This is the 2nd part of a continued interview.
Meet the Other Studs:
Ty Rolland
What is the story of you becoming a part of ‘Studs of Steel‘?
Ty: I was looking for a way to make extra tips when I was working at Chipotle back in the day. It was amateur night and they just threw me on stage with some Michael Jackson music.
Summer: We were there recruiting. We watched him perform, he was really good! We got his information. Ty sent us some videos and pictures, but we had enough dancers at the time, but we kept running into him everywhere, at the mall and random places.
Ryan: I thought he had a tracking device on me.
Ty: I be like, “that them?”, I think that’s them, it looks like them. Plus, they needed another black guy, they needed some chocolate.
Summer: We definitely needed some chocolate and variety. So, when we had that available position open, we brought him out.
Summer and Ryan: It’s been one of the best decisions ever because he is an awesome entertainer and he’s an amazing dancer. It’s been 2 1/2 years now. He’s been with us the longest, he very respectable, treats the ladies great. Got great moves and this man can dance.
Nizar Elbitar
I started doing this about a year and a half ago. I met these guys at the gym and started asking some questions. I was interested in doing entertaining because I want to be an actor. I also do choreography, so dancing allowed me to get exposure for myself. Since I’m really involved in the dance and fitness side, I was like why not put those two together. I enjoy doing what I do. It is a passion.
What is a misconception about being a dancer that you would like to end?
Nizar: A lot of people take it the wrong way, they are like, “O, you’re a stripper.” I be like no, it’s not the same. We just don’t take our clothes off, there is more too it. It’s a full-time job, it’s like labor.
Ty: We take on a full day, work, sometimes I am a construction worker or a doctor. We have to change our character.
Do you think being a dancer will hinder your acting career?
Nizar: No, on the contrary. It will get me out there a little bit more.
Ryan: Look at Magic Mike…
Summer: …and Cardi B. I think that is what people look for, is something different.
I think in the long run, it helps you, you know, there are those small-minded people that look down on stuff like that but you have to realize you’re getting stage presentation. If you can get up there and take your clothes off in front of somebody. You can get up there and pretty much do anything, the sky’s the limit. It gives you more confidence.
Ryan: You got to have a lot of stage presence and charisma and he definitely has it.
What does your acting resume include?
Nizar: I have done a few commercials, I have done small projects, some theatre work in high school. But as of right now, I am just trying to build myself up, do my own thing. At the moment I am writing my own movie and working with the group on somethings.
Tanner T-Nasty
Originally from Ohio, I have never been to Pittsburgh. Blush is an amazing club, when I first walked in downstairs it just blew me away.
What is the story behind your stage name?
I start dancing about 7 years ago and that’s when the word nasty/sic came to be a good thing. I have also been known to do a few things like backflips, and it just came with the territory I guess.
Who would you love to share the stage with?
These guys right here are the best there is and if I can get to share the stage with them, I’M good.
Any plans to share the stage with your lady, like Ryan and Summer?
I don’t have no lady. I’m single.
What do you look for in a lady?
A personality of course. Someone that takes care of themselves and lives a healthy lifestyle.Oh, yeah and I do like a booty.
Michael The Cowboy
I just got signed on as a ‘Bang’ ambassador rep, that is a thriving energy drink from South Beach Miami, but I will be representing it in South Carolina, Charleston.
What’s the story behind your on–stage Cowboy routine?
I’m from Charleston, Carolina so I grew up with that southern lifestyle. I love the cowboy look. I love the cowboy act. I love all country music.
In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, they have the 3- day weekend country music line up so I am excited as well.
Being with the group has allowed me to pay off my student loans in full, obtain my degree, go to school during the week and perform on the weekend. I would love to open a nursing home.
