The Alt Black

I can recall the first time that I saw Nia dancing, it was during a showcase at Prince George’s Community College. To say that she was talented is an understatement when Nia begins to dance she gracefully commands the attention of her audience while simultaneously telling an epic story through dances. Little did I know that she would soon be taking her dreams out of Maryland and to California. I am thankful that we live in a time where communication is instantaneous. At 23 years old her resume is one that many people dream of. She has worked with Phil Wright, Tom Grennan, Remy Ma, and Chris Brown.

A STAR IS BORN

Born in Temple Hills, Maryland, Nia was introduced into the world of dance at the age of three by her loving mother. “My mom always had us try new things to see what we loved as children. She put me in a dance class and I loved it.” She began dancing at Linda Natoli a tiny studio located in Temple Hills, where she began to learn the art of tap dancing.“I will never forget my first dance recital, I wore this red tutu with the bowl hat and my shiny tap shoes.” Since her days as a bright-eyed tap dancer, Nia has also mastered various styles of dance such as Ballet, Pointe, African, Modern, Liturgical, Horton, Afro-Beats, Hip-hop, Salsa, Latin Fusion, Heels, and Contemporary.

HEADED WEST

When did you decide to move west?

When I was 21 years old, I was kind of told I had to move. I knew I wanted to move but I was scared and kinda didn’t know where to start with the process. I just knew that I didn’t have money but I wanted to dance and be amazing.

What prompted you to take a chance and move out west to pursue your dancing career?

I knew that I had something to offer to the world. I also just wanted to be a great example to people from my city. I’m not from the hood, but I am not from a great part in Maryland. So many people assume the worse out of many of us. I just wanted to show people that chasing a dream and succeeding is possible.

What was the first gig that you booked and how was it?

My first job was about three months into me living in LA. I was a dancer for Remy Ma’sPretty Brown Ft Chris Brown. It was amazing because I was on set with people who I have looked up to, listen to, and just admired since I was a little kid. Chris Brown singing in person as your on set, seeing Papoose watch Remy Ma do her thing on set, and even watching Fat Joe come in the room just to see hows shes doing. It all seemed like a dream.

How did you get the chance to dance alongside Phil Wright?

* Phil Wright is a well-known choreographer, his youtube channel garners millions of views along with a growing fan base. *

I went to a summer program, called Hollywood Biz. It was a two-week program, where we danced five times a day, and at the end, we perform at Carnival and for potential agencies. One of those dance rehearsals was held a Millenium Studios, the studio where Phil hosts his classes.

Can you describe the feeling in the room?

“The class was packed! But some way or another, I am going to make sure that he sees me.” She recalls there being about eighty people in the room that day. Once they had learned the choreography, it was time to act. “My plan to get noticed was to dance all out until he noticed me.“Once he saw the talent that I had, he began to put me in more videos and even assist a couple of classes.”

Have you ever had a moment that tested your determination?

My first few months of auditioning I constantly had anger in my heart because I felt that everything isn’t fair. In my mind, it was only “ You get booked if you have talent.” Which is true in some cases but in others (the majority) There are many other things that you have to poses in order to truly book the DREAM JOB.

How many projects would you say that you have been a part of since you moved out west?

Honestly, it’s 10+ now, I honestly don’t know at this point hahaha.

Did you have any setbacks moving out west?

I had a huge reality check rather than set back. I was able to see how the industry worked for first hand and also see how people act in the industry.

What would you say are your crowning moments moving out west?

The crowning moment for me is when I realized that I am me. The second I realized how the industry worked and realized the true artist that I am, I was able to really take on the industry head-on.

For the new year, what do you have in store for your supporters?

I can’t tell too much, just be on the lookout for more concept videos(dancing and singing). Expect to see me evolve more as an artist for sure.

One piece of advice that you would say to anyone pursuing their dreams?

God gave you a purpose, now it’s your turn to express it.