical in March of 2023. He then went on to play Caleb in a premier of a narrative choreopoem called The Perfect Illusion, written by Krystal Danielle. Dominique currently acts as a standardized patient (SP) for Moravian University.
When not performing or co-managing Dunique LLC, Mr. Shelby loves engaging in educational travel where he can learn from locals and immerse himself into the community. With style, grace, soul, and rhythm, Dominique expresses gratitude for his support system and is excited for any incoming opportunities.
Mr. Dominique Shelby can be reached at: domjshelby@gmail.com
Photo courtesy of Jamal Morris