Nikki & The Dancers Of Toronto

Dear Ravishing Readers,

Nikki Johnson, Creative Director and Founder of The Dancers Of Toronto (T.D.O.T) is thrilled to be presenting the dancers for our Schwarzkopf Professional Main Stage Show and was kind enough to take a break from her busy schedule to speak with us.

When did you first realize that you wanted to dance?

In my house, music was always playing and I was always dancing. When I was 7 I befriended a girl on my street that went to a dance studio. I remember trading my troll dolls for her dance costumes and putting on shows in my backyard.  All I wanted to do was create and perform. My mom brought me to a dance studio when I was 8 years old and I began taking Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Character before auditioning and being accepted into the Cawthra Park Arts program for Dance at the age of 13.

You’ve worked with so many talented people. Is there a specific occasion which sticks out in your mind as a great experience?

Honestly every time I get in a studio or on stage it’s a great experience; especially dealing with injuries I am just grateful anytime I’m able to dance and perform. I really enjoy dancing with Kim Davis.  When I hit the stage with her and the other dancers it is like a group of friends doing what they love and vibing off each other’s talents.

How did you come up with the name T.D.O.T?

Incidentally the name came to fruition in Vancouver B.C in 2010. Right before I left I took a long walk along the sea wall and had one of those serious reflections on my life and future moments.  Dealing with knee injuries forced me to think about my life as a dancer and if performing could be a livelihood for me. I thought of the name Dancers of Toronto for a project and referred to it as DOT. It hit me on that walk that some people refer to Toronto as TDOT so I added a T to the Dot and made the acronym The Dancers of Toronto. As soon as I arrived back home I registered the name and it took a year before I actually used it and started the blog. I guess I was subconsciously waiting for the right moment.

Where did the idea to create a blog come from?

The idea came from one of my best friends in 2011. I never really focused much attention on blogs before she started hers. She was posting different fashion items she enjoyed and I realized a blog was basically posting pictures and content about something you’re passionate about and a light went off. I had the name T.D.O.T. The Dancers of Toronto and really didn’t know what I wanted to do with it. After seeing her blog I thought why not showcase a different Dancer and or Choreographer from or working in Toronto?!?! And that’s how it all started!!

You’re expanding your blog. What kinds of services are you going to be offering?

 Booking Dancers & Choreographers for small to large scale events, promotions and more

 Dance Instruction

 Innovative Workshops

 Fitness, Rehabilitation and Nutrition Programs

I found out in early 2011 that I was eligible for a government program if I could present a viable business idea. I worked for 3 months to prepare an application to submit to the government and the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. I was accepted and with the help of the Toronto Business Development centre and the OSEB program, I was able to put a solid plan together to get me started on building T.D.O.T. into a business…

Since starting the blog it’s been a blessing and extremely gratifying to book experienced dance professionals in my network for paying jobs. Being the artistic director for T.D.O.T. is definitely something I love and will continue to do. Designing sets, costumes, choreographing and collaborating with dancers and choreographers bring me joy.

I will also be creating Dance workshops and training programs across Canada, Australia and other countries with different Choreographers in my network. My good friend Ashanti Suryiam runs a Dance company Realise Energise Dance (R.E.D). In 2009 I helped facilitate 2 of her first workshops with Toronto Choreographers Tre Armstrong and Lenny Dela Pena. Ashanti has continued to bring choreographers from all over the world to Australia and it’s an honor to work with and learn from her. I’m working towards my Functional Anatomy, Pilates and specialized injuries certification to create Health and Fitness programs based around Dance, Pilates and rehabilitation. These programs will target not only Dancers but none Dancers as well. I was honored this past month to be named a Dance Ambassador by the Canadian Dance Assembly for their I Love Dance/J’aime La Danse campaign which was officially launched on April 19th 2012. I’ve recently become a board member for the Dance for Life Foundation which is a non-profit organization that raises funds annually for a “Charity of Choice”. The founder and all the board members are part of the Dance community. Needless to say I’m trying to keep busy !

Where do you hope to see this in the future?

I definitely see myself with a centre offering all of these services and more. It’s all mapped out in my head, on my hard drive and in various notebooks as well as my formal business plan. My Focus is and always will be T.D.O.T.‘s mission: To RECOGNIZE, SHOWCASE AND NURTURE The Dancers and Choreographers of Toronto. I want to give back with the experience I have, continuing to educate and empower myself as well as Dancers and company’s seeking Dancers/Choreographers. I need to thank all the amazing people in my life who believe and encourage me as well as the instructors and mentors at the Toronto Business Development centre for their guidance and training to pursue my dreams.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring dancers or performers?

Yes. Train with different choreographers, expand your network past your comfort zone and always follow your passion; know why you’re doing what you do. I have a quote on my blog “Don’t give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is over until the moment you stop trying“. I’m not sure who said it but I love it! I take it as never give up when you’re passionate about something. Period!! Not being able to perform regularly or take classes could have led me in a different direction, but I knew from past experiences that Dance is where my heart is. Whether or not I am in the forefront or behind the scenes; a life in Dance is where I need to be!

Links:

Website: www.TheDancersOfToronto.com

Blog: www.TheTDOTBlog.com

Facebook: TheDancersofToronto1

Twitter: @NicoleMissNikki and @TheDancersofTO

Linked In: Nicole “Nikki" Johnson

My very 1st post on T.D.O.T.: http://thetdotblog.com/2011/01/24/nikki-johnson/

A HUGE thank you to Nikki for giving us some insight into a dancer’s life! We can’t wait to see the T.D.O.T dancers on the Schwarzkopf Professional Main Stage May 4 -6^th at ANTM Live!

Until Next Time My Glamazons!